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FORGING THE
JRTC & FORT POLK GUARDIANTHE
Home of Heroes @ Fort Polk, LA May 1, 2020Vol. 47, No. 18
Weekend weather
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Inside the Guardian
WARRIOR SPIRIT
PT initiative .............. 3
SFAB activated ........... 5
Justice beat .............. 7
Army modernizes ...... 8
2020 grads ............... 10
Hurricane prep ........ 11
From left: Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher M. Ausbun, garrisoncommand sergeant major; Chevina Phillips, education servicesofficer; Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, Joint Readiness Training Cen-ter and Fort Polk commanding general; Larry Piwko, Directorateof Human Resources; and Col. Ryan K. Roseberry, Fort Polk gar-
rison commander, place a “Forging the Warrior Spirit” anvil infront of the Fort Polk Education Center on Colorado AvenueApril 28. It’s appropriate an anvil is placed at the entrance to theeducation center as education is a major tenant of Forging theWarrior Spirit, says Roseberry.
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VViieewwppooiinnttIn our view
Guardian staff asked local graduating seniors, “What have you been doing during the stay-at-home order and what are your plans for the future?”
Here are their responses:
Keremi Stander, LeesvilleHigh School: “I've been pursu-ing personal interests such asdrawing, dancing and playingvideo and family games likeMonopoly, phase 10, dominoes,kickball, volleyball and football.I’ve also been working with mydad around the house. I plan toenjoy the rest of the summerwith my family before attendingthe University of Louisiana-Lafayette, in the fall, to start mytrek toward a degree in kinesiol-ogy."
Please see Seniors, page 6
Jayln Kern, Rosepine HighSchool: "I've been workingbut also keeping my distancefrom people. I miss havingsomething to do every day,seeing my favorite teachers;but I have still managed tokeep in touch with my friends.After graduation, I plan to at-tend college to become a la-bor and delivery nurse."
Chandler Bevins, AbekaChrist ian Academy: "I'mhomeschooled, so COVID-19didn't affect me as badly assome seniors. I've done a lotof fishing; and after gradua-tion, I plan to become anelectrician."
Ashlynn Moretti, LeesvilleHigh School: "During thestay-at-home order I startedpainting again, which I haven'tdone in a long time. I've alsobeen keeping up with myfriends through social mediaand FaceTime. After gradua-tion, I'm hoping the lockdownwill be lifted, so I can visitsome of my friends before Istart college. I will be attend-ing Pitt University in Pitts-burgh, Pennsylvania, to majorin biology — biomedical orecology."
Angel Mart in, P ick eringHigh School: "I feel like Iwasn't given the chance to re-ally experience being a senior.I understand the virus andhow serious it is, but I feelrobbed of my last year beforeI endure the real world. Aftergraduation, I plan to get my li-cense and become a correc-tional officer; or I may pursuecosmetology school."
Troyvon Jack son, LeesvilleHigh School: "I don't missschool specifically. I cherish thememories of the friendly aurasof most of the teachers, staffand a good handful of the stu-dents. As far as celebrations go,my family is still happily cele-brating my graduation. I'm re-ceiving items from generousfamily members and teachersI've known during my schoolyear. I'm happy to know theycare and will always appreciatetheir kind-hearted efforts andkindred minds and souls."
The Guardian, is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.Army. Contents of the Guardian arenot necessarily official views of, orendorsed by, the U.S. Government,Department of Defense, Departmentof the Army or Fort Polk.
The Guardian is published weeklyby the Public Affairs Office, JointReadiness Training Center and FortPolk.
The Guardian can be found on theJRTC and Fort Polk web site athome.army.mil.polk and the JRTCand Fort Polk Facebook page at@JRTCandFortPolk/. Guardianarchives can also be found on theJRTC and Fort Polk website.
Links to the Guardian are alsoincluded in all-users emails to govern-ment email users and by request tonon-military units. To be included onall-users messages [email protected].
All editorial content of theGuardian is prepared, edited, provid-ed and approved by the Public AffairsOffice, Joint Readiness TrainingCenter and Fort Polk.
For more information on Fort Polkunits and happenings visit the follow-ing Facebook pages: @JRTCOperationsGrp,@BayneJonesACH or @fort-polkmwr.
GuardianEditorial Staff
Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank
Joint Readiness Training Centerand Fort Polk commanding general
Col. Ryan K. Roseberry
Garrison commander
Kim ReischlingPublic affairs officer
Chuck CannonCommand information officer
Christy GrahamEditor
Angie Thorne
T.C. Bradford
Keith Houin
Staff writers
Editorial Offices
Building 4919, Magnolia Street
Fort Polk, LA 71459-5060
Voice (337) 531-4033
Fax (337) 531-1401
Email: [email protected]
Fort Polk Homepage
home.army.mil/polk/
NNeewwSSccooppee
/3GuardianMay 1, 2020
COVID-19 town hallThe Fort Polk team is invited to attend
the COVID-19 live-streamed Face booktown hall today at noon.
The town hall, the 10th in a series of in-formative briefings about COVID-19, canbe viewed live on the Joint ReadinessTraining Center and Fort Polk Face bookpage at https://www.facebook.com/JRT-CandFortPolk.
The town hall is hosted by Brig. Gen.Patrick D. Frank, commander of the JRTCand Fort Polk, and also features Col. RyanRoseberry, garrison commander, and Col.Jody Dugai, commander of Bayne-JonesArmy Community Hospital.
SSA inventoryThe Supply Support Activity, (AY3), lo-
cated in bldg 4374, will be closed to con-duct annual inventory from May 11-15.Customers are asked to plan accordingly.The SSA reopens for normal business May18.
For more information call Bonnie Ed-wards at 531-0950 or Darrian Gailes at 531-2243.
Passport applicationsThe Fort Polk passport office has re-
sumed passport application processing ona limited basis. Applications are subject tothe following restrictions:
• Applications accepted by appointmentonly on Wednesdays. No walk-ins.
• Applicants must have valid, hard copyorders with report date inMay, June or July listing adestination requiring apassport.
• Applicants Must haveaccurate and completepassport application andoriginal required docu-ments such as birth certifi-cate. Applicants with incomplete applica-tions or paperwork will be asked toreschedule their appointment.
• Passport processing cannot be expedit-ed at this time. Applications will beprocessed on a routine basis.
One individual applicant or family willbe admitted into the office at a time forpassport processing.
Applicants are asked to wear face masksto include children who are old enough tosafely wear a mask. Service members willneed to bring or wear a civilian shirt. If youare sick please reschedule your appoint-ment.
Call 531-1602/1307/2857 for appoint-ments, questions or concerns and addition-al instructions.
Briefs
“PT might not be the most important thing you dothat day, but it is the most important thing you doevery day,” Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army DanielDailey.
FORT POLK, La. — Dailey’s words find amore important meaning during the COVID-19climate. Without the ability to conduct squad-level physical training , leaders across the Armyare working through ways to keep their forcesphysically fit, despite athletic facility closures.
Capt. William Vuylsteke, an assistant opera-tions officer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th In-fantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10thMountain Division, attributes the issue to moti-vation.
“PT is not hard,” said Vuylsteke. “In fact, it’seasy.
“A good PT plan is just one YouTube or Insta-gram search away. You just have to get off thecouch and do it.”
With social-distancing restrictions, the Armyfaces new challenges in keeping Soldiers physi-cally engaged. Soldiers are constantly battlingurges to sleep through mornings and play Xboxfor hours.
Many Soldiers do have the individual disci-pline to work out on their own; but, when itcomes to combat, each team is only as strong asits weakest link.
Vuylsteke’s unit — 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Reg — hasattacked this problem with two new initiatives.
The Unbreakable Warrior Program is the firstinitiative, led by Capt. David Forrester, the offi-cer in charge of 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Reg.
The program provides information to Soldiersthat will improve their fitness techniques andlevels and posts videos to the battalion Facebookpage featuring Forrester’s lessons on fitness top-ics such as proper lifting techniques, recovery,stretches and nutritional guidelines.
“The Unbreakable Warrior Program is makingstrides,” said Forrester. “However, the challengeis continuing to help Warriors recover whilemaintaining social-distancing in these unprece-dented times.”
In addition to improving overall fitnessthrough the UBW program, the Warrior battalionleadership challenges Soldiers to compete in theWarrior Workout of the Week competition, whichconstitutes the second initiative.
On Mondays, a new challenge testing thestrength or endurance of a different set of mus-cles is posted to the battalion’s Facebook page. Atthe end of the week, two awards are given: Oneis for the fastest time or most weight moved, andthe other is for the Soldier who shows true re-silience.
Spc. Cole Lang, an infantryman assigned to2nd Bn 4th Inf Reg, won the first competition bycompleting 50 burpee pull-ups in 4 minutes and31 seconds, while wearing a plate carrier. Pfc.Carmelo Rodriguez and Pvt. Daniel Lozano, 2ndBn 4th Inf Reg, came in second behind Lang.
“I’m excited for more,” Rodriguez said. “I likethe challenge because it is tough.”
These Soldiers share a renewed excitement tocompete and win. Their zeal as infantrymenfeeds a desire to push their physical limits.
For more information on the UnbreakableWarrior Program and the Warrior Workout of theWeek, visit the 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Reg on Facebookat https://www.facebook.com/2ndBN4thIN/.
COVID-19 challenges increase PT competitionBy 1st Lt. SCOTT KERCHBERGER2nd Bn, 4th Inf Reg, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div
Cpt. David Forrester, the of-ficer in charge of the 2nd Battal-ion, 4th Infantry Regiment's Un-breakable Warrior program,works a Yoga pose prior to a
workout.
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DoD plans for resumption of normal operations after pandemic
WASHINGTON — Defense Department plan-ners are working on how to resume normal mili-tary operations following the coronavirus pan-demic, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoff-man said.
Because defense is a full-time necessity, themilitary cannot shut down, Hoffman said at aPentagon news conference held April 24. Still, of-ficials curtailed exercises, limited training,stopped military moves and took other measuresto flatten the curve of coronavirus infections.
“We’ll be evaluating many differentareas,” Hoffman said. “One is training — howare we protecting our trainees and keeping thepipeline full? We’re continuing to look at that,continuing to adopt and adapt so that we canpursue full training classes in the future.”
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper is alsoclosely following the stop-movement order. Theorder goes until June 30. “But once it is lifted— and the secretary is reevaluating that every 15days — how are we going to deal with the back-log of individuals that need to move throughoutthe world?” Hoffman said.
This is a complex issue, and the planners at theU.S. Transportation Command have the lead forthe department.
The DoD has done a good job of protectingstrategic forces, but officials are still going to lookat the process to see if there are better ways to dothis in the future, Hoffman said.
Even if there is a return to normal, the viruswill still be around. DoD planners are looking atthe testing program; and officials are putting thefinal touches on the system it will employ andgetting the supplies that will be needed. DoD sci-entists and doctors are also heavily involved indeveloping a vaccine and the treatment protocols
for COVID-19, Hoffman said. “We’re going to bedoing that for months and months going for-ward,” he added.
Finally, the department is looking at the indus-trial base with an eye to replenishing the DoDstockpile, in the event of future crises, and pro-ducing more equipment for the coronavirusfight, he said.
Hoffman said the Navy hospital ship USNSComfort left New York City April 30. It will re-turn to its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, to re-stock and get ready for another mission, if need-ed. “We’ll be looking to (the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency) to identify where that next
location is; they are the federal government’slead on this, and so they’re the ones who will betasking us,” he said.
Hoffman cited “modest progress” in mitigat-ing the virus in the nation’s hardest-hit city, call-ing that “a welcome sign.” The rate of infectionsin New York is declining, he noted, adding thatthere are still many places where this is not thecase, and that the department stands ready to as-sist.
“As of today, we have more than 60,000 per-sonnel deployed nationwide, including 4,400medical professionals on the front lines,” Hoff-man said.
By JIM GARAMONEArmy News Service
Jonathan Rath Hoffman, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, holds anews conference on COVID-19 efforts at the Pentagon, April 24.
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USO offers virtual visits, gaming during COVID quarantine
WASHINGTON — Entertainment in the age ofthe new coronavirus has turned virtual, and thathas the USO adapting as well.
The USO traditionally holds live shows andtours across the world featuring celebrities whoentertain U.S. service members. The shows havebeen a staple of military service for nearly 80years. Due to social-distancing guidelines, thoselive shows and meet-and-greets were put on holdin late March.
“The USO has always been by the side of ourmilitary and their families, and COVID-19 doesnot change this,” said USO Chief Operating Offi-cer Alan Reyes. “Our mission of connection ismore critical than ever before … to boost moraleduring the pandemic.”
Nearly 62,000 Defense Department personnel,including active-duty medical staff, NationalGuardsmen and the Army Corps of Engineers,have been called to support COVID relief effortsacross the country. The USO wanted to continue
its programming to support them, so it did somerearranging.
With help from industry leaders, the USO hasquickly shifted to virtual programming and en-gagements for troops and military families. Toexpress gratitude for the efforts of the militarycommunity, celebrities are doing virtual-base vis-its and making one-on-one calls to service mem-bers.
Prescreening events, online workshops, classesand question-and-answer sessions will be avail-able through June.
A USO channel, set to launch this summer onthe gaming system Twitch, will let NBA and NFLplayers stream live and play video games withservice members.
Upcoming engagements include virtual eventswith novel writer Gillian Flynn, comedians SarahSilverman and Craig Robinson and singers Ciara,Trace Adkins and Ne-Yo.
So far, the virtual entertainment has included:• Actor David Boreanaz, of the CBS show
“SEAL Team,” took part in video calls with serv-ice members at USO, Al Asad, Iraq.
• Grammy award-winning musicians TheChainsmokers held a live stream question andanswer session with service members in South-west Asia.
• Comedian Iliza Shlesinger spoke with serv-ice members across USO West and Hawaii abouther new Netflix series, “The Iliza ShlesingerSketch Show.”
• Culinary icon Martha Stewart hosted a cook-ie decorating session from her own kitchen formilitary Families on Facebook Live, supportingthe Month of the Military Child.
• Actor Miles Teller and director Joseph Kosin-ski, who worked together on the “Top Gun: Mav-erick” sequel, set to come out in December, tookpart in a live stream question and answer sessionwith service members in Bahrain.
• Recent USO tour veterans are also recordingvideo messages of gratitude that will be sharedwith the military communities with whom theyinteracted.
For more information on the USO’s virtualprogramming, check out the organization’s Face-book, Twitter and Instagram or visit uso.org.
By KATIE LANGEDefense.gov
GuardianMay 1, 2020 /5
FORT CARSON, Colo. —In a rare, virtual cere-mony, the Army’s latest security-force assistancebrigade to stand up officially activated April 28as it prepares to deploy to Afghanistan this fall.
The 4th SFAB, based at Fort Carson and slatedto conduct the next rotation at the Joint Readi-ness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana, isthe fifth of six similar units to stand up since thefirst one activated in 2018, as part of a re-focusedtrain, assist and advise strategy, envisioning thespecialized units in hotspots around the world.
The SFABs serve as permanent organizationsthat provide a more concerted effort than previ-ous ad hoc formations, such as military transitionteams or security-force assistance advisoryteams.
To create the previous units, the Army pulledfrom conventional brigade combat teams; which,at the time, reduced effectiveness.
“Though necessary at the time, all of this had along-term, negative impact on total force readi-ness,” said Gen. Michael Garrett, commander ofU.S. Army Forces Command. “We treated securi-ty-force assistance as a peripheral task when, infact, it is central to the National Defense Strategyand our Army’s mission.”
Since 2018, SFABs have deployed to assist for-eign partners in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa.Members of an SFAB train, deploy and redeploytogether. Resetting back at home, the teams de-ployed together, again.
Security-force assistance is not a new concept,the general said. The heritage can be traced backto the Military Assistance Command-Vietnam,created in the 1960s.
The general said there is an increasing needfor combat advisors, which free up brigade com-bat teams to better prepare for large-scale groundcombat with near-peer adversaries.
“They are Soldiers who can build teams, solvecomplex problems and succeed in uncertain en-vironments,” he said.
The newest combat advisors have alreadylearned specialized skills from the Military Advi-sor Training Academy; advanced medical train-ing; survival, evasion, resistance, and escapetraining; and foreign weapons training.
It will be “the first one out of the shoot as wework to figure out how we maintain readiness,as we adjust to the new normal,” Garrett said.
Brig. Gen. Mark Landes, commander of the Se-curity Force Assistance Command at Fort Bragg,North Carolina, dialed in via videoconference forthe ceremony, which had Garrett and a few oth-ers spaced 6 feet apart with the unit’s guidon in-side a large conference room.
Landes called the ceremony “historic andatypical,” but noted, while the ongoing threatfrom the virus has changed how the Army oper-ates, it has not changed its essence.
“COVID-19 has allowed us another opportuni-ty to showcase our character, our capability andour adaptability,” he said.
The ceremony signified 4th SFAB’s transfor-mation into a trained and deployable formation,he said, adding, he was impressed with itsgrowth since January 2019.
“Every person in the unity and victory forma-tion was selected and relocated to the unit,” Lan-des said, referring to the unit’s motto. “Every
pencil and piece of paper had to be obtained us-ing systems and processes that also had to be de-veloped and incorporated.”
The 5th SFAB, out of Joint Base Lewis-Mc-Chord, Washington, will be the last SFAB tostand up later this summer. The 54th SFAB, a col-lection of National Guard Soldiers from severalstates, activated in March.
With about 800 Soldiers, the 4th SFAB isscheduled to replace the 3rd SFAB and continuethe mission in Afghanistan.
“These SFABs are advising, assisting and de-
veloping professional organized militaries thatcan fight for themselves,” Landes said.
Its commander, Col. James Dooghan, said hewas confident each advisor is fully trained andequipped with the best tools to tackle the chal-lenge.
“We selected the right people, in the right po-sitions, to be ready and effective in assessing, ad-vising, mentoring and assisting our internationalpartners,” he said. “We’re proud to officially an-nounce our activation, and we look forward tothis mission.”
Latest SFAB activates, prepares for Afghanistan missionBy SEAN KIMMONSArmy News Service
Soldiers with the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigadeconduct routine training Jan. 9. The 4th SFAB, based at FortCarson, Colo., is the fifth of six similar units to activate afterthe Army stood up the first one in early 2018, as part of a re-focused train, assist and advise strategy that envisioned thespecialized units in hotspots around the world.
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Soldiers with the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigadeconduct medical training Feb. 27.
6/GuardianMay 1, 2020
Tyler Chapman, Leesville HighSchool: "During this time at home, Iam getting ready for my five AP (ad-vanced placement) exams. Collegeboard has made tons of study ses-sions with teachers all over the coun-try. Since the exam has changed forthis year, I am spending as much timeas I can getting ready for the onlinetests. I am also working on collegestuff, sending out last minute scholar-ship information and doing Zoomworkshops with Florida State Univer-sity. I will head to FSU and start at theSchool of Engineering this fall. I al-ready have a roommate and we arewaiting to hear which dorm we got. Iam extremely excited for the next
Lionel Williams, Leesville HighSchool: "I've been very bored but Iwas able to get closer to family. I'vebeen able go out and help my mom bygetting groceries and essentials for thehouse. I miss school because I made alot of close friends, and I was an ath-lete, so I miss playing sports. I plan tojoin the Army after graduation."
Sam Brocato, Leesville High School: "Ido miss school because becoming a senioris a rite of passage — roaming the halls,'mentoring' freshmen, and dodging respon-sibility. I miss teachers like Mr. Rindahl, Ms.Peters, Ms. Godwin and even Coach Cham-bers. Not seeing friends is hard because Ihave a truly outstanding circle of friends.Talking on the phone or texting isn't thesame as seeing them in person. I am a stu-dent worker at Parkway Elementary Schoo,and I absolutely miss my first- throughfourth-grade friends. I have accepted an in-vitation to play soccer for the PeninsulaCollege Pirates in Washington. I will bemoving in July for pre-season training. I amexcited and humbled to join other amazingplayers from across the U.S. and overseason the pitch."
Sylvia Cini, Rosepine High School: "Imiss school, my teachers and my friendsbecause I have known them for so manyyears. Not being able to say goodbye be-fore I go to college is emotional. We havehad so many great memories together, andit is sad for it to end this way. After gradua-tion, I am going to Louisiana State Universi-ty-Shreveport and will major in pre-med."
Keegan Morgan, Leesville High School:"I personally haven't been too bothered bythe stay-at-home order, I've been playingvideo games, talking and texting withfriends to keep in touch and reading andstudying for my AP exams to pass the time.I will be attending Midwestern State Uni-versity in Wichita Falls, Texas, in the fall. I’llbe majoring in mechanical engineering andparticipating in the Mustang Marching
Tyler Wood, Leesville High School:"I'm sad because the year has ended. Ilike school, and I looked forward towalking with my graduating class. Ihave been working every day at a gasstation, so I am an essential worker. Iplan to attend Louisiana Technical Col-lege this fall."
SeniorsContinued from page 2
Congratulations!
Editor’s note: For more on these seniors seestory on page 9.
FORT POLK, La. — At the JointReadiness Training Center and FortPolk, the commanding General andsubordinate commanders take goodorder and discipline seriously.
The preamble to the Manual forCourts-Martial states the purpose ofmilitary law is to promote justice, toassist in maintaining good orderand discipline in the armed forces,to promote efficiency and effective-ness in the military establishmentand thereby strengthen the nationalsecurity of the United States.
Across Fort Polk, certain discipli-nary issues continue to be preva-lent: Breaking quarantine or isola-tion orders, violating General OrderNo. 1, driving under the influenceof alcohol, wrongful use or posses-
sion of controlled substances, frater-nization and sexual assault.
Below are recent examples of ad-verse legal actions for units withinthe Fort Polk jurisdiction.
A specialist, assigned to 5th Bat-talion, 25th Field Artillery Regi-ment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,10th Mountain Division, was pun-ished under Article 15 for disobey-ing two lawful orders (breakingquarantine, traveling outside the 50-mile radius), in violation of Articles90 and 91, Uniform Code of MilitaryJustice (UCMJ).
The servicemember was sen-tenced to a reduction to E-3, forfei-ture of $1,085, extra duty for 45days, restriction for 45 days and awritten reprimand.
A specialist, assigned to 710thBrigade Support Battalion, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Moun-tain Division, was punished underArticle 15 for wrongful use of a con-trolled substance, in violation of Ar-ticle 112a.
The servicemember wassentenced to a reduc-tion to E-1, forfei-ture of $866, extraduty for 45 daysand restriction for45 days.
A specialist,assigned to 3rdSquadron, 89thCavalry Regi-ment, 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 10th Mountain Di-vision, was administra-tively separated underChapter 14-12b (Patterns ofMisconduct), with a General (UnderHonorable Conditions) characteri-zation of service for a pattern ofmisconduct.
Generally, this characterization ofservice results in the loss of a ser-vicemember’s educational benefits.
A private first class, assigned to710th Brigade Support Battalion,3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10thMountain Division, was found notguilty at a General Officer Article 15reading.
A private (E-1), assigned to 2ndBattalion, 30th Infantry Regiment,3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10thMountain Division, was administra-tively separated under Chapter 14-
12c (Commission of a Seri-ous Offense), with an
Other Than Honor-able (OTH) charac-terization of service
for assaulting,strangling andcommunicating a
threat to hisspouse, as well
as possessing anunregistered firearm in his
home. Generally, an OTHcharacterization of serv-ice results in the loss of
several of the servicemember’sVA benefits.
A private (E-1), assigned to 519thMilitary Police Battalion, UnitedStates Army Garrison, was pun-ished under Article 15 for disobey-ing a lawful order (breaking quar-antine), in violation of Article 90,Uniform Code of Military Justice(UCMJ).
The servicemember was sen-tenced to a forfeiture of $866, extraduty for 14 days, restriction for 14days and a written reprimand.
GuardianMay 1, 2020 /7
Soldiers receive punishment, separated for UCMJ violationsOSJA
WASHINGTON — The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as themost significant public health emer-gency in this century.
As individuals around the globerace for treatment options and takepreventive measures againstCOVID-19, those living in theSouthern Hemisphere are alsopreparing for another virus — sea-sonal influenza.
The flu typically takes hold fromApril through September in theSouthern Hemisphere and impactsservice members and their benefici-aries on military orders in placessouth of the equator, such as NewZealand, Australia, southern partsof Africa and South America as wellas Indonesia.
Before 2020, a Federal Drug Ad-ministration-approved SouthernHemisphere influenza vaccine wasnot available for military personnelor beneficiaries. Service membersreceived the Northern Hemisphereflu vaccine during the NorthernHemisphere season, which runs Oc-tober to March.
Once the FDA approved a South-ern Hemisphere influenza vaccine,the combatant commands quicklyengaged with the Office of AssistantSecretary of Defense for Health Af-fairs’ Health Readiness Policy and
Oversight and Defense HealthAgency to get access for their per-sonnel.
“The vaccination will be madeavailable at designated medicaltreatment facilities in May,” accord-ing to Tara Reavey, chief of policyand program management forDHA's Immunization HealthcareDivision.
“Symptoms of the NorthernHemisphere and Southern Hemi-sphere seasonal influenzas are simi-lar,” said Dr. Jay Montgomery, med-ical director of the ImmunizationHealthcare Division’s North At-lantic Region Vaccine Safety Hub.“Typical flu symptoms includefever, cough, sore throat, runnynose, and muscle aches, but in se-vere cases may result in hospitaliza-tion or death.
“The common strains identifiedin the Northern and SouthernHemisphere differ about 60% of thetime.” He said the challenge to sup-port force readiness became appar-ent as DoD members experiencedflu-like symptoms when travelingto the Southern Hemisphere fluzone after receiving the NorthernHemisphere vaccine.
“Obviously if we don't have theright virus strains in the vaccine,people are not going to get protec-tion against those strains,” saidMontgomery.
Seasonal flu remains threatMILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM
8/ GuardianMay 1, 2020
Army moves to reclaim lost time in modernization programs
WASHINGTON — Signature modernizationprograms remain on track to deliver capabilitiesto Soldiers, despite facing delays due to the coro-navirus, Army leaders said April 23.
Some of the more than 30 programs have al-ready postponed tests, including Soldier-inputevents, as a result of safety concerns and supplychain challenges.
The service, though, plans to make up for losttime to stay on schedule, said Gen. John M. Mur-ray, commander of Army Futures Command.
“What I believe is the most important thing iswhen we promised our Soldiers we would deliv-er that capability,” he said during a press brief-ing. “The current estimate is we will deliver thecapability by the time we said we would deliverthat capability to our Soldiers, which is first unitequipped.”
Soldier touch-points, which have allowed Sol-diers to play a critical role in the development ofnew equipment, have varied depending on thelocation of the event.
The 1st Infantry Division’s 1st ArmoredBrigade Combat Team is now conducting Soldiertouch-points at Fort Riley, Kansas, for the FutureTactical Unmanned Aerial System capabilitydemonstration.
To do this, Soldiers are wearing personal pro-tective equipment along with practicing socialdistancing and good hygiene, Murray said.
The demonstration consists of five brigadesacross the country that will test technology thatmay lead to a replacement for the RQ-7 Shadow.
The 101st Airborne Division’s, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is slat-ed to begin its touch-points for the demonstra-tion after a slight delay, he said, adding theseevents depend on local conditions.
“We consult, but ultimately we will defer tothe local commander on the ground to makethose types of decisions about the health of theforce and what they can and cannot do,” he said.
The pandemic has led the Army to postponesimilar events, particularly for the Integrated Vi-sual Augmentation System, a heads-up displaydesigned to increase situational awareness incombat and for training.
The device’s third iteration for Soldier input iscritical since it will be the first time they will testhundreds of sets of the military form factor, aruggedized version with integrated, low-lightand thermal sensors.
While the tests had been scheduled for thissummer, they were postponed to the fall aftermanufacturing delays, Murray said.
A subcontractor for Microsoft, which receivedthe contract, should be operational again thisweek or early next week, he said.
“We have plans in place to make that time upand maintain first unit equipped like we prom-ised all along,” he added.
Bruce D. Jette, assistant Army secretary for ac-quisition, logistics and technology, explained thatcompanies may have to shut down for a 14-dayquarantine if a worker tests positive for the virus.
BAE Systems, for example, had to briefly haltoperations at their plant in York, Pennsylvania.
“You can’t do assembly of armored vehicles bytelephone or computer; you’ve got to havewelders and people in there and sometimesthey’re in close proximity to each other,” he said.
“They went back and rescrubbed their entire pro-cedures and they took care of their people, as weencourage them (to do).”
Boeing also had to temporarily close a plant inPhiladelphia until it was safe to reopen.
“The companies that were closed for any peri-od of time have reopened,” Jette said.
Each priority program, Murray said, affords abit of wiggle room for unforeseen circumstances,which the Army will now be able to use to meettimelines.
In “every individual program, there are littleplaces where we’re massaging and working tomake back time,” the general said. “We’re not re-ally cutting anything out. We’re just movingfaster than we originally planned to go from pro-totype delivery into the hands of Soldiers.”
An example is with the Next-GenerationSquad Weapon, which currently faces a six-weekdelay for three vendors to deliver prototypes.Once they get delivered, the Army plans to speedup the time it takes to get them out to units fortesting.
“We will get weapons into the hands of Sol-diers, under current conditions, two weeks afterwe take delivery of the prototypes,” Murray said.“That used to be a longer process. We’ll get fourof those six weeks back right away by accelerat-ing the time.”
Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy said theArmy was grateful for how resilient industry hasbeen to keep programs moving.
“It’s amazing how quickly they’ve adapted,kept their workforce engaged and are protectingcost schedule and performance on these weaponssystems,” he said at the briefing.
He also credited Army modernization and ac-quisition officials in working progress paymentsfor manufacturers, helping with small businessloans and managing second- and third-tier sup-pliers.
“We’ve been very supportive of our industrybase and their supply chains to ensure that theycontinue to go down the path of recapitalizingexisting weapons systems, as well as the devel-opment of the new ones,” he said.
By SEAN KIMMONSArmy News Service
Spc. Christopher McCoy, assigned to 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, conductsan engine start on the JUMP 20, as part of a Soldier touch-point for the Future Tactical Un-manned Aerial System capability demonstration at Fort Riley, Kansas, April 8. The Army'ssignature modernization programs remain on track to deliver capabilities to Soldiers, de-spite facing delays due to the coronavirus, Army leaders said April 23.
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Spc. Nicholas Miller, 1stEngineer Battalion, 1stInfantry Division, con-ducts flight operationsthrough a laptop-basedground control station,as part of a Soldiertouchpoint for the FutureTactical Unmanned Aeri-al System capabilitydemonstration at Fort Ri-ley, Kansas, April 8.
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Resilience moduleThe American Red Cross offers a free
virtual resilience module titled “StressManagement and Relaxation” to anyonewho lives or works on Fort Polk.
Contact the American Red Cross on FortPolk at [email protected] for moreinformation or to schedule the training.
Patriot Pet ContestPets are great companions during the
long weeks at home due to the COVID-19pandemic. This May, pets can fetch 10lucky military shoppers a combined $3,000in Army & Air Force Exchange Service giftcards — without having to set paw outsidethe house.
From May 1-31, authorized shoppers atFort Polk, and Exchanges worldwide, cansend in a patriotic-themed picture of theirfour-legged friends for a chance to win thePatriot Pet, Just Say “Treat,” Photo Contest.Two grand-prize winners will each receivea $500 gift card, while eight second-placewinners will each receive a $250 gift card.
Authorized Exchange shoppers, aged 18or older, can find complete contest rulesand enter to win at www.shopmyex-change.com/Sweepstakes. Winners will beselected on or about June 15.
PX curbside pickupTo help Soldiers and their Families prac-
tice physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fort Polk Main Post Ex-change has implemented curbside pickup.
Shoppers at the Fort Polk Exchange areable to order at ShopMyExchange.comand pick up their purchases at the curb.
Authorized military shoppers with in-stallation access can visit ShopMyEx-change.com, find what they need andchoose the pick up at store option.
When the order is ready, the store willcall and offer the curbside pickup option.At the store, shoppers will park in a desig-nated numbered space, call the phonenumber on the sign and the order is deliv-ered to their vehicle.
Drive-thru pharmacyThe Bayne-Jones Army Community
Hospital drive-thru pharmacy is open from8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,in the BJACH upper level parking lot.
Follow the signs to drop off prescrip-tions or park for curbside delivery of previ-ously called in or dropped off prescrip-tions.
Call Kathy Ports at 531-3111 for more in-formation.
Briefs
GuardianMay 1, 2020 /9
Class of 2020 speaks out about missed milestones
Fort Polk, La. — Being a senior in high school,with the final moments of youth culminating ingraduation, is a major milestone in the lives ofteenagers across the country. It’s the pinnaclemoment when the last chapter of a child’s lifeends, and the first chapter of an adult’s life be-gins.
The occasion is marked with a ceremony, robeclad teens and a march to “Pomp and Circum-stance,” in front of family and friends, to receivetheir diplomas.
The valedictorian gives a heartfelt speech de-signed to inspire fellow graduates as they set offon new adventures, while mortarboards and tas-sels fly through the air in a celebratory toss.
Parties with family and friends follow as thegraduates are honored for their accomplishmentsand years of hard work. It is an emotional dayfor students, teachers and parents alike.
This year, things are different. Amidst thisyear’s COVID-19 pandemic, as families acrossthe country have hunkered down to slow thespread, schools have closed and seniors have lostthe last moments of their high school experience.Due to social-distancing measures, the gradua-tion for this year’s seniors will be different. Forthose who have graduated from high school, it’sdifficult to imagine the myriad emotions theClass of 2020 is feeling.
Their collective experience will mark theirgraduation memories in a way most will neverexperience or understand.
The last day of school for students in Vernonand Beauregard parishes was March 13. Thatday, it was business as usual until dismissal,when kids learned that schools would be closed
until April 13. As the days turned into weeks, theclosures were extended, and uncertainty spreadthroughout the community. On April 15,Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, at the re-quest of the Louisiana State Board of Elementaryand Secondary Education, extended the closureof school facilities for the remainder of the aca-demic year.
Ashlynn Moretti, a senior at Leesville HighSchool, said she was torn when the school yearended early. On one hand, she was glad the aca-demic year was over; but, on the other, she wassad to see the school year end.
“It all seems so unreal to me. I am heart bro-ken that March 13 was the last time I would bewalking the hallways as a current student. Ithurts knowing that I didn’t get the chance to saygoodbye to all of my teachers, coaches andfriends. I missed out on all the milestones andkey things in high school, such as prom, seniorawards day, JROTC change of command, seniorskip day, senior prank and a traditional gradua-tion ceremony,” said Moretti.
In addition to graduation, students missedseveral important events during the last monthsof their senior high school year.
Sylvia Cini, Rosepine High School, said, “I ama little upset because I did not get a full senioryear, which is the last year I get to spend timewith friends and teachers before I go to college.”
When schools closed, the ripple effect of can-celled events was felt far and wide. For seniors,these events would have been their last duringtheir high school career. Sports seasons were cutshort, dances cancelled, field trips and champi-onship tournaments were no longer taking place.
“I missed out on senior prom, senior awards
Please see Class, page 10
By JEAN CLAVETTE GRAVESPublic Affairs Specialist
10/GuardianMay 1, 2020
ClassContinued from page 9
day, senior ditch day, and I also was supposed togo to state for several clubs that I am in,” saidCini. Kremi Stander, Leesville High School, said he
missed out on an opportunity of a lifetime. “This was my third year of running track. I
miss my teammates. We had just placed first inthe state and we were looking forward to keep-ing that torch burning and finishing the seasonstrong,” Stander said.A promenade dance, commonly referred to as
prom, is a semi-formal, black tie event commonlycelebrated at the end of the school year. Prom is popular and a major event for most
high school students. Social media sites, like Tik-Tok, are doing prom-at-home videos during thecurrent pandemic; but for most kids, this is anevent they are sad to have missed with schoolclosures. Angel Martin, Pickering High School, said, “I
feel like I have missed out on very importantmilestones, such as prom. I still plan to takeprom pictures; but, as for the celebration of grad-uating, I don’t plan on doing anything. To me it’sjust another wake-up call that the life ahead ofme is beginning, and it’s beginning very fast.” Despite the uncertainty, the Class of 2020 has
shown their resiliency by staying positive andconnected during the stay-at-home order.
Sam Brocato, Leesville High School, said, “Myfamily takes the threat seriously so we are prac-ticing the recommended measures to stay virus-free. I find myself well-rested; watching the sun-set as a sunrise, and the sunrise as a sunset; run-ning and exercising daily; playing soccer withmy sister; doing school work online; and playinglots of FIFA with friends on Xbox Live.” Brocatoadmits he is tired of only seeing his mom, sisterand dog, and that he is looking forward to a hair-cut, a pedicure and a meal at Mexico Lindo.In both Vernon and Beauregard parishes, the
plans for graduation are still in limbo. All deci-sions made will hinge upon recommendationsfrom the governor’s office. Keegan Morgan,Leesville High School, said he was not entirelysure what a virtual graduation would look like ifthey have one. “I do feel like I’ve missed out on several im-
portant milestones, such as prom and my finalconcert for band and walking across the stage forgraduation. These were all major events I waslooking forward to at the end of the year,” hesaid.Army Families are used to change and are
adaptable to life situations as they present them-selves. This is no different; the students are preparing
to graduate and making the best of the situation,
while holding their heads high and looking for-ward to the future. Tyler Chapman, Leesville High School, said,
“My mom is busy decorating our house for grad-uation. We have a big sign outside, and our din-ing room is a shrine to my accomplishments. Wewere supposed to go on a trip, but that will haveto wait until next summer. My grandparentswere supposed to come, but we will travel toFlorida to see them the second it is safe to do so.It’s hard to be an Army Family in times like this.I have tons of family all over the country, so itwould be hard for them to travel here under nor-mal circumstances — it was always going to be asmall celebration. The best part is that my momand grandma always make everything extra spe-cial. It is still going to be fun.” The collective experience of the Class of 2020
is as unique as each student. The mutual care andconsideration these students have taken to slowthe spread of this virus, through the sacrifice ofmilestones, is something on which to remark. Al-though the circumstances remain disappointingand unfair, these young adults have helpedcountless citizens by staying home, stayinghealthy and doing their collective part to battlethe virus. Congratulations Class of 2020; go forth and do
great things. The future is yours.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The quick spread ofCOVID-19 has caused many health organiza-tions, including the Defense Health Agency’sArmed Forces Health Surveillance Division, toinnovate using resources readily available intheir arsenal. One example of this innovation lies within
AFHSD’s Global Emerging Infections Surveil-lance (GEIS) program. The team funded the pro-duction of Research-Use-Only testing kits andsent them to GEIS laboratory partners locatedacross the globe targeting countries with high to-tals of positive COVID-19 cases. Navy mobilelaboratories embedded on military ships, such asthe USS Theodore Roosevelt, received these kits.Military commanders then used the kits as respi-ratory surveillance tools on their sailors andMarines.The Department of Defense funds the GEIS’s
network of 16 medical research laboratories. Thisfunding allowed the teams to quickly reach outto their partners and use their capabilities, suchas the quick production of research assays, tosupport forces. Assays are an investigative procedure in labo-
ratory medicine that assess or measure the pres-ence, amount or activity of a military-relevantpathogen — in this case, the novel coronavirus.This assay is similar to those created by the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“By rapidly distributing the RUO assays to
our global partners and to three Navy mobilelaboratories on shipboard settings, we were ableto provide a much needed testing capability forthis emerging pathogen in an operational envi-ronment,” explained U.S. Public Health ServiceCmdr. (Dr.) Mark Scheckelhoff, who leads therespiratory infections focus area for GEIS. This
assay supports surveillance studies only and notthe clinical management of cases.“The ability to procure and distribute the CDC
RUO assay outside of a clinical laboratory settingprovided a rapid and reliable source of COVID-19 testing and detection materials that were dis-tributed to all of our network laboratories and al-lowed rapid implementation of testing activi-ties,” said Scheckelhoff.“As the COVID-19 cases began to increase
around the world, military commanders in anoperational environment had these RUO re-sources to conduct respiratory surveillance forCOVID-19 exposure,” said Sean Friendly, chief ofadministration and operations at the AFHSD.One recent example involved the Marine
Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Car-olina. "Our partner, the Naval Health Research Cen-
ter laboratory, was able to use their surveillancecapabilities to provide the assistance to detect thefirst cases,” said Friendly. He recounted a reportfrom Dr. Chris Myers at NHRC in San Diego,California; the lab collected samples from the re-cruit population of Parris Island. GEIS-fundedrespiratory surveillance projects at NHRC pro-vided the capability and personnel to test the re-cruits and quickly identify COVID-19. GEIS has worked with the NHRC for several
years and supported ongoing surveillance of res-piratory diseases among recruits and trainees.This network of health partners continues togrow and evolve as GEIS coordinates withNHRC as well as other network partners. Thenetwork’s ability to integrate the priorities identi-fied by the combatant commands into its missioncreates an agile organization ready to respond toneeds as they occur.Since 1997, GEIS has funded key laboratory
and epidemiological work across the Department
of Defense. It has also coordinated crucial infec-tious disease surveillance projects that could im-pact military operations. GEIS uses key DoDmedical research laboratories — such as the U.S.Army Medical Research Institute for InfectiousDiseases, the Navy Medical Research Center, theWalter Reed Army Institute of Research’s globallab enterprise in Maryland and the Air ForceSchool of Aerospace Medicine in Dayton, Ohio —to establish an integrated network that studiesthe impact of infectious diseases and respond tooutbreaks and epidemics.“In lay terms, GEIS’s projects and activities
have allowed DoD to maintain world-wide criti-cal surveillance capabilities that continue to pro-vide crucial support during events of publichealth concern like the COVID-19 pandemic,”stated Navy Capt. Guillermo Pimentel, GEISchief.
ARMED FORCES HEALTH SURVEILLANCE DIVISION
Early detect ion support for t roops during COVID-19
Lt. Cmdr. Danett Bishop tests respiratorysamples in the biological safety lab of am-phibious assault ship USS America.
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GuardianMay 1, 2020 /11
Check Out Fort Polk Hurricane Preparedness Week, Alert System
FORT POLK, La. — HurricanePreparedness week is Mondaythrough May 9. It’s your time toprepare for a potential land-fallingtropical storm or hurricane. It onlytakes one storm to change your lifeand community.
Tropical cyclones are among na-ture’s most powerful and destruc-tive phenomena. They can be cata-strophic to coastlines and impactthose living several hundred milesinland.
They have the potential to bringviolent thunderstorms, waves,winds exceeding 155 mph and tor-nadoes.
Hurricane season begins June 1and ends Nov. 30.
Daily themes for Hurricane Pre-paredness Week:
• Sunday — Determine Your Risk• Monday — Develop an Evacua-
tion Plan• Tuesday — Assemble Disaster
Supplies• Wednesday — Get an Insurance
Checkup• Thursday — Strengthen Your
Home • May 8 — Help Your Neighbor• May 9 — Complete a Written
PlanBegin preparations and identify
the types of wind and water haz-ards that are relevant to your neigh-borhood, and plan accordingly foreach hazard. Determine if you livein a storm-surge hurricane evacua-tion zone or in a home that wouldbe unsafe during a hurricane. If nec-essary, identify a safe secondary lo-cation as your evacuation destina-tion, such as someone else’s home.Be sure to learn the safest routes toget there if told to evacuate. Don’tforget to account for your pets’ ac-commodations, as most local shel-ters do not permit them.
If you plan to ride out the stormin your home, make sure it is ingood repair and up to local hurri-cane building-code specifications.Have the proper plywood, steel oraluminum panels to board up thewindows and doors. The garagedoor is the most vulnerable part ofthe home, so ensure that it is able towithstand the winds.
During your planning, you willneed to consider supplies to helpyou get through the storm and itsaftermath. Stock enough non-per-ishable food, water and medicine tolast a minimum of three days foreach person in your family. Electric-ity and water could be out for atleast that long.
You will also need extra cash, abattery-powered radio and flash-lights. Also, consider a portablecrank or solar powered USB charger
to charge cell phones. Call your insurance company to
request an insurance check-up, veri-fying that you have enough home-owners insurance to repair or re-place your home. Keep in mind thatstandard homeowners insurancedoesn’t cover flooding. Likewise,check the insurance coverage foryour car, boat or other recreationalvehicles.
Preemptive actions for imminent,severe weather begin with ensuringfamily members are familiar withthe safest interior room in the home,such as a bathroom, hallway or clos-et, on the lowest floor, away fromwindows and exterior walls.
Knowing the difference betweena tornado watch and a tornadowarning is vital. A tornado watchindicates that a tornado is possible.Stay tuned to a National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administrationweather radio or TV for more infor-mation, and be prepared to seekshelter if necessary. A tornado warn-ing signifies that a tornado is ex-pected or occurring. Take shelterimmediately.
Be familiar with tornado warningsigns. For example, an approachingcloud of debris can mark the loca-tion of a tornado, even if a funnel isnot visible. Dark, towering andthreatening clouds; greenish skies;large hail; rotating, low-lyingclouds; and loud roars, similar totrains, are common warning signs.
During a storm, quickly go intoan interior room, avoiding win-dows, corners and places withwide-span roofs. Get under a sturdytable or similar piece of furniture,and cover your head with yourarms. If in a mobile home, get outand find shelter in a nearby build-ing. If time permits, put on sturdyshoes. If a shelter is not available, orthere is no time to get indoors, lie ina ditch or crouch near a strongbuilding and cover your head withyour arms.
After the storm, stay tuned to lo-cal radio or TV for updated infor-mation. Refrain from entering dam-aged buildings, and do not return toevacuation zones until authoritiesdeclare the area safe.
When reviewing damages, checkwalls, roofs, foundations, electricalsystems and water lines. Be mindfulof hazardous materials, such as bro-ken glass, exposed nails anddowned power lines. Evacuate thehouse or building if you smell gasor chemical fumes.
Many Americans rely on theirneighbors after a disaster, but thereare also ways you can help yourneighbors before a hurricane ap-proaches. Learn about the differentactions you and your neighbors cantake to prepare and recover from ahurricane.
The time to prepare for a hurri-cane is before the season begins,when there is ample time and nopressure. Waiting until a hurricaneis on your doorstep increases thelikelihood that you’ll be underduress when making vital decisions.
Take this time to write downyour hurricane plan. Know whereyou will ride out the storm andgather any necessary supplies be-fore the season begins.
Being prepared before a hurri-cane threatens makes you resilientto the impacts of a hurricane. It willmean the difference between beinga hurricane victim and a hurricanesurvivor.
Fort Polk Mass Warning Notifi-cation System
Fort Polk conducts routine livetests on the Mass Warning Notifica-tion System. When the system istested, message one will broadcaston twelve giant voice towers acrossSouth and North Fort Polk. In theevent of severe weather, messagetwo through eight will broadcastfollowed by message nine, signify-ing the emergency condition haspassed. Along with the messages,refer to local radio and televisionstations for updated information.
•Message 1: “This is a test. Thisis a test of the Fort Polk emergencywarning system. This is only a test.”
•Message 2: “Warning! Warning!This is a severe weather alert. Thenational weather service has issueda tornado watch for Vernon Parishand Fort Polk. Tune to the local ra-dio or television stations for furtherupdates.”
•Message 3: “Warning! Warning!This is a severe weather alert. Thenational weather service has issueda tornado warning for VernonParish and Fort Polk. Take shelterimmediately. Tune to the local radioor television stations for further up-dates.”
•Message 4: “Warning! Warning!This is a severe weather alert. Thenational weather service has issueda severe thunderstorm warningwith high winds and damaging hail
for Vernon Parish and Fort Polk.Tune to the local radio or televisionstations for further updates.”
•Message 5: “Warning! Warning!This is a severe weather alert. Thenational weather service has issueda hurricane warning for VernonParish and Fort Polk. Tune to the lo-cal radio or television stations forfurther updates.”
•Message 6: “Warning! Warning!This is a severe weather alert. Thenational weather service has issueda flash flood watch for VernonParish and Fort Polk. Tune to the lo-cal radio or television stations forfurther updates.”
•Message 7: “This is an officialalert. All military personnel reportto your units immediately. Repeat,this is an official alert. All militarypersonnel report to your units im-mediately.”
•Message 8: “Warning! Warning!This is a hazardous material alert.Remain indoors until all clear issounded.”
•Message 9: “All clear, all clear.The emergency condition has end-ed. All clear, all clear. The emer-gency condition has ended.”
Additional information will beprovided through ALERT Notifica-tion, Fort Polk All Users emails, andposted on social media (Fort PolkFacebook).
If you are a CAC user, register toreceive ALERT notifications byclicking on the arrow in yourtaskbar; double-clicking on the blueexclamation mark icon, clicking on“Edit Contact Info;”and adding anyphone number you wish to receivethe alerts.
Some suggested weather applica-tions available to download on yourmobile device include the WeatherChannel, KALB WX, KPLC 7 FirstAlert Weather, Weather Bug, Weath-er Mate, AccuWeather and WeatherUnderground.
For more information, contactTommy J. Morris, DPTMS, Chief,Protection Branch, emergency man-ager, at 531-4875 or [email protected]
By TOMMY J. MORRISDPTMS
