Soldiers from Alpha Company, 325th BSB, driving three M1120 LHS (load handling systems), unload their cargo at a designated logistic reliefpoint during a convoy exercise at Wheeler Gulch, Jan. 15.

Army to holdpublic sessions,hear concernsOfficials seeking input onhow Army reductionscould impact Hawaii

U.S. ARMY GARRISON-HAWAIINews Release

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — The Army isconducting two community listening ses-sions in Hawaii this month to hear from com-munities about how potential troop reduc-tions and restructuring could impact them. Army leaders will begin the sessions with

a short overview of the reduction and re-structuring process. Afterwards, the com-munity will have an opportunity to provideinput on how a potential reduction of up to19,800 Army Soldiersand civilian em-ployees in Hawaiicould affect them.The listening

sessions will beheld as follows:

Jan. 27, 20156:30-9 p.m.Hale Koa Hotel, DeRussy Hall2055 Kalia Road, WaikikiParking is $5 with validation

Story and photos bySGT. BRIAN C. ERICKSON

3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs25th Infantry Division

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD — For threedays, Soldiers from Alpha Company, 325thBrigade Support Battalion, “Mustangs,” 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division,took to Wheeler Gulch to perfect their tacticalconvoy operations, Jan. 13-15.“This training is to better prepare the Sol-

diers’ driving proficiency in convoy opera-tions,” said Capt. Antonio Monserrati, com-mander, Co. A.

Over the course of the first two days of train-ing, the Soldiers went through different class-es on mobile distribution drills and how to re-act to contact during a convoy.To begin the training, the Mustang Sol-

diers were broken down into six smallgroups. They were then rotated through sixstations. Stations included the flat rack pick-up and drop off; container roll-in/roll outplatform; transfer from load handling sys-tem to trailer, trailer exchange; fuel bulk tobulk transfer; water bulk to retail transfer;and pallet building.

Environmental AssessmentIn November 2014, the Army com-

pleted an analysis of environmentalimpacts of potential force reductionson communities surrounding 30Army installations, to include FortShafter and Schofield Barracks. Theresults are published in the “2014Supplemental Programmatic Envi-ronmental Assessment for Army 2020Force Structure Realignment,” whichcan be found online athttp://aec.army.mil/Services/Support/NEPA/Documents.aspx.

See ARMY A-4

The last day is

important,

because when

you are in combat, muscle

memory is what will help

you be successful.”

— Capt. Antonio Monserrati

Commander, Co. A.

“

See MUSTANGS A-4

Alpha ‘Mustangs’ perfect tactical convoys

VOL. 44 NO. 3 | January 23, 2015

2-6th Cav. conducts final flight of Kiowa WarriorsSTAFF SGT. TRAMEL GARRETT25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD — Itwas a bittersweet day for the Soldiers ofthe 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regi-ment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade,25th Infantry Division, with the cas-ing of the unit colors in preparationfor an operational deployment to Ko-rea and a final flight of the Kiowa War-rior helicopters, Jan. 15.“The Kiowa Warrior has called this

island home for the past 17 years. (Nowthe aircraft) will be shipped back toTexas and retired from our active fleet,”said Lt. Col. Aaron Martin, 2-6th Cav.Regt. commander. “Some may viewthis as a sad event. I will tell you we’reonly just approaching the end of an-other chapter in the great history ofthe 2nd Squadron.”Eighteen Kiowa Warrior helicopters

departed for a final flight around the is-land, a commemoration for all the avi-ators of the past and present. Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Ma-

son wanted to be a part of somethingspecial for Hawaii and to also give se-

nior aviators the chance to take onefinal flight before retiring the KiowaWarriors helicopters from the activefleet. “This was a very important event to

be a part of,” said Mason. “I feel fortu-nate that I was able to plan and partic-ipate in the process. The Kiowa is awonderful aircraft that has given manyyears to the Army. It was a workhorseand continually came through, day af-ter day, year after year, and missionafter mission.” These aircraft were used for obser-

vation, utility and fire support datingback to the Vietnam era. In addition,Kiowa aircraft have been instrumentalin saving lives on the battlefield, de-spite its small size during overseas con-tingency operations. Some of the Soldiers hated to see

the retiring of this historic aircraft, butaccepted the challenge of writing anew chapter in the history of the 25thCAB.“Through everyone’s hard work, we

can stand here today and say we areready to deploy and truly execute our

mission,” said Martin. “The ink is al-ways wet on our history, and you aretruly the ones holding the pen.” The 2-6th Cav. will have the vital

task of assisting the local forces and

the Republic of Korea to discourageaggression on the peninsula, while at-tached to Eighth Army.“Our history of horses, motorcycles,

trucks, tanks and helicopters has

shown us the true success of the caval-ry is not based upon the steeds we ride,but the bold cavalry men who alwaysremained out front of the formation,”said Martin.

Chief Warrrant Officer 4 Mark Leung, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division

Kiowa Warriors from the 2-6th Cav. take to the sky above Oahu during a rehearsal, Jan. 13, for the unit’s symbolicfinal flight in Hawaii on Jan. 15. The 2-6th Cav. is deploying to South Korea to support the 2nd CAB.

Spc. Yaima Mesa, assignedto Alpha Co., 325th BSB,connects a chain to thefront of a M1120 LHS thathas suffered a simulateddeadline attack.

Staff Sgt. Tramel Garrett, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Aviators assigned to 2-6th Cav. conduct pre-flight checkson WAAF before the final flight of the Kiowa Warrior heli-copters, Jan. 15. The aircraft will be shipped to Texas andretired from the active fleet.

“I go to the gymto workout and Ialso go tochurch.”

Staff Sgt. JesseJacksonCo. H, 2-27th Inf.Regt., 3rd BCT, 25th ID

“I go to the gymand workout.”

Spc. AnissaRangelHHC, 3rd BCT, 25th ID

“Spend time withmy family, andplay with mykids.”

Chief WarrantOfficer 2 RobertReynoldsHHC, 3rd BCT, 25th ID

“I like to takenaps, go for arun or drink coffee.”

Spc. JoseRiopedreHHC, 1-27th Inf.Regt., 2nd SBCT,25th ID

“I listen to musicor go running,sometimes both atthe same time.”

Pvt. BrandonRogersHHC, 1-27th Inf.Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th ID

NEWS & COMMENTARYA-2 | JANUARY 23, 2015 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

Mental Health Awareness Month

Question: What are some healthy ways to cope with stress? Photos by 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

The HAW is an authorized news-paper, produced in the interest ofthe U.S. Army community in Hawaiiby the U.S. Army-Garrison HawaiiPublic Affairs Office. Contents of theHAW are not necessarily the officialviews of, or endorsed by, the U.S.Government or the Department ofthe Army. The HAW is printed by the Hon-

olulu Star-Advertiser, a private firmin no way connected with the U.S.Govt., under exclusive written agree-ment with U.S. Army, Hawaii. The HAW is published weekly us-

ing the offset method of reproductionand has a printed circulation of15,300. Everything advertised hereinshall be made available for purchase,use or patronage without regard torace, color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, age, marital status, physicalhandicap, political affiliation, or anyother non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. The appearance of advertising

herein, including inserts and sup-plements, does not constitute en-dorsement by the Dept. of the Army,or the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, ofthe firms, products or services ad-vertised.

Commander, U.S. Army

Garrison-Hawaii

Col. Richard A. Fromm

Garrison Command Sergeant

Major

CSM Louis C. Felicioni

Director, Public Affairs

Dennis C. Drake

656-3154

Chief, Internal

Communication

Aiko Rose Brum, 656-3155

aiko.brum@us.army.mil

News Editor

John Reese, 656-3488

news@

hawaiiarmyweekly.com

Pau Hana Editor

Jack Wiers, 656-3157

community@

hawaiiarmyweekly.com

Staff Writer and

Photo Editor

Karen A. Iwamoto, 656-3150

reporter@

hawaiiarmyweekly.com

Layout

Estrella Dela Cruz-Araiza

Advertising: 529-4700

Classifieds: 521-9111

Address:

Public Affairs Office

745 Wright Ave., WAAF

Building 107, 2nd Floor

Schofield Barracks, HI

96857-5000

Website:

www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com

Nondelivery or distribution

656-3155 or 656-3488

Contributing Commands

U.S. Army-Pacific

Russell Dodson, 438-2662

25th Infantry Division

MSG Rodney Jackson,

655-6354

2nd Stryker Brigade

Combat Team

SSG Carlos Davis, 655-9461

3rd Brigade Combat Team

CPT Tanya Roman,

655-1083

25th Combat Aviation

Brigade

CPT Richard Barker

656-6663

8th Theater Sustainment

Command

SFC Mary Ferguson,

438-1000

311th Signal Command

(Theater)

Liana Kim, 438-4095

94th Army Air & Missile

Defense Command

SFC Jaquetta Gooden, 438-2945

9th Mission Support

Command

Brian Melanephy,

438-1600, ext. 3114

18th Medical Command

(Deployment Support)

SFC Nicole Howell,

438-4737

Tripler Army Medical Center

Ana Allen, 433-2809

U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers-Honolulu District

Joe Bonfiglio, 835-4002

500th Military

Intelligence Brigade

1LT Cassandra Scammon

655-1237

599th Transportation Surface

Brigade

Donna Klapakis, 656-6420

USAG-Pohakuloa

Dennis Drake, 656-3154

U.S. ARMY GARRISON-HAWAII

2014 Gold Winner

ARMY cOMMUNItY Of

excellencetOp INStAllAtION IN ARMY

COL. DUANE MILLERDirector, Emergency Services,U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, and

Commander, 8th Military Police Brigade,8th Theater Sustainment Command

Established in 2006, the U.S. ArmyGarrison-Hawaii Directorate of Emer-gency Services’ Fire Division fills a critical niche in the Army’s fire pre-vention plan, protecting the lives andproperty of the surrounding commu-nities, as well as the threatened

and endangeredplants and ani-mals that live on or nearOahu’s Armyinstallations. U.S. Army

Hawaii is sup-ported by awealth of exper-tise and profes-sionalism in the form of its Army wild-land firefighters. These firefighters standready to respond to fire emergenciesacross our installations and in particularwithin our training areas.The Fire and Emergency Services Di-

vision is the only National Wildfire Co-ordinating Group certified and fully-staffed in the state of Hawaii, providingfire suppression for all Army installa-tions and training areas on Oahu. The division is comprised of 12 wild-

land firefighters who have experienceworking wildfires in Hawaii and acrossthe continental U.S., from the wilder-ness of the Pacific Northwest to theswaps of the Florida Everglades and themountains of Appalachia.These professionals are highly trained

to provide tier one level service acrossUSARHAW. Wildland fire personnel prevent brush

and range fires by implementing pre-scribed burns, a fire management tooldesigned to reduce excess brush (fuel)from Army ranges in a controlled and or-chestrated manner.

Prescribed burns take months of plan-ning and coordination to execute andensure Soldiers have access to the besttraining areas available.Each firefighter is devoted to the pro-

tection and preservation of our com-munity. I am proud and relieved to havethese consummate professionals servingour community through their relentlessefforts in facing these dangers. They havemy thanks.

Miller

CHAPLAIN (COL.) BOB PHILLIPSU.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii

In 1519, the Spanish explorer Her-nando Cortez set sail from Spain tothe New World. He departed with 11ships, 500 men, 13 horses and a fewcannon. After the cross Atlantic

trip, they landed on the Yu-catan Peninsula in Mexico.It was there that Cortez dida very peculiar thing: Heordered that all the shipsbe burned. Cortez knew that the

hardships of the NewWorld would be challeng-ing, even overwhelming.He knew that his menwould face conflicts with one anoth-er, as well as conflicts with the indige-nous people. There would be powerstruggles, harsh weather, limited foodand supplies, and poor living conditions. Cortez knew that, over time, the un-

expected hardships of the New Worldwould cause his sailors to grow weary,become discouraged and lose heart.He knew that once the grumbling start-ed, his men would want to returnhome. They would long for their old lifewhere things were safer, more pre-dictable and familiar. Cortez knew that in the midst of the

struggles, his men would lose sight ofthe dreams, hopes and visions thatmotivated them to embark on this adventure. By burning the ships, Cortez sent a

clear and powerful message to hismen: Failure was not an op-tion. Going back home wasnot an option. Quitting wasnot an option. They hadcome too far, invested toomuch and sacrificed toomuch to give up on theirdreams. So, he left his peo-ple with no choice but tomove forward. They had tocontinue toward theirdream. Often in life, we set out

with great hopes, dreams and ambi-tions. Unfortunately, sometimes lifegets in the way. The challenges are bigger than we

anticipated; the conflicts are more in-tense and unexpected hardships dis-courage us. In the midst of the fray,we lose sight of the reasons welaunched out on our adventure. Whenwe become weary, we begin to thinkabout retreating and going back to theplace where life was simpler, easierand more predictable. We may do well if we follow Cortez’s

example. Burn the emotional and psy-chological ships that provide us the

option of quitting, turning back or re-treating. We need to eliminate thosethings that distract us from pressingforward, enduring the challenges andkeeping our dreams and goals alive. The real challenge is to silence those

negative voices in our head that tell uswe cannot do it or it’s too hard. It is atthat point that we need to revive thosepositive thoughts, dreams and ambitions. For me, my faith has been the one

thing that has helped me endure thetough times, continue forward andkeep things in perspective. When Iwanted to quit, when I doubted myselfand when those negative voices toldme to give up, it was my faith thathelped me stay the course and presson. One of my favorite Scripture verses

says, “Forgetting what lies behind andreaching forward to what lies ahead, Ipress on toward the goal for the prize ofthe upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” For me, believing that God has an

“upward call” for me keeps me moti-vated to press on toward the goal, de-spite the hardships and difficulties. Be encouraged today. Burn those

psychological and emotional ships thatare holding you back from living yourdreams and achieving your goals. Press on toward your upward call.

Phillips

Cortez said, ‘Burn ships and press on’

STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE 25th Infantry Division

A specialist from Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 29thEngineer Battalion, 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, was found guilty ofone specification of sexual assault,one specification of indecent lan-guage and one specification of ob-struction of justice. He was sentenced to reduction

to private (E-1) forfeiture of $1,000per month for five months and fivemonths confinement. Federal Convictions. In addition

to forfeiture of pay, confinement anda punitive discharge, a Soldier willalso have a federal conviction thatthe Soldier must report when fillingout a job application. A federal con-viction strips a Soldier of manyrights, such as the right to purchaseand maintain firearms and voting.

25th ID SJAposts courts-martial results

The Office of theStaff JudgeAdvocate releasesthe results ofrecent courts-

martial for publication toinform the community of mil-itary justice trends and todeter future misconduct bySoldiers.

Q:Why does theHawaii ArmyWeekly publish courts-martialfindings?

A:

Getting it StraightA photo of a change of command

ceremony held Jan. 8 for the 3rd Bat-talion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment,3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th In-fantry Division, misidentified thethree officers passing before the"Never Broken" Soldiers of the"Lucky 7th." The correct names, fromleft to right, are incoming comman-der Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Slover, outgo-ing commander Lt. Col. George L.Hammar IV and battalion executiveofficer Maj. Michael J. Englund.

Wildland Firefighters Being a USAG-HI wildland

firefighter requires many spe-cialized skill sets and certifica-tions, including these: •Basic firefighter.•Incident command. •Firebreak construction. •Helicopter support

operations.•Prescribe fire operations. •Handline construction. •Hose lay operations.•Mobile attack. •Initial attack and extended

attack operations. Additional training includes

fire investigation, fire preven-tion and specialized communi-cations that allow coordinatedfire suppression operations us-ing military and civilian aircraft.

ResourcesFor more information on any

of the resources listed in this arti-cle, you may contact the agen-cies through the Directorate ofEmergency Services. Visitwww.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/des/default.htm.

Schofield Barracks24, domestic disturbances18, wrongful damaging of property13, duty upon striking10, assaults5, unlawful entry to a motor vehicle 1, DUI1, limitations on backing 1, abuse of a family member

Fort Shafter2, domestic disturbances1, wrongful damaging of property

Mendonca Park1, wrongful damaging of property

WAAF1, limitations on backing 4, wrongful damaging of property

1, duty upon striking

AMR2, assaults1, domestic disturbance

HMR1, wrongful damaging of property1, assault 4, domestic disturbances2, duty upon striking

Fort DeRussy1, limitations on backing

PARC1, limitations on backing

Violations off post10, DUIs2, wrongful damaging of property

Wildland firefighters protect lives, property Police Beat Roll-UpFrom Dec. 4, 2014, to Jan. 19, the following occurred on USARHAW

installations:

SOLDIERS JANUARY 23, 2015 | A-3HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

AER begins2015 drive Since its founding during World War II, Army

Emergency Relief has provided $1.7 billion ininterest-free loans and grants to 3.6 million Sol-diers in the active component, the Army Nation-al Guard, the Army Reserve and among the ranksof the retired. AER financial assistance provides timely care

and support to wounded warriors, survivingspouses and the families of fallen Soldiers. AER stands ready to assist during times of

duress brought on by emergency travel, unfore-seen home and vehicle repairs, and other mo-ments of stress. Wherever our Soldiers work andlive, AER is there to lend a helping hand.History has shown that the readiness of the

U.S. Army is inextricably tied to taking care ofSoldiers and their families. The 2015 AER campaign theme, “Making a

Difference,” serves as a reminder that Soldierand family members can place their trust andconfidence in AER to provide compassion andcare through much-needed financial relief intimes of unexpected crisis.The AER campaign is an opportunity for mis-

sion and garrison command teams to promotegreater awareness of AER benefits and to contin-ue the legacy of Soldiers helping Soldiers. The personal dedication of Army leaders at

all levels to embrace AER makes a clear differencein caring for our most precious resources: OurSoldiers and their families. Army Strong!

9th MSC gains unique sapper/diverFemale captain isboth diver, sapperCAPT. MARY WHITNEY WHITTAKER

AND BRIAN MELANEPHY9th Mission Support Command

Public Affairs

Sappers are cool, divers are cool andCapt. Christie Plackis is both, so thatmakes her really cool. In 2011, when Plackis graduated

from dive school, she became one offour female divers in the history of theArmy dive field and the only one inthe field at the time.Plackis received her commission

through the ROTC program at SanDiego State, where she first found outabout becoming a diver. “(During my sophomore year,) I

found out about dive school, and itsounded like something I would love,so I trained for the next two years toprepare,” said Plackis.In order to be an Army engineer div-

ing officer, a cadet has to branch engi-neer. So as an ROTC cadet, Plackismoved engineering to the top of her“wish list.”After graduation, her wish came

true, and she joined the ranks of theengineers.Her next step was the Basic Officer

Leadership Course at Fort LeonardWood, Missouri. She turned down herfirst duty assignment for the chance

to go to dive school. “I was originally assigned to an en-

gineer unit in Hawaii, but gave up thatslot so that I would have a chance totryout.” Plackis said.After the risky move of turning down

her orders, Plackis waited about amonth to go to a one-day dive schooltryout. Twenty officers tried out, 11passed and four were selected. Plack-is was one of the four.While waiting to go to the three-

week dive school prep course, Plackis— instead of “taking a knee” — went tothe 28-day Sapper Leaders Course.When Soldiers graduate, they leave as“elite” engineers. Most non-engineersthink of Sappers as people who blowstuff up ... and they do. However, theclass is much more than that.“The course is like Ranger school,

but more focused on demolitions,”said Plackis. “It consists of a lot of ruck-ing, little sleep, little food and academ-ic requirements focused on engineertasks.”The course teaches engineer leaders

in small-unit tactics and leadershiptactics. It also builds cohesion and es-prit de corps through troop-leadingprocedures, demolitions (blowing stuffup), land navigation, aerial and air-borne operations and a number of oth-er “cool” things.After getting her Sapper tab, Plack-

is then moved on to conquer the three-week dive school prep course, where

she watched her classmates wash outleft and right. She then moved on to thesix-month course in Florida. In June 2014, Plackis transitioned

from active duty to the Army Reserve tocontinue her service and fulfill a life-long dream of living in Hawaii. Shehad joined the Army Reserve after talk-ing with a friend in San Diego. She isexcited about her transition to citizen-Soldier. As an Army Reserve officer,she can contribute to her unit, her newcommunity and her church. The active component provided

some pretty unique training opportu-nities for Plackis, including dive train-ing in the Bahamas. “I would look around and think, I

can’t believe they are paying us to dothis.” She looks back fondly on her active

duty time where she worked with someof the best Soldiers in the Army. Hertalents are not lost as she continues toserve with the “Pride of the Pacific.”

325th BSB conducts hands-on, five-day communication academyStory and photo by

STAFF SGT. CATRINA HERBERT3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

25th Infantry Division

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — A small group ofSoldiers dedicated a large part of their energies toensuring that the 325th Brigade Support Battal-ion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th InfantryDivision, has the ability to talk all over the battle-field by participating in a five-day communicationacademy, here, Jan. 8-13.One of the traditional traits of an effective re-

lationship is good communication. Though thereare many different forms of communication,from verbal to visual, it is essential for Soldiers tocommunicate.The 325th Communication Academy is a five-

day course. It used to be done in a classroomenvironment through PowerPoint. However, thefeedback received was that Soldiers were not re-taining the information.“We decided to have hands-on training, which

is working for the Soldiers attending the classes,”said Sgt. 1st Class John Duenas, Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 325th BSB, commu-nications noncommissioned officer in charge.“They are learning things that they never under-stood or just didn’t know before attending.”

Most of the Soldiers in the class are eitherdrivers or training room personnel, so they use theequipment every Monday for battalion net call. Spc. Erica Pilallis, Signal Support specialist,

assigned to HHC, 325th BSB, said, “When I ar-rived to 325th BSB, attending commo academywas a requirement for the promotion board.We’ve recently brought it back because Com-mand Sgt. Maj. Stoddard thought it was a greatidea, so I was told I was going to be the primaryinstructor.”With all of the training coming in the near fu-

ture, it is important that Soldiers understandhow effective communication is.The single channel ground and airborne radio

system is a reliable, secure, easily maintainedcombat net radio.Pilallis, being the subject matter expert, en-

sured the Soldiers knew how to properly set uptheir radios, along with plugging in all the infor-mation into the systems in order to make themission move along faster.“Being in this class is going to help me out a lot

more now, since I work in the orderly room, sowhen we go to the field I am in the headquarterstent working with the radios,” said Spc. TieraBarmore, assigned to Co. B, 325th BSB, and anative of Jacksonville, Florida.The vehicles Soldiers take on the road have

many communication components that allowthem to transmit mission essential informationwith each other and the tactical operation center

(TOC).Soldiers inside the vehicles communicate

through intercoms that are hooked up to Harrisor single channel radios. These radios also makeit possible to communicate with other vehicles,as well as the TOC.Pilallis said, “It always feels good sharing my

knowledge with others. Soldiers are paying atten-tion, staying motivated and gaining muscle mem-ory. I know I can count on them to know theequipment.”The Soldiers in the class are glad they have

attended this class, as it has given them the con-fidence to know that they can now communi-cate with those they really need to when out onthe battlefield.“I love the fact that I attended this class. I have

learned a lot more on how to operate and run theradios better,” said Barmore. Having these classes takes a load off the battal-

ion signal section needing to go to each vehicleand do communications checks every Monday.This training increases their capacity for tacti-

cal communications.“I encourage the other units to do the same. It’s

helpful to the Soldiers, and they will be comfort-able with the communications equipment,” saidBarmore.

HAWAII AIR NATIONAL GUARD

Spc. Erica Pilallis, HHC, 325th BSB, 3rd BCT,25th ID, teaches Soldiers within the unit theproper way to operate communication equipment on the battlefield during the five-day Communication Academy, Jan. 8-13.

Photo courtesy of Capt. Christie Plackis

As both a diver and a sapper, Capt. Christie Plackis is part of an elite groupwithin the Army and Army Reserve. Plackis, commissioned as an enginer,brings a unique skill set to the 9th MSC.

Sappers are

cool, divers

are cool and

Capt. Christie

Plackis is both, so

that makes her

really cool.

Photos by Airman 1st ClassRobert Cabuco, Hawaii Air

National Guard

JOINT BASE PEARL HAR-BOR-HICKAM — Airmenfrom the Hawaii AirNational Guard, workingwith Tropic LightningSoldiers, secure an M777aboard a C-17 GlobemasterIII, here, for transport tothe Big Island. Moving thebig gun was part of rapiddeployment training, Jan.10.

Jan. 28, 20156:30-9 p.m.Leilehua High School, Cafeteria1515 California Ave., WahiawaParking is free.

Both sessions will be hosted by Department

of the Army leaders from Washington, D.C.,and Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn, commander, U.S.Army-Hawaii.No stationing decisions have been made,

yet; however, Army leaders anticipate that anoverall reduction of Soldiers will impact mostevery Army post nationwide. For questions, contact U.S. Army Garrison-

Hawaii Public Affairs at 656-3158 or 656-3159.

SOLDIERSA-4 | JANUARY 23, 2015 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

ARMY NEWS SERVICENews Release

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia — Preventing andsolving serious crime with an Army nexus is anactive partnership between Army lawenforcement professionals and themembers of the community theyserve.With that in mind, special

agents with the U.S. ArmyCriminal InvestigationCommand, or CID, want to re-mind Soldiers, civilians andfamily members about howthey can report a crime, 24/7,to Army CID.“Crime doesn’t occur in

a bubble, especially in theArmy,” said Special AgentMark Arnold, the chief of inves-tigative operations for CID. “Law en-forcement officers and the Army communi-ty must work hand-in-hand to fight seriouscrime and to help keep our families and ourcommunities safe.”CID officials also are reminding the public

that if you require immediate assistance, call911 or contact your local military police.“Whether it’s a crime that has already hap-

pened or if someone thinks a crime is beingcommitted, that one tip can make or break an

investigation and help us bringthose responsible to justice”Arnold said. “CID will alwaysbe here to help.”For more information on

Army CID, visit www.cid.army.mil.

C. TODD LOPEZArmy News Service

WASHINGTON — The Army an-nounced, Jan. 15, that female Soldierswill be allowed, for the first time, to at-tend the Army’s Ranger Course andpossibly earn the coveted Ranger tab.Some of the women who may at-

tend the Ranger Course this springbegan a 16-day Ranger Training As-sessment Course (RTAC), Friday.The RTAC is meant to prepare Sol-diers to succeed in the RangerCourse, and it’s the first time it hasincluded women.“The assessment will be conducted

during Ranger Course 06-15, whichis scheduled to begin on April 20,2015. The course has approximately60 women scheduled to participate.Those who meet the standards andgraduate from the course will receivea certificate and be awarded theRanger tab,” said Army spokespersonWayne Hall.The 2015 “Ranger Course assess-

ment” is a regular Ranger Course, withall the same physical requirements,according to Monica L. Manganaro, aspokesperson for the Maneuver Cen-ter of Excellence’s Airborne and RangerTraining Brigade at Fort Benning,Georgia. The current Ranger Coursecompletion standards, to include pre-requisites, phase performance require-ments and graduation standards

would not change for the assessment,she said.Manganaro said the course is being

called an assessment due to the first-time participation of female Soldiers.Both male and female students willparticipate in the assessment.The Army requested units forward

the names of female volunteers to attend the spring Ranger Course assessment. “The response was overwhelming-

ly positive,” Manganaro said. “Whenthe Army asked for women who hadinterest, the interest outweighed thenumber of slots available” for theRanger Course.The first group of women began the

preliminary RTAC, Friday. Of the 120slots available for students in the RTAC,up to 40 are now allotted for women ineach course.There are three additional RTACs

scheduled before the Ranger Coursebegins in April.With an endorsement from their

unit, Soldiers who successfully com-plete the RTAC will be eligible to attendthe 62-day Ranger Course, Manganarosaid. Historically, she said, approxi-mately half of those who enter theRanger Course will succeed in earn-ing the Ranger tab.Not all Soldiers who attend the

Ranger Course are required to at-tend an RTAC, Manganaro said. But

all female Soldiers who attend theRanger Course Assessment must firstattend and successfully complete anRTAC.“The RTAC is mandatory for the

women who want to go to Rangerschool,” Manganaro said. “It is goingto reinforce those Ranger skills andfamiliarize the female Soldiers withthe skill sets they may not have had inother courses they have gonethrough.”Manganaro said the requirement to

attend the RTAC will “level the playingfield,” in the Ranger Course, allowingwomen to better familiarize themselveswith the skills they will need to suc-ceed there.“The RTAC gives them an azimuth

on their skill set, on what they will needto go to Ranger school,” she said.

Female Observers and AdvisersFor the Ranger Course assessment

this spring, 31 female Soldiers wereselected to serve as observers/advis-ers to be integrated into the Airborne

and Ranger Training Brigade staff toassist with the execution of the as-sessment and to help capture lessonslearned from the men and womentraining together.The female observer/advisers un-

derwent a weeklong evaluation inNovember 2014, before being selectedto move on to a modified Ranger in-structor training program, meant toprepare them to work in assigned areasduring the Ranger Course assessment. Observer/advisers will also observe

two cycles of an all-male RangerCourse as part of their preparation for

the April 2015 Ranger Course assessment.Manganaro said that female Sol-

diers who successfully complete theApril Ranger Course assessment willearn a certificate of completion for thecourse, and will have earned the priv-ilege of wearing the Ranger tab on theiruniform. However, she said, those Sol-diers will not get the Ranger skill iden-tifier, nor will they be able to transi-tion to a military occupational special-ty, or MOS, that requires the Rangerskill identifier, as those MOSs are notyet open to women.

Contact CIDIf someone would liketo report a crime, is thevictim of a crime, hasinformation about acrime, or would like tospeak with a CID special

agent, contact the local CIDOffice or call 1-844-ARMY-CID (844-276-9243). You can also email CID atArmy.CID.Crime.Tips@mail.mil.

CID provides guidance and tipson how to report a crime

First female Soldiers slated to attend Ranger Course

AMY HAVILANDArmy News Service

Even in the face of drawdowns andbudget challenges, the Army must con-tinue to think of new and better ways toimprove the force, and that’s exactlywhat participants were asked to doduring the Unified Quest InnovationSymposium, Jan. 13-15.In a partnership between U.S. Army

Training and Doctrine Command andthe College of William and Mary, professionals from business, academia,think tanks and the military gathered at the college in Williamsburg, Vir-ginia, to explore the challenges andopportunities for innovation in theArmy.“In the business world, innovation is

essential to success and profit,” saidGen. Daniel B. Allyn, vice chief of staffof the Army. “In the military, failure toinnovate could mean the loss of lifeand the freedom we cherish.”The vice chief said innovation drives

the development of new tools or meth-

ods that allow Army leaders to antici-pate future demands while stayingahead of adversaries.“Our adversaries are closing the

technology gap that we have enjoyedfor most of the last 60 years,” Allyn

said. “Our best means to maintainovermatch is through innovation, andwe must do this without the urgencydriven by Soldiers dying on the bat-tlefield.”In order to do this, symposium par-

ticipants met for three days to discusstrends in industry and military innova-tion, to look at obstacles and opportu-nities for Army innovation, and finally,working groups provided recommen-dations to Army senior leaders on thebest courses of action for the futureArmy, often referred to as Force 2025and Beyond.“We are counting on your clear rec-

ommendations on how to improveArmy innovation and how to informForce 2025 and Beyond efforts as wemodernize this force for the future,”Allyn added.Before the working groups met, Gen.

David Perkins, commanding general ofTRADOC, said their “homework” wasnot only to provide ideas and recom-mendations, but also to turn thoseideas into reality – similar to howTRADOC not only designs, but alsobuilds the Army.“TRADOC is the architect of the

Army, but I also remind folks thatTRADOC is also a design/build firm,”

Perkins said, “So I need you to helpme turn some of these good ideas intoa reality.”The insight and recommendations

gained from this symposium will be used as part of the Unified Quest2015-2016 campaign to help build thefuture Army.

Army: DA leaders to attend sessions CONTINUED FROM A-1

For the second day of training, the Sol-diers were organized into two convoy serialswith six vehicles per convoy and conductedbasic convoy battle drills.The battle drills learned were how to prop-

erly mount and dismount a vehicle, react tocontact while maintaining movement, whatto do when a vehicle is forced to stop andhow to properly break contact with the enemy.According to a company platoon leader,

this training is helpful for all the Soldiers inthe company.

“During their time out here, the Soldiersare getting a good opportunity to cross-train,”said 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Oclese, platoon lead-er, Co. A. On the last day, the Soldiers conducted a

complete convoy involving all aspects theyhad just learned over the last two days.“The last day is important, because when

you are in combat, muscle memory is what will help you be successful,” said Monserrati.At the end of the training, the company

commander said his “expectations were met”as he watched a group of Soldiers finish withtheir convoy operations.

Mustangs: Convoys hold battle drills CONTINUED FROM A-1

On a QuestUnified Quest is the Army

chief of staff’s annual futurestudy program and think tank tocapture ideas and help drivechange for the Army. Conduct-ed through TRADOC’s ArmyCapabilities Integration Center,Unified Quest includes a seriesof seminars, symposia and wargames. It culminates in theArmy Future Game, an annualwar game used to develop in-sights for future operational en-vironments that the Army mayface.

Photo by 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Christopher Welch, Pre-Ranger Course instructor, teaches a class about the proper emplacement of aClaymore Mine at the Lightning Academy/Jungle Operations Training Center at East Range Training Center onSchofield Barracks.

Photo provided by Army News Service

2nd Lt. Kelly Derienzo, 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery, works out Jan. 9during her final days in Fort Sill's Pre-Ranger Program. She is one of the firstwomen entering Fort Benning's Ranger Assessment and Selection Program.

Photo by provided by Army News Service

Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, vice chief of staff of the Army, and Gen. David G.Perkins, commander, TRADOC, listen to guest speakers during the UnifiedQuest Innovation Symposium at the College of William and Mary, Jan. 13-15.

The response was overwhelmingly

positive ... the interest outweighed

the number of slots available for the

Ranger Course.”

— Monica L. Manganaro

Spokesperson for the Maneuver Center of Excellence’s Airborne and Ranger

Training Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia

“

Innovation symposium focuses on bettering Army’s future

NEWS JANUARY 23, 2015 | A-5HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

LISA CHARLESU.S. Army-Hawaii and 25th Infantry Division,

Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program

“He would never do that!” “She’s one of our best Soldiers, so she definite-

ly didn’t do that.” “The victim must be lying.”

For many years, the statements above, amongmany others involving denial or trivialization,have been echoed by military leadership uponlearning about sexual assault or sexual harass-ment allegations against stellar Soldiers in theirranks. Leaders have found these allegations to be in-

credulous. Frankly, it has always been easier tobelieve a trusted Soldier than one whose credibil-ity is shaky. Further, a noncredible, troubled Soldier is the

perfect target for a predator. Who is more be-lievable if and when the sexual harassment or sex-ual assault is reported? To that end, many victims would see the

potential for an uphill battle and have insteadopted out of making a report and suffered in si-

lence as a result. Those who did musterthe courage to report were often lambast-ed or blamed for it.

“You shouldn’t have been there.” “What were you wearing?” “You were asking for it.”

Many were kicked out of the militaryaltogether. It should go without sayingthat justice for many victims of sexual as-sault has never existed. That was then. The military leaders of today have come full

circle. Leaders at all levels are heavily engaged inensuring their Soldiers know where to go if theyexperience sexual harassment or have been sex-ually assaulted. The fact that leaders are knowledgeable about

the programs in place to help their Soldiers hasinstilled a sense of trust by their Soldiers. Thenumbers prove it. The most recent DOD Annual Report on Sex-

ual Assault in the Military (2013) reflects that thenumber of reports of sexual assault nearly dou-bled from 2012. The 2012 report reflected military

members made 3,374 reportsof sexual assault. In 2013, there were 5,061 reportsof sexual assault. While it may sound counterintuitive to be hap-

py about an increase in reporting, it’s actually agood thing. This means service members trusttheir leadership to believe them enough to reporta sexual assault, where before, they did not. Weare indeed making strides!While it may sometimes feel like we are steer-

ing a ship in molasses, the culture in the militaryis indeed changing for the better. True, sexual as-saults are still happening at an alarming rate,

but more individuals are standing up and beingactive bystanders, and stopping predators intheir tracks. Bystander intervention is playing a significant

role by empowering people and giving them thecourage to intervene, act and motivate others todo the right thing. This directly correlates with the U.S. Army-

Hawaii’s 4S campaign where everyone is en-couraged to “Take a STAND!” against sexual as-sault/harassment, safety mishaps, suicide andsubstance abuse. Abiding by the rules, doing theright thing and addressing problems before theyescalate are critical in ensuring the mission isachieved. This is how culture change is effectu-ated.The four issues mentioned above often over-

lap, which is why they are combined in this US-ARHAW awareness campaign. And whether theybelieve it or not, every single Soldier, civilian andfamily member is a critical piece of the missionand play a huge role in changing the culture. Everyone – Soldier and civilian alike – has the

power to take a stand when they see somethinghappening that shouldn’t be. How will you take a stand?

MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST2ND CLASS JOHANS CHAVARRO

Navy Public Affairs Support Element WestDetachment Hawaii

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM — Lt.Col. George Corbari shared his own personalstory against the struggles of suicidal thoughtsand discussed strategies service members canuse to help themselves overcome similar obsta-cles during a suicide awareness presentation, atthe Memorial Chapel, here, Jan. 14.Corbari, strategic plans and policy officer at

U.S. Army-Pacific, shared his presentation,“Piercing the Darkness: Redefining Perceptionsabout Suicide.” During his remarks, he discussed modest, em-

ployable strategies service members and seniorleadership can employ in the workplace to aidagainst suicidal ideations.In the case of Corbari, life seemed to spiral

out of control in 2009, when his son attempted totake his life, when he and his wife’s yearlongadoption process almost unraveled, and finally,when his son-in-law was severely injured by animprovised explosive device during his deploy-ment to Afghanistan.

Hiding his emotions from his wife and feelingas though he had no one to turn to, Corbari saidhe began to internalize his feelings and blamehimself for the events that had unfolded.“When you get to a point that those things be-

come so crushing to you, your mind starts toplay some tricks on you, and that’s when youstart to get into the darkness,” Corbari said.It wasn’t until friends noticed him “checking

out” and confronted him that he was able to nav-igate through his feelings, and pull himself out ofthe darkness he found himself in.“They attacked what was important to me,

what they knew I really valued and that’s howthey were able to break through the darkness,” hesaid. “So, it was what they did for me that helpedme start to process things the right way and savedme from doing something harmful to myself.”Corbari said trustworthy relationships go a

long way toward opening avenues of commu-nications for someone who may be havingthoughts of suicide.“If you don’t know me, you also don’t know the

things to drill in me that are important to me,” hesaid. “And you can ask me the questions, but Imay deflect them. I may lie to you. ... It doesn’t re-

quire huge amounts of training, just me buildingrelationships with my (battle buddies) can helpsomeone from doing harm to themselves or mefrom doing harm to myself.”“Corbari really has ‘his hand on a pulse’ that re-

lationships and the connectedness of the rela-tionship makes all the difference in being suc-cessful in preventing suicide and creating a net-work of support,” said Chaplain (Lt. Cdr.) TomBingol, Navy Information and Operation CenterHawaii. “It reminded me of an old saying, ‘Peopledon’t care how much you know until they knowhow much you care,’ and, in a nutshell, by know-ing how much you care for people enables us toactually go into the dark spaces of their life andwalk with them toward better alternatives and recovery.” Corbari’s story reinforced the notion that a

person’s career will not end because they may bestruggling with suicidal thoughts.“When a person speaks out about their strug-

gle with suicide and is that much higher ranking,it really sets the tone that it’s not going to end yourcareer,”said Logistics Specialist 1st Class LisaMendez, U.S. Navy Supply Systems CommandFleet Logistics Center.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Diana Quinlan

Lt. Col. George Corbari, USARPAC, leads a sui-cide awareness and prevention presentation atJBPHH to offer his personal experiences bat-tling suicide.

Report says SHARP awareness is changing culture

Lt. Col. shares personal experiences about suicidal thoughts

NEWSA-6 | JANUARY 23, 2015 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

24 / SaturdayRevised Electrical Outage —The

power will be out, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., to sup-port Fort Shafter’s flood mitigation pro-ject main electrical line transfer.Units/directorates/others affected by theoutage should be prepared for an ex-

tended outage in this event.

26 / MondayFS Power Outages

— The following build-ings will be affected by an

electrical outage, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.:Fort Shafter Housing, Simpson, Wisser,2055, 2061, 2067, 2075, 2079, 2083, 2089,Simpson Street, Radar Hill, 255, 260, 265,270, 275, 280, 285 and 295. Call 457-4060 or 687-8317 for info on

this and the related Fort Shafter outages27 and 28, below.

Airdrome Road — There will beone-lane closures on Wheeler ArmyAirfield Airdrome Road, from theHangar 1020 area to the sewage treat-ment plant, weekdays, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.,until April 24.

27 / TuesdayFS Outages, Continued —The fol-

lowing buildings will be affected by anelectrical outage, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: FortShafter Housing, Simpson, Wisser, 2107,

2119, 2125, 2131, 2093, 2097,Simpson Street, HaouliSouth, 140, 150, 160, 170,174, Patch Place.

28 / WednesdayFS Outages, Continued —

Affected will be Fort Shafter Housing,Simpson, Wisser, 2137, 2145, 2155, 2163,2169, 2175, 2185, 2191, Simpson Street,Radar Hill, 106, 108, 110, 112, 412, 121,123, 125, 127, 419, 421, 423, 425, AustinRoad, Hauoli South, 178, 182, 190, 198,Patch Place.

30 / FridayNo Mo Go — Effective today, the

404th Army Field Support Brigade Logis-tics Readiness Center will no longer pro-vide dispatching services at Fort ShafterFlats. Non-tactical vehicles will be dis-patched at Bldg. 6027, East Range,Schofield Barracks. Vehicle dispatchingat the TMP occurs three weeks of eachmonth, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Contact your unit vehicle coordinator

for exact details.

February2 / Monday

Kolekole —A maintenance and re-pair project will install pedestrian beaconsigns on Kolekole Avenue, near theshopette, Schofield Barracks, 9 a.m.-2p.m. Left lane traffic in both directionswill be closed and required to merge intoright lane.

5 / ThursdayKaiona — There will be a partial

road closure on Kaiona Avenue for util-ity installation. The street will only beaccessible from Lyman Road, with noaccess from Kolekole Avenue. The workwill be performed weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Weekend work will only bedone if absolutely necessary between 9a.m.-5 p.m. Traffic will be detoured asnecessary to any local traffic needing ac-cess to Kaiona Avenue.

13 / FridayStream & Bridge — There was an

extension of the full road closure ofStream Road. The road will be closed inboth directions, from the intersection ofStream and Loop roads to the intersec-tion of Stream and Kahauiki StreamBridge. The primary detour for theStream Road Closure will be MokumoaStreet. Intermittent, one-hour, full-bridge

closures will occur, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., to-day and on the following dates:•Feb. 13, 14 and 16. •March 27.•April 3.One-lane closure and intermittent full

closures of Kahauiki Stream Bridge, con-tinue around the clock through Feb. 28.

21 / SaturdayCastner Outage —A power outage

is scheduled, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., to supportSchofield Barracks’ CastnerSubstation renovationproject.If you are still experi-

encing disruption inelectrical services after the

outage has been completedand power restored, call 656-3272.

March6 / Friday

Clinical Outgage — U.S. ArmyHealth Clinic-Schofield Barracks will ex-perience the second of three total pow-er outages, including its Acute Care Clin-ic, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The last outage is sched-uled for June 6.

OngoingSTIP — HDOT invites the public to

submit comments on the proposed STIPRevision #1 to the Federal Fiscal Year(FFY) 2015 to 2018 (+2) Statewide Trans-portation Improvement Program (STIP). Visit http://hidot.hawaii.gov/high

ways/revisions-for-2015-2018-2-stip/. Changes to the Oahu portion of the

STIP are pending and are concurrentlybeing processed as a Transportation Im-provement Program. Visit www.oahumpo.org/plans-and-

programs/transportation-improvement-program-tip/.

Pierce Street — Lane closures,weekdays, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., between FortShafter’s Wisser Road and MontgomeryDrive, will continue until Jan. 26. Theroad closure at Pierce Street for the por-tion between Wisser Road and BonneyLoop, and the lane closures betweenBonney Loop and Montgomery Drivewere extended to Jan. 26.

TodayDTS GTC —The new “Chip

and PIN” technology govern-ment travel charge card is here.Chip and PIN cards contain amicroprocessor that requiresthe cardholder authenticate viaa four-digit number at point ofsale. As of this month, only the

new cards will be issued; if yourcard expires between Februaryand December, a new one willbe issued 30 days before then,otherwise the dates for issuingnew cards varies based on ac-count use, expiration dates past2015, etc. Initially, the new cards will

work on the old magnetic stripuntil cardholders complete theirfirst “chip” transaction at astaffed, chip-enabled point ofsale. Visitwww.defensetravel.

dod.mil/site/govtravelcard.cp.cfm for helpful links about thenew technology and setting upyour card.

26 / MondayCIE — The Community In-

formation Exchange meeting,open to U.S. Army Hawaii Sol-diers and spouses, begins at 9a.m. at the Nehelani, SchofieldBarracks. The CIE informs par-ticipants about installation andcommunity matters. Garrison directorates and key

service providers will providedetails of upcoming events for30-60-90 days and the seniorcommander will host an openforum and Q&A session.

H20 — The Clean WaterProgram needs your input.Please comment on the 2014

Storm Water Annual Report andparticipate in U.S. Army Garri-son-Hawaii’s Program to im-prove water quality.Public comment period is

from Jan. 26-Feb. 13, 2015. Access the plan at www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/sustainability/CleanWater.aspx.

27 / TuesdayListening Sessions —The

Army will be conducting twoCommunity Listening Sessionsregarding proposed Army per-sonnel reductions. The public isinvited to hear from Army lead-ers on the proposed reductionsand to provide input on how areduction of up to 19,800 Armypersonnel in Hawaii could affect them. Both sessions will be hosted

by Department of the Armyleaders from Washington, D.C.,and Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn,commander, U.S. Army Hawaii.•Jan. 27 — Hale Koa Hotel,

Waikiki. Event parking at HaleKoa Hotel is $5 with validation.•Jan. 28 — Leilehua High

School. Free parking available.Both listening sessions will

be from 6:30-9 p.m.No stationing decisions have

been made, yet; however, Armyleadership anticipates an over-all reduction of Soldiers will im-pact most every Army post na-tionwide.More information is at U.S.

Army-Hawaii Public Affairs,656-3158/3159/3160

February 2 / Monday

Groundhogs and Keiki —A Junior Achievement job shad-ow pilot program for middleschool students on Oahu takesplace on Groundhog Day. The student will have the op-

portunity to learn about the po-sition and the company, as wellas receive valuable educationaland career development advice. Past participating organiza-

tions have included those with-in the health care, hospitality,financial, technology and gov-ernment sectors. Visit jahawaii.com.

Send announcements forSoldiers and civilianemployees to news@hawaiiarmyweekly.com.

Traffic Report lists road, constructionand noise advisories received by presstime from Army and Hawaii Departmentof Transportation (HDOT) sources.Visit www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/

info/trafficcalendar.htm for the latestArmy traffic advisories.Unless otherwise noted, all phone

numbers are area code 808.

FRIDAY, January 23, 2015

Story and photos byKAREN A. IWAMOTO

Staff Writer

MAKAPUU POINT TRAIL — The whalewatching began almost as soon as CristianHarris, 15, and Austin Weiss, 10, hit the trail,here, on Wednesday morning. A passer-by at the trailhead pointed to a rip-

ple far out into surrounding ocean that markedthe spot where a humpback whale had justbreached. “Everybody get your binoculars out,” said

Jordan Cook of the Directorate of Family andMorale, Welfare and Recreation’s EDGE Ad-venture program. Christian, Austin and the five other youth

who made up their group complied, and soonthere were excited shouts. “I see one!”“It’s right over there!”Once they got their fill of this particular

whale sighting, Sheree Mullen of DFMWR’sOutdoor Recreation program went over theground rules: “OK, guys. I want you to walk sin-gle-file and stay between me and Jordan. Stayaway from cliffs. I don’t want you getting tooclose to the edge.”The group proceeded up the trail with the

kids obeying the spirit of Mullen’s instructions,if not the letter. For the most part, they avoidedthe cliffs, but several of the children took de-tours into the shade of nearby kiawe and fellinto a heated debate over what being a Soldierentails. The conclusion was, “Army Soldiers don’t

hide in trees, duh.” (This is a pretty clear indi-cation that they hadn’t seen recent

issues of this paper, and, in fact, a couple ofthem confirmed that their reading material ofchoice was the “Harry Potter” series.)This outing was hosted by the EDGE pro-

gram, which offers affordable out-of-schoolopportunities for youth ages 6-18 to Experi-ence, Develop, Grow and Excel by participat-ing in art, fitness, life skills and adventure ac-tivities. EDGE programs are geared towardboth the after-school crowd and home-schoolers. Wednesday’s group was made up entirely

of home-schoolers. “The morning programs tend to be popu-

lar with home-schooled kids who don’t haveto be in school during those hours,” said Kris-tine Yasuda Tabbal, EDGE programs direc-tor.Cristian said he has participated in this

whale-watching hike several times before,and he enjoyed it, but his favorite EDGE activi-ty was surfing. “I even went out and surfed a couple of

times by myself (after learning the basicsthrough EDGE),” he said. His 11-year-old sister, Kelly, also took surf-

ing lessons through EDGE, and their mother,Cheryl, an Army spouse who home-schoolsCristian, Kelly and their 9-year-old sister Re-bekah, said she considers EDGE to be a bar-gain. “Personally, I think (the EDGE programs)

are a good deal,” she said. “Twenty dollars fortwo outings is not that expensive. Also, Jordan(Cook) has made a personal connection withmy children, and I really like that.”“It (EDGE) offers stuff we couldn’t necessari-

ly do in a one-on-one setting, and I think theyreally try to offer a variety of activities that aregeared toward all age groups,” added KellyWeiss, an Army spouse and former publicschool teacher who home-schools her twochildren, Katelyn, 12, and Austin, 10.Katelyn and Austin also participated in

Wednesday’s whale-watching hike, and whilethey seemed to enjoy being outdoors and ex-periencing the southeastern coastline ofOahu’s Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline, theirmother noted that the outing wasn’t just forfun. It also supplemented her home-school curriculum. “My kids are studying ma-

rine biology as part oftheir science

class,” she said. “This hike was a whale-watch-ing hike. That’s marine biology.”By making learning fun and allowing Army

children to immerse themselves in Hawaii’senvironment during their timehere, the EDGE programs aredesigned to offer fami-lies the best ofboth worlds.

ExploringExploringHome-Sch lingHome-Sch lingCristian Harris, 15, above, pauses at an informational display thatexplains the habits and behaviors of humpback whales. Harris partici-pated in a whale-watching hike along the Makapuu Point Trail,Wednesday, as part of the Army’s EDGE Adventure program.

Katelyn Weiss, 12, left, spots a humpbackwhale through her binoculars during a hikealong the Makapuu Point Trail onWednesday as part of the EDGE program.

Giving Kids an EDGEEDGE stands for Experience, Develop,

Grow and Excel, and it’s part of the Direc-torate of Family and Morale, Wel-fare and Recreation. It is dividedinto four programs that provide ex-tracurricular activities for school-age youth: •Art EDGE focuses on developing

creative skills through arts, such asceramics, computer graphic design,digital music-making, photography,fashion design, theater, woodwork-ing and more. •Fit EDGE focuses on cultivating physi-

cal activity through activities, such as

bowling, golf, nutrition, stress manage-ment, team pick-up sports, weight train-ing, yoga and more.

•Life EDGE focuses on life skillsand future career fields throughskills, such as cooking, auto mainte-nance, dog obedience, living green,marketing, money management andmore. •Adventure EDGE focuses on the

outdoors and nature through activi-ties, such as surfing, kayaking, biking,hiking and more. Call EDGE at 655-9818 or visit

www.himwr.com/the-edge for upcomingactivities and pricing information.

The children who participated in the EDGE Adventure program’s hike along theMakapuu Point Trail on Wednesday are being home-schooled by their parents.The Army’s EDGE programs offer a variety of activities geared toward familieswho choose to home-school their children.

Army’s ‘EDGE’ offers home-schoolers variety, options

TodayTree Trimming —Construction

crews have begun the trimming andremoval of trees from Leilehua GolfCourse. The height of the trees hasbeen identified as a safety hazard thatnegatively interferes with the sightline to the flight path for the WheelerArmy Airfield’s aircraft runway. Because of safety compliance is-

sues, officials have determined thatthe trees in the sight line of the flightpath must be trimmed or removed.Golfing patrons should anticipate mi-nor disruption in play. Fairways 4, 5,7, 8, 10 and 11 will be most impacted. Upon start of work, and weather

permitting, this project is anticipatedto take four weeks to complete. Formore information, contact Bob Lillie,Golf Course superintendent, at 656-0114.

Blind Date with a Book — Takea chance. Try something new. Fall inlove. It doesn’t matter if you’re aswinging single or committed love-bird, we want you to date – a book! During the month of February, stop

by the library to check out one of ourspecially wrapped books. There willbe some descriptive words on thewrapper to peak your interest, butotherwise, it will be sight unseen.When you return the book, you’ll

be able to rate your date and enter aprize drawing for a Navatek SunsetCruise for two.Call your local library for more in-

formation at 655-8002 (SB) or 438-9521 (FS).

SKIES Unlimited Dance Class-es — AMR and SB studios offer a va-riety of dance classes to includeRhythm in Motion for 2 year olds, Be-ginner/ Intermediate Dance Combofor Ballet, Tap for 3-5 and 6-9 years,Hip Hop and Ballroom Dancing. Call655-9818.

EDGE Home School Art Work-shops —Open to CYS registeredyouth and teens (grades 1-12) at SBArts & Crafts Center for fun work-shops designed to tap creativity. •Jan. 23 & 30 is Basket Weaving,

$23/per child, includes all supplies. Register at 655-9818.

28 / WednesdayBOSS — Single Soldiers and geo-

graphic bachelors are highly encour-aged to attend Better Opportunitiesfor Single Soldiers meetings everyWednesday of the month to discusscommunity service projects and funupcoming programs. Get involvedand make a difference. •North meetings are held at SB

Tropics, at 3 p.m., every 1st and 3rdWednesday. •South meetings are held at FS

Bowling Center at 10 a.m., every 2ndand 4th Wednesday. Call 655-1130.

Baby-Sitting & CPR — Registerfor SKIES Unlimited free baby-sittingand CPR/first aid monthly courses for12-18 year olds. After class comple-tion, 13 and over students will beadded to the SKIES super-sitter refer-

ral list. Class participation requires regis-

tration by a parent/guardian withArmy CYS, Parent Central Services.Register now at 656-9818 for the 4-7p.m. sessions:•Jan 28, Feb. 18 & 25, CPR/first aid.•Feb. 4 & 11, baby-sitting.

30 / FridayHawaiian Luau Lunch Buffet

— Enjoy delicious local style food atSB Kolekole Bar & Grill and FS Mulli-gan’s Bar & Grill every last Friday ofthe month. Call SB at 655-4466 or FSat 438-1974.

February1 / Sunday

Big Game Party —Come watchthe big game on the SB Tropics 16-foot, blow-up screen. Doors open at

11 a.m. for a day that features $10 fin-ger food, cornhole challenge, waterpong, free popcorn, card stack, musi-cal chairs and limbo. Call 655-5698.

2015 Super Bowl Party/FamilyBrunch — Bring the family out andwatch the big game at SB Kolekole.Doors open at 11 a.m. with brunchbuffet available for $16.95/adult and$7.95/child. Games and prizes all daylong. Call 655-4466.

2 / MondayTrack & Field Registration —

Be a part of the new DevelopmentalArmy Hawaii Youth Track & FieldTeam. Registration is open, Feb. 2-27,to youth born from 1997-2007. Cost is$40/child. First-time participants and re-

Send announcements a week priorto publication to community@

hawaiiarmyweekly.com.

TodayHome Building & Remodel-

ing Show —Weekendevent, Jan. 23-25, at theBlaisdell Center Exhibi-tion Hall, is a one-stopshop for anyone look-ing to build a new homeor remodel an existinghome. Attend seminars on thelatest building trends, new productsand emerging technologies. Spon-sored by the building industry ofHawaii.

23 / SaturdayKuhio Beach Hula Show —

Free show, 6-7 p.m., Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays at theKuhio Beach Hula Mound, near theDuke Kahanamoku statue, weatherpermitting. Call 843-8002. Seating onthe grass, beach chairs, mats andcameras are welcome.

25 / SundaySharons Run/Walk 5K/10K

and Ride — Scenic East Oahu andthe Windward Coast will be featured,beginning at 7 a.m., for the benefit ofthe Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii.This event is expected to have 450runners and 200 cyclists. Begins and

ends at Kapiolani Community Col-lege. Email egh@hawaiiepilepsy.com.

26 / MondayCommunity Information Ex-

change (CIE) — The next CIE (for-merly known as the SIM, or SpouseInformation Meeting) is 9 a.m., Jan.

26, at the Nehelani. The focusof this meeting is installa-tion and communitymatters. Garrison directorates

and key service providerswill offer details of upcom-ing events for 30-60-90 daysand the senior commanderwill host an open forum and

Q&A session.

30 / FridayShanghai Circus —Over 40 ac-

robats of China bring the Orient toHonolulu in a fast-paced, excitingproduction featuring internationallyaward-winning acts, through Jan. 30,at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. The New Shanghai Circus cele-

brates the exotic wonders of Chinawhile showcasing dramatic interpre-tation of classic Chinese dance andphysical performance. General ad-mission is $25.

31 / SaturdayPearl Harbor Bike Path 10K

Run — Starts 6:30 a.m., at Lehua El-ementary School, and continuesalong the Pearl Harbor Bike Path,around Marina Bay Restaurant, toLehua St., to finish at Lehua Elem.School.

Makahiki Challenge 2015— It’s a Kualoa Ranch-area en-durance test. Tackle 3+ miles onthis obstacle journey through tire-less hills, rough terrain and mud pits.Begins at 9 a.m. for ages 16 and older.Register at www.makahikichall

enge.com or call 924-0279.

Jim Brickman Concert —Grammy award-winning adult con-temporary artist performs, 7:30 p.m.,at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets available at the NBC box

office or through Ticketmaster at800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

OngoingLeilehua Parent Teacher Stu-

dent Organization — Provides aforum to voice concerns, make sug-gestions and share ideas. Member-ship drive seeks active and no-sweatmemberships. Contact Karl Spix,PTSO president, at 255-5082.

TAMC Arts and Crafts Volun-teers —American RedCross is seeking volunteersfor patient and familysupport. Contact YolandaGainwell at 433-6631.

Go Akamai —Commuterscan now check real-time traffic dataat GoAkamai.org, courtesy of theHawaii State Department of Trans-portation and the City and County ofHonolulu, Department of Trans-portation Services.

GoAkamai.org is a one-stopwebsite that provides real-timetraffic data, enabling travelers tomake better decisions when

planning their commutes. Travelers are encouraged to check

GoAkamai.org before leaving work orhome.

Vehicle Registration — TheCity and County of Honolulu satellitevehicle registration office at JointBase Pearl Harbor-Hickam is openfor business 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tues-days and Thursdays, at 915 NorthRoad, Bldg. 1314, in the Club PearlComplex. The service is open to all military

personnel, their family members andcivilians from all military bases withbase access.

Vet Center — The FS VeterinaryTreatment Facility is now seeing petsthroughout the week from 8 a.m.-4p.m., providing affordable preventa-tive care and mandatory airlinehealth certificates required within 10days of air travel. Call 433-2271.

Food for Families — ASYM-CA at WAAF has an emergencyfood locker to assist families.It’s open 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon-day-Friday. Call 624-5645.

Tripler Parking — TAMC hasopened 121 new parking stalls on thelower level of the Oceanside parkinglot. TAMC leaders launched theparking project to help alleviate park-ing concerns.

COMMUNITYB-2 | JANUARY 23, 2015 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

Calendar abbreviations8th TSC: 8th Theater Sustainment

Command25th ID: 25th Infantry DivisionACS: Army Community ServiceAFAP: Army Family Action PlanAFTB: Army Family Team Building AMR: Aliamanu Military Reservation

ASYMCA: Armed Services YMCABCT: Brigade Combat TeamBSB: Brigade Support BattalionCo.: CompanyCYSS: Child, Youth and School ServicesEFMP: Exceptional Family Member Pro-

gramFMWR: Family and Morale, Welfare and

Recreation FRG: Family Readiness GroupFS: Fort ShafterHMR: Helemano Military

ReservationIPC: Island Palm CommunitiesPFC: Physical Fitness CenterSB: Schofield Barracks

SKIES: Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills

TAMC: Tripler Army MedicalCenter

USAG-HI: U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii

USARPAC: U.S. Army-PacificWAAF: Wheeler Army Airfield

Additional religious services,children’s programs, education-al services and contact informa-tion can be found at www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil. (Click on “Religious SupportOffice” under the “Directoratesand Support Staff” menu.)

AMR: Aliamanu ChapelFD: Fort DeRussy ChapelHMR: Helemano ChapelMPC: Main Post Chapel,

Schofield BarracksPH: Aloha Jewish Chapel,

Pearl Harbor SC: Soldiers’ Chapel,

Schofield BarracksTAMC: Tripler Army

Medical Center ChapelWAAF: Wheeler Army Airfield

Chapel

Buddhist Services•First Sunday, 1 p.m. at FD•Fourth Sunday, 1 p.m. at MPCAnnex

Catholic Mass•Thursday, 9 a.m. at AMR •Saturday, 5 p.m. at TAMC,WAAF•Sunday services:- 8:30 a.m. at AMR-10:30 a.m. at MPC Annex-11 a.m. at TAMC

•Monday-Friday, 11:45 a.m. atSoldiers’ Chapel and 12 p.m.,TAMC

Gospel Worship•Sunday, noon. at MPC•Sunday, 12:30 p.m. at AMR

Islamic Prayers and Study•Friday, 1 p.m. at MPC Annex•Friday, 2:30 p.m., TAMC•Saturday and Sunday, 5:30 a.m.;6, 7 and 8 p.m. at MPC Annex

Jewish Shabbat (Sabbath)•Friday, 7:30 p.m. at PH

Pagan (Wicca)•Friday, 7 p.m. at WheelerAnnex

Protestant Worship•Sunday Services-9 a.m. at MPC-9 a.m., at FD, TAMC chapel-10 a.m. at HMR-10:30 a.m. at AMR -11:30 a.m. at WAAF (Spanish language)-11 a.m. at SC (Contemporary)

Liturgical (Lutheran/Anglican)•Sunday, 10 a.m. at WAAF

Night at the Museum:Secret of the Tomb

(PG) Fri., Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Sat., Jan. 24, 6 p.m.

The Hobbit: The Battleof the Five Armies

(PG-13) Sat., Jan. 24, 2 p.m. Sun., Jan. 25, 2 p.m.

The Imitation Game(PG-13)

Thurs., Jan. 29, 7 p.m.

No shows on Mondays, Tuesdaysor Wednesdays.

Call 624-2585 for movie listings or go to aafes.com

under reeltime movie listing.

MUDDY MAKAHIKI

See MWR Briefs B-4

Photos courtesy of Makahiki Challenge

Registration is open for the 2015 MakahikiChallenge, which takes place 9 a.m., Jan. 31, atKualoa Ranch.

The Makahiki Challenge is a 3-plus-mile jour-ney through hills, obstacles and mud designedto test participants’ physical endurance andmental toughness, and culminates with livemusic and beer from Kona Brewing Company.

Participants must be 16 years or older. Thedeadline to register online is Saturday, Jan. 24,but late registration is available 11 a.m.-5p.m., Monday, Jan. 26, at Runner’s HI, 98-390Kamehameha Hwy., and 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Kona Brew Pub, 7192 KalanianaoleHwy. Visit makahikichallenge.com for direc-tions and pricing information.

Service helps taxpayerswith new health care law

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICENews Release

HONOLULU — The Internal Revenue Serviceand the Free File Alliance have announced thelaunch of Free File, which makes brand-name taxsoftware products and electronic filing availableto most taxpayers in Hawaii for free, Friday. Free File software can help taxpayers with tax

preparation, including the health care law thatwill affect almost everyone. Hawaii taxpayers can use Free File software

immediately — e-filed returns started transmit-ting to the IRS, Tuesday, when the filing seasonofficially began. “About 70 percent of all federal tax returns

come in below the $60,000 income level,” said IRSspokesman David Tucker II. “Millions can use itto file a federal income tax return for free.”Nationally, more than 3.2 million people used

Free File last year with over 12,000 coming fromHawaii. Since 2003, more than 43 million peoplehave used Free File, saving $1.3 billion based ona conservative $30-fee estimate.“You don’t have to be an expert on taxes or the

new health care law. Free File software can helpwalk you through the rules and help you get itright,” said John A. Koskinen, IRS commissioner.“For 12 years, this partnership between the IRSand the Free File Alliance has helped taxpayerssave both money and time. The real winner in thispartnership has been the nation’s taxpayers.”Taxpayers who earned $60,000, or less, last

year are eligible to choose from among 14 soft-

ware products. For those who earned more, theyare still eligible for Free File fillable forms, theelectronic version of IRS paper forms. This morebasic Free File option, which is best for peoplecomfortable preparing their own tax return, be-came available Tuesday (Jan. 20).Free File offers easy-to-use products that ask

questions and supplies answers. The softwarewill find the right forms, find the right tax creditsand deductions and even do the math.Free File will be available through October

2015. Taxpayers who cannot meet the April 15 taxdeadline can also use Free File to file a six-monthextension.

DHHS offers tax-filing support U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND

HUMAN SERVICESNews Release

In preparation for the 2015 tax filing sea-son, which officially begins next week, theU.S. Department of Health and Human Ser-vices has released a fact sheet detailing infor-mation Hawaii tax filers need to know as theyprepare to file their federal returns.This tax season marks the first time indi-

viduals and families in Hawaii will be askedto provide basic information regarding theirhealth insurance on their tax returns. Consumers may have questions about this

new process, and the administration is com-mitted to providing the information and toolstax filers need to understand the new re-quirements.In the coming weeks, the administration

will continue to provide additional resourcesto help consumers prepare for tax filing sea-son, including online tools to help individu-als connect with local tax preparation ser-vices and determine if they are eligible for anexemption.For more information about this effort – or

to request an interview with an official fromthe Department of Health and Human Ser-

vices, contact press@cms.hhs.gov or call(202) 690-6145.

The Fact SheetHere are some comments in the Health

Coverage and Federal Income Taxes factsheet.The vast majority of tax filers – over three

quarters – will just need to check a box ontheir tax return indicating they had healthcoverage for all of 2014. These people met the Minimum Essential

Coverage requirement, which means thatthey had the basic health coverage necessaryto meet the Affordable Care Act’s standards.These individuals and families will not re-ceive any new forms in the mail, and they willnot be required to fill out new forms whenthey file their 2014 income tax returns.People who purchased coverage through

the Health Insurance Marketplaces, or whodecided not to enroll in coverage, should beaware of the additional steps that will be apart of the tax filing process starting thisyear.

(Note: This information was issued Friday,Jan. 16, 2015, by the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services.)

COMMUNITY JANUARY 23, 2015 | B-3HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

Failing to report couldresult in a tax penalty

TERRI MOON CRONKDOD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON — As tax season begins,Defense Department officials want to remindTRICARE beneficiaries of changes in the taxlaws, which require all Americans to havehealth care insurance or potentially pay a taxpenalty.For the first time since the Affordable Care

Act (ACA) passed in 2010, all U.S. citizens, in-cluding service members, military retireesand their family members, must reporthealth care coverage on their 2014 taxes, saidMark Ellis, a Defense Health Agency healthcare operations program analyst.For this year only, taxpayers will “self-at-

test“ on their 2014 tax forms, for eachmonth in which they had health care cover-age, he said.

Meets minimal essential coverageThe act mandates that health care must

meet minimum essential coverage, andTRICARE coverage meets those criteria forthe majority of service members and theirfamilies, Ellis said.TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Standard,

TRICARE for Life, TRICARE Overseas,TRICARE Remote and the Uniformed Ser-vices Family Health Plan meet the minimumessential coverage, he added. When pur-chased, premium-based plans such as TRI-CARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Re-serve also fulfill the act’s requirements.Uniformed service members who have

questions about TRICARE, the act and the in-dividual coverage mandate can visit the TRI-CARE website to download a fact sheet onTRICARE and the act, with TRICARE plans

compared to minimum essential coverage,Ellis said.Military beneficiaries who are solely eligi-

ble for care in military hospitals and clinics,for example, parents and parents-in-law,have an automatic exemption from the taxpenalty for tax year 2014 only.The TRICARE website and ACA fact sheet

site also have suggestions for those who needto purchase coverage to meet the act’s mini-mum requirements, he noted. That could in-clude retired reservists, Selected Reservemembers, young adults up to age 26 andthose who leave military service but needtransitional coverage, Ellis said.TRICARE beneficiaries with tax questions

should contact the Internal Revenue Serviceor their tax advisers, he emphasized.“The experts there can help them,” Ellis

said.

Online SupportThe TRICARE and ACA fact sheet are

available at www.tricare.mil/~/media/Files/TRICARE/Publications/FactSheets/ACA_FS.pdf.

TRICARE patients remindedto report health coverage

Photo courtesy of U.S. Army

This year, those filing taxes in Hawaii will be asked to provide information regarding theirhealth insurance. The Department of Health and Human Services provides resources to helpconsumers navigate their taxes.

Health Care RequirementsAlmost everyone will need to do some-

thing new when filing a tax return thisyear. Free File can help taxpayers withnew health care requirements. For eachmonth in 2014, you and everyone onyour return must do the following:•Report health care coverage.•Claim an exemption from coverage.•Make a shared responsibility pay-

ment with your tax return.Most people will simply have to check

a box to report health care coverage forthe entire year. Free File is available only at IRS.gov/

FreeFile.

Yearly DocumentsHere are some common tax-related

documents you will need to complete yourtax return. Remember, you must also havedocumentation of any credit or deductionyou are claiming as well.•A copy of last year’s tax return.•Valid Social Security numbers for your-

self, spouse and children.•All income statements, i.e., W-2 forms,

from all employers.•Interest/dividend statements, i.e., 1099

forms.•Form 1099-G showing any state re-

funds.•Unemployment compensation

amount, if any.•Form 1095-A, if you purchased cover-

age from a Health Insurance Marketplace.•Proof of health care insurance cover-

age for you and everyone on your return.

IRS Free File is now available to assist Hawaii tax filers

File photo

Free File software can help taxpayers with tax return preparation, including the new health carecoverage filing requirements.

newals must sign-up at CYSServices Parent Central Of-fices. Ask about the multi-child reduction fee. Call theYouth Sports office at FS/AMR

at 836-1923 or SB/WAAF/HMR at 655-6465.

3 / TuesdayPottery Wheel Throw-

ing — Create a beautiful vaseor decorative bowl, 5-8 p.m.,Tuesdays, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m.,Sundays, at the PotteryWheel Throwing workshopsat SB Arts and Crafts Center.Call 655-4202.

4 / Wednesday EDGE Home School

Adventure-Biking Series— In partnership with Out-door Recreation, join the on-base bike ride, 9:30 a.m., Feb.4 & 18, for grades 1-12; mustwear shoes and bring waterand sunscreen. Cost is$20/child. Call 655-9818.

6 / Friday EDGE Home School Art

Workshops — Open to CYSregistered youth and teens,grades 1-12.

•Feb. 6, Basket Weaving;$23/child, includes supplies.

•Feb. 13, 20 & 27; fabric

beads and painted “silk”shapes; $23/child.

25th ID Golf Scramble— Leilehua Golf Course, 10a.m.-4 p.m., hosts the four-person scramble format. Reg-istration and payment re-

quired 15 days prior to event.Fees collected in front of theG-2 (3rd floor Bldg. 580) onTuesday and Thursday, 9:30-10 a.m. Green/cart fees, foodw/beverage included.

For preregistration, call Sgt.Justin Corley, 655-4711.

COMMUNITYB-4 | JANUARY 23, 2015 HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

George Washingtononce said, “If freedom ofspeech is taken away, thendumb and silent may webe led, like sheep toslaughter.”

It was with this samelogic that our kidsmouthed off at us recently.

History trip“History? What do you mean we’re going to

experience ‘history’?” Lilly whined from theback of the minivan.

Anna’s groggy eyes peered incredulouslyfrom under a mop of bed head. Hayden, stillhalf asleep, grimaced in solidarity with his sis-ters.

It was 9 a.m., which on weekends is essen-tially the middle of the night to our threeteenagers, and we were driving from our basehouse on Naval Station Newport, Rhode Is-land, to Boston, to spend the day walking “TheFreedom Trail.”

“This is our last chance to do something as afamily before Hayden goes back to college, sozip it,” my husband Francis dictated like KingGeorge.

Too sleepy to battle, the kids surrenderedand went immediately back to sleep.

With the uprising squelched, I settled intomy seat to study the tour book, while Francisdrove us north on Route 24. As long as we did-n’t freeze to death, we would walk the 2.5-miletrail through downtown Boston, past 16 sitesthat played a pivotal roll in the dramatic strug-gle for the ideals of freedom of speech, religion,government and self-determination.

Although our kids would have rather gone toschool wearing headgear, we wanted them toexperience the events that sparked the Ameri-can Revolution over two centuries ago.

Glancing in the visor mirror at ourteenagers’ sprawled open-mouthed in the backseats, I repeated the thought that had passedthrough my mind countless times: “Hopefullythey’ll appreciate this one day.”

Somehow, it was my fault when Francismissed the hairpin turn the GPS ordered himto take in Boston’s Financial District. My hus-band is Irish-Italian after all, but we eventuallyarrived at the parking garage recommended byour tour book.

Our hike began at the Old State House,

dwarfed by surrounding skyscrapers, where in1761 patriot James Otis rendered a five-hourspeech that ignited the colonists’ original re-bellion. Only 15 years later, the newly signedDeclaration of Independence was read aloudto the people of Boston from the building’s bal-cony.

If only we were holding muskets, our familyof five would have passed for bedraggled revo-lutionary militia, as we fought the bitter windsto march over the site of the Boston Massacre,north toward the Charles River. We thought wesaw the “two if by sea” lanterns hanging on theOld North Church steeple, Paul Revere’s sig-nals that British “regulars” were coming to in-vade. But thankfully, it was only the neon lightsof the restaurants and bakeries on the NorthEnd, Boston’s version of Little Italy.

“C’mon, let’s go there, puhleeeese!” thetroops protested, pointing wearily to the red-awninged Pizzeria Regina. In order to quelltheir cries of Starvation Without Representa-tion, we allowed the majority to rule andstopped for lunch.

The meal was of historic proportions, andour patriots were properly refueled to survivethe rest of the march, even while lugging plas-

tic doggie bags of leftover slices. We passedthree more sites – Copp’s Hill Burying Ground,The Old North Church and Paul Revere’shouse – before the kids asserted their inalien-able right to dessert.

Sucking pistachio-laced ricotta from a can-noli the size of my boot, I tasted the benefits offreedom as we trudged on toward the OldSouth Meeting House, the Massachusetts StateHouse and Boston Common – stopping at thegraves of John Hancock, Sam Adams and PaulRevere along the way.

In the end, we completed the 2.5-mile Free-dom Trail before dusk and were safely splayedout on our family room couch, channel surfingby 8 pm.

“Hey Dad,” Hayden interrupted Francis’game of smart phone solitaire. “Check thisout.”

Ironically, CNN was covering breaking newsof the discovery of a time capsule buried byPaul Revere and Sam Adams 225 years ago in acornerstone of the Massachusetts State House.The latex-gloved scientists displayed the cop-per box of artifacts for the cameras. As our songazed at the television, his face expressed new-found respect for the brave determination ofour founding fathers.

As debate over freedom of speech rages onin Paris, in the media and in our family of five,America stands as a shining beacon to the restof the world of what can be accomplishedwhen, at all costs, people demand to be heard.

(A 20-year military spouse and mother ofthree, Molinari has plenty of humor to share inher column, “The Meat and Potatoes of Life.”)

THEMEAT & POTATOES OF LIFE

LISA SMITH MOLINARIContributing Writer

File photo

The recent time capsule discovery at Boston’sMassachusetts State House excited generatedhistory into the home of the author’s family.

File photo

The author’s family visited the site where the Declaration of Independance was first read aloud tothe people of Boston.

CONTINUED FROM B-2

Cornerstones and cannoli part of discovery venture

If freedom of speech

is taken away, then

dumb and silent

may we be

led, like

sheep to

slaughter.”

— George

Washington

First U.S. President

“

TRICARENews Release

When most people hear the term healthyweight, they immediately think of the D-word… yes, diet. However, Healthy Weight Week was

established to encourage people tostop dieting and under-stand that health reallyisn’t about a number,but about living yournatural weight support-ed by healthy living.

New habitsEach January,

Healthy WeightWeek encourageshealthy diet-free liv-ing habits that last a lifetimeand prevent eating andweight problems. A healthyweight is not weightachieved through restrictedeating, typically the oppositehappens. According to the Dietary

Guidelines for Americans2010, a healthy eating planincludes the following:•Emphasizes fruits, veg-

etables, whole grains andfat-free or low-fat milk and

milk products.•Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans,

eggs and nuts.•Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, choles-

terol, salt (sodium) and added sugars.•Stays within your daily calorie needs.Each person’s body is unique and has differ-

ent caloric needs. If you are maintaining yourcurrent body weight, you are in caloric bal-

ance. If you need to gain weight or tolose weight, you’ll need to tip

the balance scale inone direction

or the other. The United States Department of Agricul-

ture has an interactive tool to monitor food in-take and physical activity called the Super-Tracker. You can also use tools on your mobilephone or low-tech toolslike a food or phys-ical activitydiary.

Available ToolsIf you’ve made a New Year’s Resolu-

tion to get to a healthy weight, or are justlooking for tools to maintain your health,visit TRICARE’s Healthy Living section onthe Web. There are tools there to helpwith adopting a healthy lifestyle, as wellas information about your health andwellness coverage. Visit these sites:•https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/

default.aspx.•www.health.mil/Military-Health-

Topics/Operation-Live-Well.•www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsIt

Covered/PreventiveServices.aspx.

HEALTH JANUARY 23, 2015 | B-5HAWAII ARMY WEEKLY

Hawaii Exchange resolves to promote healthy 2015HAWAII EXCHANGE

News Release

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — For many, thedawning of a new year is a time to focus onhealth and fitness. In fact, nearly one-third of Americans who

make New Year’s resolutions focus on healthand fitness, according to the Cooper Clinic. From low-calorie meals in the food court

and Express, to the latest workout gear in themain store, the Hawaii Exchange is doing itspart to ensure military service members andtheir families have a healthy new year.

Healthy lifestyle offeringsIn the main store, military shoppers will find

a broad selection of products to encourage ahealthy lifestyle as part of the Exchange’s BEFIT program, which promotes a healthier bodyand mind through good-for-you products andservices.“Military service (members) must be mis-

sion-ready in body, mind and spirit,” saidCathy Ely, Exchange store manager, here. “TheHawaii Exchange knows it’s crucial to providethe tools necessary to sustain a healthy, activelifestyle.”Military shoppers who want a bite to eat

without ruining their resolutions can turn tohealthy options at the Schofield/Hickam foodcourt and other locations. •At Subway, eight Fresh Fit® subs are certi-

fied by the American Heart Association andhave 6 grams of fat or less. •Anthony’s Pizza offers a variety of salads, all

less than 300 calories, like Buffalo Chicken,Crispy Chicken and Cran-Apple Chicken salad.•Popeye’s Louisiana Live Well menu offers

Blackened Tender Po’Boy, Blackened Tendersand wraps for 350 calories or less.•Charley’s offers Chicken California, Chick-

en Buffalo, Veggie Delight, Ultimate Club andItalian Deluxe, to name a few, all under 500calories.•At Starbucks, a Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon

sandwich is just 230 calories.Military service members in a rush can also

fill up on healthy choices at the Schofield/Hickam Express locations. Snack Avenue offersfresh salads with less than 300 calories, chilled

fruit cups and oatmeal. The Fresh Fruit program offers bananas, ap-

ples and oranges. The Express provides shop-pers a wide array of meal replacement options,such as PowerBar, Clif Bar, Quest and KindBars, all available in assorted flavors.“Fresh, healthy snacks and meals help mili-

tary service (members) make smart choices onthe go,” Ely said.

Video still courtesy of Exchange BE FIT program

Personal trainer Christina Carrillo demonstrates the proper way to execute a reverse crunch. The reverse crunch, when done along with other HighIntensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercises, offers a full-body workout in a short amount of time.

‘Healthy Weight Week’ strives for healthier habits, not diets

File photos

Having morefruits and beans/

legumes, in additionto lean meats, in diet is alifetime strategy.