The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - Nov. 23, 2007

8/14/2019 The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - Nov. 23, 2007

1/24

November 23, 2007 Volume 6, Issue 08 http://imcom.korea.army.mil Published for those serving in the Republic of Korea

Noncombatant

Exercise tests

new procedures

Page 5

Students draw

on Family Strong,

Army Strong

Page 22Inside

Community

celebrates Native

American heritage

Page 10

See page 22 for story

and photos

See page 22 for story

and photos

Samuel Morris (in the air) skies to kick the ball clear of Darnell Chang (62), Kristopher Lewis (67) and others in the 13-15 IMCOM-K 13-15 year old Soccer Finals at Humphreys Soldier

Field Saturday, Nov. 17. U.S. Army Photo By Mike Mooney

Turf wars: Korea-wide youth compete in finals

by Dave Palmer

USFK Public Affairs

United States Forces Korea families from around the Republiclearned what an actual Sail Away would be like during USFKssemi-annual exercise. Courageous Channel 07-02, Non CombatantEvacuation (NEO), held from Nov. 1518, was more than arehearsal of evacuation procedures.

Whether a NEO is called for a natural disaster or a man madeone, everyone involved can clearly see the difficulties in caringfor and maintaining accountability of non-combatants, saidLieutenant Colonel Richard Sanders, Lead NEO Escort. Sandersadded, We saw first hand the challenges of evacuating 46 peopleunder emergency conditions.

Our Sail Away group represented many possible variables,foreign citizen spouses, foreign embassy staff and foreign servicemembers to name a few. As we were moved from home station to

USFK Conducts Non-Combatant Evacuation Sail Awayevacuation control centers on the peninsula the Servicemembersprocessing us had to quickly integrate us in to their community.

It was clear our group added a real life feel to the exercise. eNEO allows the Servicemember that stays behind to focus on theirmission, their job one, and be assured that families are taken careof, said Airman First Class Alexandrea Larson, NEO Warden, 51stOperation Group.

Several members of our group kept journals so they

can share their experiences with friends and neighbors tobetter prepare in the event of an actual NEO, Larson added.For the exercise, families needed to bring their NEO packets,

which include important documents. To speed the process NTS-K the NEO Tracking System allowed sponsors to electronicallypre-register their families. Currently the system activates just priorto an exercise and terminates after it.When the link is active it willbe a featured l ink under Family Info and in the Hot Topics sectionof USFK.mil.

Squadron Leader Peter Franken looks on as

he is processed into the NEO Tracking System

at USAG Yongsans EEC. U.S. Army Photo

By Dave Palmer


2/24

The Morning CalmPublished by Installation Management

Command - Korea

Commanding General/Publisher: Brig. Gen. Al Aycock

Public Affairs Officer/Editor: Edward N. JohnsonSenior Editor:Susan Silpasornprasit

USAG-RED CLOUDCommander: Col. Larry A. Jackson

Public Affairs Officer: Margaret Banish-DonaldsonCI Officer: James F. Cunningham

USAG-YONGSANCommander: Col. David W. Hall

Public Affairs Officer: David McNallyCI Officer: Kenneth Fidler

Staff Writer: Sgt. Jung Jae-hoon

USAG-HUMPHREYS

Commander: Col. John E. Dumoulin Jr.Public Affairs Officer: Bob McElroy

Writer/Editor: Andre D. Butler

CI Oficer: Stacy Ouellette

USAG-DAEGUCommander: Col. Michael P. Saulnier

Public Affairs Officer: Ronald Inman

Public Affairs Specialist: Samuel G. HudsonStaff Writer: Cpl. Kyung Chul NA

This Army newspaper is an authorized publication for

members of the Department of Defense. Contents

of The Morning Calm Weekly are not necessarilyofficial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,

Department of Defense, or Department of the Army.The editorial content of this weekly publication is the

responsibility of the IMCOM-Korea, Public Affairs, APO

AP 96205. Circulation: 9,500

Printed by Oriental Press, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Government, under exclusive

written contract with the Contracting Command-Korea.

The civilian printer is responsible for commercialadvertising. The appearance of advertising in this

publication, including inserts or supplements, does notconstitute endorsement by the U.S. Army or Oriental

Press of the products or services advertised. Every-

thing advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patronage without regard

to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, maritalstatus, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any

other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policyby an advertiser is confirmed, the printer shall refuse

to print advertising from that source until the violationis corrected.

Oriental Press President: Charles ChongCommercial Advertising

Telephone: 738-5005 or 723-4253Fax: (02) 790-5795

E-mail: [email protected]

Mail address: PSC 450, Box 758, APO AP 96206-0758Location: Bldg. 1440, Yongsan, Main Post

SUBMISSIONS OR COMMENTS:

Phone: DSN 724-TMCW (8629)

Fax: DSN 724-3356E-mail: MorningCalmWeekly @korea.army.mil

Submitting to

The Morning Calm Weekly

Send Letters to the Editor, guest commen-

taries, story submissions and other items:

[email protected].

For all submitted items include a point of con-tact name and telephone number. All items are

subject to editing for content and to insure they

conform with DoD guidelines.

IMCOM-K Public Affairs

and the Morning Calm Weekly staff are located

in Bldg. 1416, Yongsan Garrison Main Post.

For information, call 724-3365.

Visit us online

The Morning Calmimcom.korea.army.mil

NEWS PAGE 2http://imcom.korea.army.mil NEWS THE MORNING CALM

IMCOM-KOREA: Safety Update

Special to The Morning Calm Weekly

inking of buying someone a gift? Not so fast. e Army hasstrict rules which must be followed. In this article, the legal office

will discuss everything that you need to know in order to stay outof trouble when giving or receiving gifts.

As a general rule, you may not receive gifts that are given becauseof your official position or one that is given by a prohibited source(e.g., someone who has an interest in the performance of official

Army missions). Certain items, however, are not considered gifts atall and are therefore excluded from the general prohibition. eseitems include light refreshments (i.e., coffee and donuts), items ofno intrinsic value such as plaques or trophies, and awards or prizesfrom contests that are open to the public.

When analyzing whether a gift is acceptable according to Armyregulations, we apply three separate categories of rules dependingon who is giving the gift. e categories are: (1) gifts from outside(prohibited) sources; (2) gifts between employees; and (3) gifts from

foreign governments.Gifts from outside (prohibited) sources comprise a fairly largecategory that generally includes any person or organization thatdoes business with or seeks to do business with any Department ofDefense entity, or has an interest that may be substantially affectedby performance or nonperformance of the employees official duties.ere are, however, a few exceptions. A gift can be accepted froma prohibited source or one that was given because of the receiversofficial position provided that the value of the gift is less than $20,and gifts from that same source do not exceed $50 per year. Anotherexception is when the gift is based on an outside relationship, suchas a family relationship or personal friendship. Keep in mind,however, that even if a gift falls within one of these exceptions,you should not accept it if it will undermine Government integrity.Perception is reality!

In regards to gifts between employees, the general rule is that

superiors may not accept or solicit a gift from a subordinate, andsubordinates may not give gifts to superiors. e exception tothat rule is that superiors may accept a gift of minimal value (less

Gift giving: is it legal?than $10) on traditional gift-giving occasions such as birthdays,

weddings, and holidays. A bottle of wine brought when invited

to anothers home is also an example of an exception to the generalrule. Superiors may also accept gifts from subordinates on special,infrequent occasions. An example of such an occasion is during aPCS or retirement, when the superior-subordinate relationship isor will be terminated. e limit for these gifts is $300 per donatinggroup. Be aware that if one person is a member of two donatinggroups, then the gifts from both groups are counted as if they arefrom a single group. All contributions for gifts must be voluntary,and the most that can be solicited is $10. Subordinates are freeto give more than $10, but no more than $10 may be solicited.Furthermore, in order to mitigate any undue influence, thesolicitation should be done by a relatively low ranking individual

within the donating group. Lists should not be kept of who gaveand how much was given.

e final category is gifts from foreign governments. Giftsvalued up to $305 from a foreign government or given on behalf

of a foreign government may be accepted. Gifts valued above theminimal value can only be accepted on behalf of the United States.If you accept a gift of this nature, notify and deposit the gift withthe chain of command. An exception to this rule is when it is clearthat the gift is motivated by a family or personal friendship ratherthan the position of the employee.

So what should you do if you receive an unacceptable gift?First and foremost, if possible, refuse the offer of an improper gift.Diplomatically explain that Federal employees may not acceptcertain gifts. Another option is for you to pay the donor the giftsmarket value. If the item is perishable, it may be donated to charity,shared within the office, or destroyed.

In conclusion, giving and receiving gifts is one of the greatestjoys of life. As the famous philosopher Hana Rollins once stated,When we give gifts, we give life. If you have any question as to

whether you can give or receive a particular gift, I encourage you

to contact your ethics counselor located in your local area legaloffice. Happy Holidays!

by Lori Yerdon

Army News Service

In February 2007, two Soldiers died in a rollover accidentin Iraq when the Humvee they were operating rolled into acanal. ough the Soldiers drowned, preliminary reportssuggest they were driving under the influence ... but not of

alcohol.Driving under the influence doesnt always involvedrinking alcohol. Drugs and other items can impair driversand render them incapable of safely operating vehicles, as isthe case in this report.

Initial findings from the accident suggest the Soldiershuffed before driving the government vehicle. Huffing isa term used to describe the action of intentionally inhalingaerosols or chemical vapors to attain a high or gain someeuphoric effect. According to the National Institute on Drug

Abuse, drugs, aerosols, chemical vapors and other items usedto obtain this feeling act on the brain and alter perception,balance, coordination and other motor skills required forsafe driving.

Even with new enforcement measures now in place todetect such hazardous practices, incidents of drugged drivingare on the rise, according to Sergeant Danny Lamm of theImpaired Driving Unit at the California Highway Patrolacademy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationreports that 16,000 people are killed annually because ofdrunk and drugged driving. NHTSA also estimates thatdrugs are used by about 10 to 22 percent of drivers involvedin accidents, often in combination with alcohol.

Influencers cost Soldiers their livesPrescription, over-the-counter, illicit and unrecognized

drugs all have potential reactions with alcohol. e NIDAreports that drugged driving is a public health concern becauseit also places passengers and others who share the road atrisk.

In March 2007, a Soldier was traveling with two otherSoldiers when he reportedly lost control of his privately owned

vehicle and crashed into a tree. However, reports indicatethat a backseat passenger reached forward and grabbed thesteering wheel.

Impaired judgment, uncoordinated body movements,blurred vision and slurred speech are just a few of the effectsalcohol and drugs have on people.

Last year, an Army captain died in Iowa after losingcontrol of his motorcycle, slamming into a chain-link fenceand tumbling end-over-end more than a dozen times. einvestigation revealed that he was driving under the influence.His blood alcohol concentration was .289, and he chose toleave the bar without wearing a helmet.

Soldiers must take care of each other and battle to stayin the fight, said Lt. Col. Randall K. Cheeseborough, chiefground task force for the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center.Develop a plan of attack before heading out for a night on thetown, and make sound decisions before drinking.

e use of battle buddies, designated drivers and taxisare cheaper than the cost of a DUI or fatality, Lt. Col.Cheeseborough added. ough Soldiers can face punishmentby their chain of command, the ultimate loss could be that ofa life. What influence would you rather drive under?

For information on drunk or drugged driving awarenessand prevention, visit www.madd.org or www.nida.nig.gov.


3/24

NOVEMBER 23, 2007NEWS PAGE 3

www.imcom.korea.army.mil

The following entries were excerpted from the

military police blotters. These entries may be in-

complete and do not imply guilt or innocence.

AREA I: Excessive Purchasing, Subject #1 had

made three trips in and out of the USAG-Red

Cloud Main PX and appeared to have purchaseditems in excess. Subject #1 was apprehended and

transported to the USAG-Red Cloud PMO where

she was interviewed by KNI and rendered a writ-

ten statement admitting to the offense. Subject #1

was issued an Order to Show Cause and released

on her own recognizance. Subject #1s RCP was

retained and the items were returned to the PX for

a refund. This is a final report.

AREA I: Assault on Law Enforcement Official, Vic-

tim #1 was notified of an individual who appeared

to have passed out in the parking lot. Victim #1 then

proceeded to the parking lot where he observed

Subject #1 lying on the ground. Victim #1 then went

to check Subject #1 for responsiveness. Victim #1

identified himself as an MP, and attempted to have

Subject #1 stand up, at which time Subject #1 got

up and started running away. After a short pursuitVictim #1 was able to stop Subject #1 at which time

Subject #1 struck Victim #1 in the stomach two

times with a closed hand and elbowed him in the

forehead. Another MP observed the incident and

assisted Victim #1 in apprehending Subject #1.Sub-

ject #1 was transported to the USAG-Casey PMO

where he refused a PBT. Subject #1 was released

to his unit. Due to his level of intoxication, he was

transported to the USAG-Casey TMC for a com-

mand directed LBAT, with results pending. Subject

#1 and Victim #1 refused medical attention due to

minor injuries. Subject #1s injuries consisted of

three lacerations and a small abrasion to the right

side of his face. Victim #1s injuries consisted of

a laceration to the right middle finger and in the

middle of his forehead and two abrasions to the up-

per left of his forehead. At 3 p.m. Nov. 10, Subject

#1 reported to the USAG-Casey PMO where hewas advised of his legal rights, which he invoked.

Investigation continues by MPI.

AREA I: Assault on Law Enforcement Official, Re-

sisting Apprehension, Provoking Speeches, Failure

to Identify, Subject #1 used provocative language

towards Victim #1 and Victim #2 as he passed them

adjacent to Gate #1. When Victim #1 asked Subject

#1 for his ID card, he refused to show it. However,

Victim #1 obtained Subject #1s ID card from Per-

son Related #1 after scanning his ID card. Subject

#1 became belligerent, struck Victim #1s hand with

an open hand in attempt to get his ID card back.

Subject #1 then swung with a closed hand at Victim

#1 at which time, Victim #1 caught Subject #1s

hand and placed him on the ground to apply hand

irons. Subject #1 resisted and was finally subdued

with the assistance of Person Related #2. Subject#1 was apprehended and transported to the USAG-

Stanley MP Station where he was not administered

a PBT due to his refusal. Subject #1 was pro-

cessed, released to his unit and transported to the

USAG-Casey TMC by his unit to render a command

directed LBAT, with results pending. At 3 p.m. Nov.

10, Subject #1 reported to the USAG-Stanley MP

Station where he was advised of his legal rights,

which he invoked. Victim #1 reported no injuries.

Investigation continues by MPI.

AREA II: Assault on Law Enforcement Official,

Subject #1 struck Victim #1 in the chest area with

an open hand while Victim #1 was attempting to

control an altercation at an off post club. Subject

#1 was apprehended and transported to the USAG-

Yongsan PMO where he was administered a se-

ries of FSTs, which he performed poorly on. Dueto Subject #1s suspected level of intoxication he

was not advised of his legal rights. Subject #1 was

processed and released to his unit. At 12:08 a.m.

Nov. 11, Subject #1 reported to the USAG-Yong-

san PMO where he was advised of his regal rights,

which he waived, rendering a written sworn state-

ment admitting to the offense. Victim #1 sustained

no visible injuries. This is a final report.

MP Blotter

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Off-post events and activities

NEWS

B-boyz Performance (Seoul)e Ballerina Who Loves a B-boy is a unique dance performancefeaturing a combination of ballet and street dance. is 90-minute, nonverbal performance is held weekly at the B-boyeater in Seoul. e show follows the story of a ballerina

who assimilates into the world of street dance after falling inlove with a B-boy. e performance schedule is: Mondays andTuesdays at 8 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday at 4 p.m. and8 p.m.; Sundays and holidays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. For moreinformation, visit www.sjbboyz.com or call 02-336-5377 forbooking.

DMZ Tour (Panmunjeom)e fall is an ideal time of year to visit the Korean DMZ.Panmunjeom is the site where the Korean War armistice

agreement was signed in 1953. Visiting the DemilitarizedZone established by that agreement offers a first-hand lookat one of the most heavily-fortified borders in the world anda thorough understanding of the history behind the Korean

War. Panmunjeom is located in the Joint Security Area atwhich troops from North and South Korea maintain a presence.Visitors can tour the 3rd Tunnel, dug to infiltrate South Koreanterritory as well as the Dora Obseravtory, which provides a viewof the second largest city in North Korea. ose wishing toparticipate in the tour must adhere to the dress code and presentappropriate ID/passport. For information on tours to the DMZ,contact the USO or visit www.tour2korea.com

JUMP (Seoul)JUMP is a comic martial arts performance that started in Koreaand is now playing globally. e plotlines revolve around the

misadventures of an unusual family of acrobatic martial artisits.ere are four mini-episodes to the show. Performances areTuesday Saturday, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays and holidays,3 p.m. and 6 p.m.; no show on Mondays. Performances are heldat the IBK JUMP eater in Seoul. For information, visit www.hijump.co.kr or visit www.tour2korea.com

Lotte WorldLotte World is a huge shopping and entertainment complexfeaturing a folk village, adventure rides, sports center with askating rink as well as a hotel and department store. Lotte Worldis one of Koreas most popular family fun centers. Some of themost anticipated attractions include Atlantic Adventure, PharohsFury, Gyro Drop, World Carnival Parade and a Laser Show. eparade takes place at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, and the laser show isheld in the late evening at 9:30 p.m. Lotte World also featuresindoor gaming venues and acrades. For more information, visit

www.tour2korea.com

Puppet (Daegu City)Puppet, performed by 31 members of the Daegu MunicipalDance Troupe, presents the story of ordinary people who try to

find escape from the midst of their hectic, daily routines. eactors, who portray ordinary people, wear masks to disguisethemselves as puppets. is non-verbal performance is held atthe Bongsan Cultural Center in Daegu City Nov. 22-23 at 5and 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://artcenter.daegu.go.kr or www.tour2korea.com

Fish Market (Seoul)e Noryangjin Fish Market is one of the largest fresh fish andseafood markets in Korea. It sells produce at retail and wholesaleprices. More than 300 tons of seafood from 15 ports in thesouthern part of Korea arrives to the market daily. Many smallrestaurants serve freshly sliced raw fish on the second floor ofthe market. Shellfish is packaged in seawater to keep it especiallyfresh. e market offers interesting sights like squid and large

whole octopus on display. Seafood pastries offer a unique taste.

e wholesale market is closed on Sundays and holidays, but theretail market is open every day. e Department of Agriculture,Forestry, and Fisheries operates the Noryangjin Fish Market.is 66,000 square meter facility houses more than 700 shopsselling fresh and dried fish. e market is open from 3:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m.

Octupus is just one of many items seafood enthusiasts can sample at the Fish Market in Seoul. The food is served fresh straight from the sea to

your plate. The market is open every day and located in Seoul along the Han River, near the 63 Building. U.S. Army Photo By Ed Johnson


4/24

NEWS PAGE 4http://imcom.korea.army.mil THE MORNING CALMNEWS

PAID ADVERTISING

PAID ADVERTISING

by Elizabeth M. Lorge

Army News Service

Sgt. 1st Class Pernell and Wanda Mabrypractice the speaker-listener techniqueat a Strong Bonds retreat in Arlington,

Va., Nov. 11. ey said the Strong Bondsprogram has helped them adjust to hisrecent return from Iraq. e weekend wasthe first opportunity they had to be alonesince his redeployment in September. Photoby Elizabeth M. Lorge

WASHINGTON (Army News Service,Nov. 15, 2007) - Sgt. 1st Class PernellMabrys wife Wanda gave birth to twinsthe day before he deployed to Iraq. Likemany other Soldiers, he missed their firstChristmas and their first steps, and he didntknow if they would bond with him whenhe came home. e separation and reunion,he and his wife said, came with manychallenges and unexpected adjustments.

e couple joined other Army Reservecouples - officer and noncommissionedofficer, newlywed and those married 30years - at a Strong Bonds weekend in

Arlington, Va., Nov. 9-11, for a mini-vacation to strengthen their marriages. Asthe weekend progressed, most began to sit alittle closer, share glances and hold hands.

e Strong Bonds program is a trainingprogram run by both active-duty andreserve-component chaplains. It originatedin 1999 with the 25th Infantry Division, buthas taken off during the war on terrorism,as Army couples needed to maintain orrebuild their friendships and intimacy amidrepeated deployment cycles.

Weve seen the Strong Bonds programbuilding strong Families, said Maj. Gen.Douglas L. Carver, the Armys chief ofchaplains. A strong Soldier, as he preparesor even goes to combat, will be strongif his Familys strong. Its based uponbuilding strong communication, strongrelationships, maintaining that strongintimacy that couples need to have.

If for six months, you use the skills youlearn this weekend, and it doesnt improveyour marriage, call me and Ill take you outfor a steak dinner, separately if necessary,Lt. Col. Mark Sachs, deputy staff chaplainfor the 99th Regional Readiness Command,told the group. He added that hes facilitated

14 or 15 retreats and has yet to receive aphone call. He has, however, heard fromcouples who cancelled their appointments

with divorce lawyers. The co re o f t h e p rog ra m i s

communication styles, how to communicatewell when it counts most, when you havesomething very sensitive to talk about or

when the topic is risky or a high-emotionaltopic, said Chaplain Sachs. We teach ourparticipants about communication patternsthat are toxic to a marriage, how to avoidthem and what to do when you find yourselfin one of those patterns. We talk aboutproblem-solving or conflict-management,how to approach things that you differ onand come to conclusions, solutions, thatare a productive way to represent what bothhusband and wife want.

A lot of times when couples fight, itsbecause an event in the course of everydaylife has sparked an issue for them. Couplestend to discuss the issue in the context ofthe event and because of that it never getsresolved. How do you separate issues from

Program Builds Strong Army Marriagesevents and work through them in a waythats productive?

e weekend includes a date night,and couples must leave their home city andstay in a hotel in order to spend quality timetogether. e Army pays for everything,

even the spouses travel.is is critical because if your marriage

isnt healthy, somethings going to happento you as a Soldier, said Lt. Col. Peter J.Frederich, Family ministries officer at theOffice of the Chief of Chaplains. We dontcharge Soldiers to train on their weapon so

we shouldnt charge them to train on theirmarriage.

Strong Bonds often includes some kindof recommitment ceremony, and Sgt. 1stClass Lorenzia Henderson, a chaplainsassistant with the 99th, urged Soldiers andtheir spouses to recognize each other. Tearsfell on both sides as Soldiers thanked theirspouses for holding everything together at

home during deployments.The 99th RRC added the Armys

Battlemind training to the retreat, toensure that the Soldiers, some of whomhad recently returned from deployment,and their spouses knew the post-traumaticstress symptoms to expect, includingisolation, aggression, drinking, flashbacksand nightmares.

I think most of us got messed up downthere and we dont see it until our wife says,Ive got one foot out the door. Do you

want to do something about it before theother ones out? ats what my wife toldme a couple of weeks ago, said one Soldier,emphasizing the importance of programs

like Strong Bonds in helping marriagesrecover from or prepare for deployment.

Sgt. 1st Class Mabry, who returnedfrom Iraq in September, said this retreat

was the first opportunity hes had to spendtime alone with his wife since his return.I think this is really helpful and I thankthe chaplains section for coming up withthe idea. Soldiers really need something toget them back into family-orientation, andthis is really good. is is something thatreally helps.

Its been very, very helpful to me; Ithink to both of us, because weve had ourchallenges since hes been back, added Mrs.Mabry. With us having different parenting

ideas and thoughts and opinions -- and forhim, being a new parent all over again -- andthen different backgrounds, I think this hashelped us to have a common ground.

ey both said they would recommendthe program to other Soldiers and plan touse the techniques. In fact, 95 percent ofcouples say they would recommend theprogram on their after-action reports, saidChaplain Sachs.

According to Chaplain Frederich,Strong Bonds has been so successful thatthe National Institutes of Health gave thechaplaincy a grant for a five-year study tosee if the program makes a difference inthe amount of time the Soldiers stay inthe Army, whether they get Post TraumaticStress Disorder, what their promotion ratesare, etc.New versions of the program arenow geared toward single Soldiers anotherinvolves entire Families. e one for singleSoldiers focuses on how to choose the rightpartner, and the other version for Familiesfocuses on parenting skills.For moreinformation visit www.strongbonds.org.


5/24

NOVEMBER 23, 2007

USAG-RC PAGE 5www.imcom.korea.army.milAREA I

Capt. Dennis Graves (left) points out the areas evacuees must visit before NEO evacuation can begin to Master Sgt. Lorenzo Hilliard (2nd from right) and Master Sgt. Denise Grant-Butler (right)

during the NEO exercise held in USAG-RC Physical Fitness Center Nov. 15 2007. U.S. Army Photo By Jim Cunningham

by Jim Cunningham

USAG-RC Public Affairs

RED CLOUD GARRISONTheNoncombatant Evacuation Operationexercise held in USAG-Red Cloud andUSAG-Casey Nov. 14 through 17 proved

new procedures useful and less timeconsuming for prospective evacuees. Inaddition, it helped some directorates gatherinformation and help Soldiers prepare tovote in upcoming elections. Registrationpersonnel saw a grand total of 1,392evacuees, not including pets.

This is noncombative evacuationtraining in case a balloon goes up, said Capt.Dennis Graves, commander, Headquarters,Headquarters Company, USAG-RC. Wehave to make sure the Soldiers and civiliansknow how to get out of here, and to practiceprocessing them to move out in a hurry.

As early as the afternoon of Nov. 14Graves and his Soldiers operating the

NEO process saw more than 25 percent ofthe registered Soldiers, civilians and theirdependants.

e exercise officially started at 8 a.m.this morning, Graves said. If everyone isprocessed through the exercise it can endNov. 16.

e results expected from the exerciseare many.

is is good training for the Soldiers,Graves said. e command can see howmany Soldiers, civilians, and dependantsregister.

For the NEO this year there were newprocedures evacuees can do online, whichhelps registration.

e NEO registration, electronically orphysically, for military and civilians needsto be proactive in registering, Graves said.Some civilians have come through herewithout a NEO warden assigned to them.When they process through today, they areassigned a NEO warden. Directors need totell their employees to process in here andget a NEO warden. We need to know all

the civilians here on the ground. Once weknow who they are, we can assign them aNEO warden.

When new civilian employees come toKorea, they should in process for NEO bygoing online at: https://neo.korea.army.mil/, or going to the USAG-RC website at:

http://ima.korea.army.mil/area1/sites/local/, click on the banner at the top click herefor NEO web pre-registration, accordingto Graves.

Our goal is to process the evacueesquickly and get them out of the country,said Master Sgt. Lorenzo Hilliard. e webpre-registration process is a fairly new one. Itwill not be in total operation until the nextNEO exercise in May next year.

Once the system is totally in place, theregistration process will be a lot smoother.

One can keep their NEO informationupdated easily by logging onto the site andfilling out the forms, Hilliard said. Oncethey get to the NEO exercise, all they have to

do is walk through and present their updatedand accurate forms.

First stop is to get a bar-coded armband.

Next, there are a lot of legal considerationsboth civilians and dependants must take tomake sure their affairs are in order in case ofa noncombatant evacuation operation, saidCapt. Melissa Dasgupta, chief, internationaland operational law, 2nd Infantry Division.We want to make sure people are squaredaway with such things as a power of attorneyfor their spouse or wills in case anythinghappens to their spouse.

e legal department helps evacuees getall their legal affairs in order before they leave

the peninsula.We give you a list of all the documentsyou will need to keep in a folder in case of anemergency, Dasgupta said. If two spousesget separated or just need to take care oftheir affairs after being evacuated, they haveeverything they will need in one place.

e next stop in line is the medical deskand a visit with Pvt. Joshua Franklin and

Sgt. Robert Mack.We administer the flu shot to those

who need them at the troop medical clinic,Franklin said. We check medical recordsand make sure they are up to date. If theyare not up to date, we can schedule anappointment for them.

The f inal stat ion in l ine is thetransportation station and a visit with Sgt.1st Class Kenneth Bolton.

is is the final station in line before theevacuation, Bolton said. We accumulatetracking bracelets so we can track people fromall the way back to their final destinationduring the evacuation.

ree stops were added for this exercise,the first is the chaplains station and a visitwith Chaplain (Capt.) Mark Greschel.

I am here to support the folks as theyare matriculating through the NEO line,Greschel said. If they have any issues I cangive them counseling. Or, I can direct themto the proper person to solve any problem.

Primarily, it is for religious and spiritualsupport.

The last two stops are the ArmyCommunity Service and Voting Assistancedesks.

I am here to identify how many familiesare in this area, said Elizabeth Samarripaof ACS. I find out how many commandsponsored families and noncommandsponsored families are here. Also, I provideinformation about visas and Status of ForcesAgreement visas.

Kenneth Schlueter, director of USAG-RC Army Career and Alumnae Program, isthe USAG-RC voting assistance programmanager.

One of the initiatives for votingassistance is to set up tables for the NEOexercises at both USAG-RC and USAG-Casey, Schlueter said. is is to provide avoting assistance outreach to all the Soldiersfamilies and contractors and civilians whoneed to register to vote by absentee ballotin their home states.

Anyone who needs to register can go

online at http://www.fvap.gov/ and registerto vote by absentee ballot.

You can actually go to that site and lookup your registration and make sure you areregistered back in the United States for theupcoming elections, Schlueter said.

New procedures prove useful in NEO operation

Capt. Melissa Dasgupta asks evacuees about

their legal needs during the NEO exercise held

in the USAG-RC Physical Fitness Center Nov.

15. U.S. Army Photo By Jim Cunningham

Elizabeth Samarripa from Army Community

Services awaits family members as evacuees

during the NEO exercise to count the number

of family members that will need ACS servic-

es in USAG-RC. U.S. Army Photo By Jim

Cunningham


6/24

USAG-RC PAGE 6www.imcom.korea.army.mil

Taxi Fares Reduced at Caseytaxi customers within USAG-Casey will seesome changes in pricing beginning Dec. 3.taxi fares will change from being paid i n Ko-rean won to U.S. dollars, and there will be

a $5 maximum fare cap on any single-stopride on Casey or Hovey, and travel betweenthe two camps. the single-stop fare withinthe USAG-RC and Camp Stanley is $2, andtravel off the military installations begins at$2.50. The $2.50 off-installation fare, whichapplies outside all camps in the area, is forthe first 1,700 meters traveled or the firstfive minutes, whichever comes first. Afterwhich, the charge will be 25 cents for everyadditional 270 meters or 60 seconds.No customer will pay more than $5 for a sin-gle-stop ride anywhere on Casey or Hovey,no matter how far they go, even if the meterregisters more fare.Fares on these camps will begin at $2.50and will be metered at the same rate as offinstallation up to the $5 cap. If a customer

travels from the Casey Post Exchange toa destination on Hovey and the meter indi-cates $7.25, the fare is still only $5.

Free Music for TroopsThe complete track list of free songs avail-able at www.aafes.com as part of the CD For the Troopsproject.

Gifts from the Home FrontGifts from the home front can be sent to de-ployed troops by logging on to www.aafes.org or callling: 877-770-4438. The gift cer-tificates are sent to individual service mem-bers or distributed to any service memberthrough the Air Force Aid Society, AmericanRed Cross, Coalition to Salute Americas

Heroes, Fisher House, Navy-Marine CorpsRelief Society, Operation Home front, Op-eration Interdependence or the USO. Giftsfrom the home front certificates can be re-deemed at exchange facilities worldwide.

Power Outage Notificationfor Camp Stanley

A power outage is scheduled on CampStanley tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. An-other outage is scheduled for Dec. 1 from6 to 9 a.m. For more information call: 732-9031.

HR Supervisors Course

Available OnlineThe HR for Supervisors Course is man-datory for all Department of Army civilian

(DAC) and military supervisors who super-vise appropriated fund DAC employees.This course covers Human Resources (HR)management legal and regulatory require-ments, HR processes, HR services and HRautomated tools designed to assist super-visors in requesting and tracking Requestfor Personnel Actions (RPAs). The courseis 40-hours long and is i ntended to help thesupervisor in performing his/her HR man-agement duties. Completion of this coursecan enhance the supervisors confidenceand performance. For more informationcall: 732-9060

Coming Events PBC Red CloudThe Pear Blossom Cottage Cooking classwill be held Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon.

The Outreach luncheon will be held Dec. 13from noon to 1 p.m. The Christmas Partywill be held Dec. 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. Formore information call: 732-7168.

Camp Stanley Tree LightingCamp Stanley Christmas Tree lighting willbe held Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.

News & Notes

THE MORNING CALMAREA I

James Richardson (left), deputy commander USAG-Casey, gives graduation certificates to graduates with Oh, Se Chang, (right) Mayor of

Dongducheon during graduation ceremonies and dinner in the USAG-Casey Digital Conference Center Nov. 16. U.S. Army Photo By Jim

Cunningham.

by Jim CunninghamUSAG-RC Public Affairs

CASEY GARRISONThe EnglishLanguage Camp held at USAG-Casey saw30 local children graduate in a ceremonyNov. 16 in the Casey Digital ConferenceCenter. e children were selected by themayors office from 15 local elementaryand middle schools in Dongducheon. eyparticipated in the second annual EnglishLanguage Camp sponsored by the CaseyUnited Services Organization and the cityof Dongducheon, which ran from Nov. 13through Nov. 16.

e English Language Camp is an effort

in support of the Good Neighbor Programto foster good relations between the Soldiersof Casey and the city of Dongducheon, saidSgt. Joo, Soo Hyung. We gave the graduatesa certificate of completion, and the mayorand Deputy Garrison Commander JamesRichardson, presented them during theceremony tonight.

e Army selected 15 Soldiers to do theteaching, and the USO cooperated withthe city of Dongducheon to complete thelogistics of the events on post.

Some of the Soldier volunteer teachers

would have a slight communicationsproblem, said Sgt. Kim, Man. I translatedto the students and the teachers when theyhad language barrier problems.

Sgt. Robert Bacon volunteered last yearto teach in the English Language Camp;however, it was different this year.

Everyone that was not on Red Cyclewas put on this detail, Bacon said. We aremoving our battalion this month so everyperson was busy.

Red Cycle is the list of Soldiers taskedwith different jobs to do on post.

e students love to learn, Bacon said.ey are exuberating to be with; everyoneenjoyed teaching them because they learn

quickly.Most students can read and speak

English, Bacon said. Some though haveproblems understanding exactly what theyare speaking.

at was when Sgt. Joo and Sgt. Kim would step in and explain in Korean tothe students the meaning of the words andphrases they were learning to speak andread.

It is easy for them to learn quickly howto form the words and write them, Kimsaid. Understanding the exact meaning of

Local children graduate from English Campthe words takes more effort.

The logistics of making the EnglishLanguage Camp a reality was an effort donein concert with the ci ty of Dongducheon andthe USO. e city chose the best two Englishstudents from each of the 15 city schools, andthe Army chose the teachers along with theUSO to arrange the logistics of movementand the activities for the students duringthe camp.

Classes began at 8:30 a.m., Kim said.It was not all classroom study; we wouldvisit different places on the camp and eat indifferent places like the food court and thedining facilities.

ey loved the Indian Head Golf Course,

Bacon said. Also, they really loved going tothe Close Combat Tactical Trainer.

In the center the children learn what it islike to drive and operate vehicles such as theAbrams A1M1 battle tank.

e children could get into an Abramstank and actually learn how to operate it,Bacon said. ey get to control the vehicleand shoot the guns.

They children had such an excitingtime, Kim said. ey got to experience

what Soldiers do every day in defendingtheir freedoms and their country.

Mayor Oh, Se Chang of Dongducheon sponsored six soccer games featuring four teams from the mayors office and from the Casey and Red Cloud garrisons.

Teams from the 2nd Infantry Division residing at USAG-Casey played Nov. 10 the team from the mayors office as well as a team of Korean employees of the U.S.

Army and a Dongducheon city team and a team comprised of players 50 years and older. We have the 2nd Infantry Division in Dongducheon, said Oh. We enjoy

our friendship with the U.S. Army. We wanted to sponsor a friendship activity for our good neighbor, a soccer championship. The Korean employees bested the 2nd

ID team 1 to 0 in the first game. The 50 and over team managed to beat the mayors team 1 to 0 in the third game. There was no score in the second game between

the mayors team and the 2nd ID team. The teams managed to play six games before 2 p.m. The Korean teams are happy to play the U.S. Army teams, Oh said.

I played center position on the mayors office team.U.S. Army Photo By Jim Cunningham

Dongducheon Mayor sponsors soccer championship


7/24

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 AREA I USAG-RC PAGE 7http://imcom.korea.army.mil

Army scores first during the second play of the game with a leap to the goal line. Army scored six times before the end of the first half during the first ever Army-Air Force flag football champion-

ship held at USAG-Caseys Soldiers Field. U.S. Army Photo By Jim Cunningham.

by Jim Cunningham


CASEY GARRISONArmy scored38 points over Air Force in the first everArmy-Air Force flag football game held atUSAG-Casey. More than 1,000 Soldiers,Airmen, civilians and dependants came towitness the first -time event.

From the kick-off Army dominated thegame, especially in the first half by scoring32 points over 6 by the Air Force. During

the second half the Air Force mustered astrong come back, but failed to score theneeded points to win over Armys superioroffence and defense.

Yongsan Garrison does an Army-Navy game every year, said Jim Williams,

Morale, Welfare and Recreation sportsdirector at USAG-Casey. I wanted tocome up with something original andsomething different. e Soldiers wantedto play football and they wanted to play aformidable team. I called Rob Wilburn,sports director, MWR at Osan and the AirForce team wanted the challenge so theycame to Casey to play ball.

Next year the Army flag football teamwill go to Osan for the next Flag FootballChallenge between the Army and the Air

Force on the Korean peninsula.Osan was gracious enough to bring

their Airmen on their bus, Williams said.We selected a coach from our intramuralleague to set a practice schedule for thelast month, which trained the Army team

to be ready for the challenge from the AirForce.

Players in flag football play with popflags on a belt around their waists. e ideais to snatch the flag from the ball carriersbelt instead of tackling him. Tackling is notallowed in flag football.

When they are blocking, they have tokeep their hands extended or keep them in,Williams said. ey cannot go in and out.e teams for this game had 8 players perteam instead of 11 in tackle football.

e flag football field is different in sizeand is metered by lines 20 yards apart.

e field is only 80 yards long, Williamssaid. And it is only 40 yards across, whichis standard for flag football.

Flag football doesnt feature field goals.

All extra points are 2 point conversions,

Williams said. If the ball touches the

ground or the ball carriers knee or hand or

any part of his body touches the ground,

the ball is down and the play is dead. On

kickoffs, if the player drops the ball it is

dead.

Both teams were provided T-shirts and

were treated to a barbeque dinner donated

by USAG-RC MWR in the Warriors

Club.

We are all on the same team, said Brig.

Gen. Joe E. Ramirez, assistant divisioncommander for maneuver. Let us not

forget the most respected people of our

country are the U.S. military. Be proud of

that and be proud to serve and keep our

country free.

Army flies high over Air Force 38-24 in first game at Casey

by Jim Cunningham


CASEY GARRISONCapt.Robert Fields of Headquarters,

Headquarters Company1/9th Infantry,places first in USAG-Caseys annualRucksack Challenge sponsored byMorale, Welfare, and Recreation.

His speed and endurance wasfollowed by a first-place win for theNo. 16 team consisting of Fields in 1, 2,Sgt. Guy Cooper, 3, Serge Glushenko,4, Spc. Tyler Jacobs, and 5, BrandonBuursma. e team time was 1:07:51.

The challenge features an 8-milecourse that winds around the Casey andHovey garrisons. A total of 52 Soldiersfrom the garrisons in Warrior Countryparticipated.

Capt . Catherine Mil ler of A

Company 1BSTB, Hovey, placed firstin the Womens Division with a timeof 1:25:50.

ere is a dual purpose for havingthe Rucksack Challenge, said RonFortin, MWR director of communityrecreation division, USAG-RC. Itcreates an activity for our Soldiers inthe fall time of the year, which is a great

time to run this event. It is an enduranceevent, which takes a lot of effort.

The Rucksack Challenge is theprecursor event to the 8th Army

Rucksack Challenge, which leads to theBataan Death March Memorial for theentire U.S. Army held in White SandsN.M. in February.

Our challenge today serves as aprogram that will give the Soldierssome idea of what to expect, albeit ona greater scale, in February, Fortinsaid. is event is for the fun, so therestrictions for uniform such as theyhave for the Bataan Death March arenot imposed for this event.

e USAG-RC Rucksack Challengeis open to civilians and dependantsalike, according to Fortin.

However, the Bataan Death March

Memorial is strictly for Soldiers, Fortinsaid. In our event today, the competitorsmust run with at least 35 pounds ontheir back. When the competitors crossthe finish line, they are weighed withthe rucksack and without so we candetermine if they were running with thelegal weight in their sack. If not, theyare disqualified.

Fields: 1:03:20 in annual Rucksack Challenge

Capt. Robert Fields crosses the finish line first during the annual Rucksack Challenge held on

USAG-Casey and Camp Hovey, with a time of 1:03:20. The course is 8 miles round.U.S.

Army Photo By Jim Cunningham


8/24

NOVEMBER 23, 2007USAG-Y PAGE 9

http://yongsan.korea.army.milAREA II

NEO readiness exercise a success

by Pfc. Im Jin-min

USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON YongsanGarrison completed a noncombatantevacuation operation exercise Nov. 15-17,processing more than 6,000 people andrehearsing procedures needed to quicklymove noncombatants out of Seoul.

Everything went smoothly. It wasanother success, said Capt. AndrewKletzing, plans and operations offi cer at theU.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Directorateof Plans, Training, Mobilization andSecurity.

e semi-annual readiness exercise, calledCourageous Channel, turned Collier Field

House into an Evacuation Control Center.Soldiers from Camp Casey set up stationsand walked evacuees through the exercise,gave briefings, answered questions, andmaintained order.

e Soldiers kept it tight; they were incontrol and effi cient, Kletzing said. Wealways go back to find ways to improveto try to make it more rigorous with theSoldiers who are running the exercises sothat we can get better, Kletzing said.

One exercise participant, Sgt. GregoryBell, said, I think I spent no more than15 minutes in here. is is very importantto my family because just in case a realevacuation happens; they will know exactly

what to do.

6,000 people processthrough control center


YONGSAN GARRISON Garrisonoffi cials advise drivers who normally useGates 17 and 52 during the after-workrush hour to use other gates to avoid majortraffi c congestion leaving post.

is is not something new, said RickyOxendine, director of U.S. Army Garrison-

Yongsan Directorate of Emergency Services.Even though we have been working withthe Korean National Police to help usalleviate major traffi c congest ion leavingpost, were asking the community toconsider using other gates, as well.

In October, he said, the KNP changedthe green light duration at Gate 17 to 18seconds. Oxendine said this has alleviatedmost of the major back-ups at Gate 17,but Gate 52 will continue to be congestedbecause the police manually control thelight from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

eir (the KNP) priority is to keeptraffic flowing on those major roads,Oxendine said. e road outside Gate 52

is a major thoroughfare through Seoul. eKNP has agreed to take into considerationour needs versus the needs to keep the citytraffi c moving to allow our folks to leave

For Rosalind Jones, 18th MedicalCommand, i t was her f i r s t NEOexperience.

I thought it was going to be confusingand unpleasant at first, she said. Butactually it turned out to be very informative.I especially enjoyed learning about theprotective gas masks.

Sgt. Lee Seung-il, a Korean Augmentee

to the U.S. Army translator, explained

the importance of rehearsing proceduresfor NEO.

Imagine that if community membershavent had practice for a long period,then the real thing does happen, he said.ere may be crowds of confused people,and the evacuation may take three to fourtimes longer. Practice is crucial.

A NEO can be ordered in the event of

natural disaster, epidemic, hostilities or any

other reason when the safety of Americancitizens is deemed at undue risk by theU.S. ambassador.

USAG-Y officials thanked the USOand the Yongsan Commissary for donatingsnacks and drinks to the exercise. eUSO and Commissary can always becounted on to support the USAG-Ycommunity and special events, said Gerald

Casey, DPTMS director.

the Garrison, and we will continue tocommunicate with them, as well.

MPs to ticket

parking violators

In a related traffi c matter, Military Policewill begin ticketing drivers parked illegallynear the Quartermaster Laundry and

behind the Seoul American ElementarySchool.

e laundry near Gate 17 provides 15-minute parking spaces for customers, butthese spaces are frequently used for otherpurposes, Oxendine said.

MPs will monitor the area and issuecitations to violators.

In addition, Stove Avenue behind theelementary school has become a traffi cconcern, Oxendine said.

From 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 1:30-2:45p.m., Stove Avenue becomes a one-waystreet to accommodate school buses.Weve got people parking there andtrying to drive through there, creating

traffi c and safety problems. is preventsschool buses from driving in.He said MPs added an additional patrol

to control traffi c and ticket violators.

Garrison officials address

traffic, parking concerns

Runners brave the morning cold at the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 10K fun run Nov. 17 atCollier Field House. The U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recre-ation hosted the event and gave out 17 gift certificates and four turkeys to participants. John Cohrwon the mens category with a time of 33:43. Bee Butler won the womens division, coming in at44:11. U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. Kim Sang-wook.

Pvt. Justin Ahlers (right) makes sure that Nix Hataitips family information is current in the NEO tracking database. She was one of 6,000 people who participatedin the semi-annual readiness exercise held at Collier Field House. U.S. Army Photo By Pfc. Im jin-min

Holiday fun run

http://yongsan.korea.army.mil

News and information for the U.S. Military community in Seoul


9/24

USAG-Y PAGE 10

http://yongsan.korea.army.mil

Free Concert for Beethoven Lovers

The Korean American Association spon-sors a special concert for all Yongsan com-

munity members and families Nov. 30 at 8

p.m. at the Seoul Arts Center. The Korean

Senior Symphony Orchestra will performBeethoven selections. Reserve free ticketsbefore Nov. 26 by calling the U.S. Forces

Korea Public Affairs Office at 723-4685

or e-mail [email protected]. Buses

will leave at 6 p.m. and provide round-trip

transportation from Main Post to the con-cert for $3 per person.

8th U.S. Army Band Holiday Concert

A holiday concert is Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at the

Seoul American High School auditorium.The 8th U.S. Army Band will perform with

the Korean Military Academy Band and the

Korean Military National Defense Band.

Admission is free.

Army Family Team Building

An Army Family Team Building level 3 sem-inar is scheduled for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 4-6at the Army Community Services Building.

Army Family Team Building strives to help

families learn, cope, and understand the

challenges of living in todays military life-

style. Register by Nov. 29. For information,call 738-3617.

USO News

USO Tour Highlights-Nov. 27 & 29: Panmunjom (DMZ) & Tun-nel Tour-Nov. 30: Ganghwa Island Tour-Dec. 1-2: Hot Spring Overnight Tour-Dec. 2: Insadong & Seoul Tour/Incheon Tour

Jesus Christ Super Star tickets are onsale at USO ITT. The world tour of JesusChrist Super Star is coming to Jamsil Gym-nasium Dec. 12-18. This is the first time itplays in English in Korea. Dont miss thisironic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webberand Tim Rice. USO-Korea offers one-day ski trips forskiers and snowboarders. For more infor-mation, call 724-7003 DSN.A treasure hunt contest starts Dec. 3 withtwo chances to find the USO treasure andwin a $500 AAFES gift card. Go to http://www.uso.org/Korea for information. USO Santa is coming to the Yong-san Main Exchange Dec. 1, 8, 15, and22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa willmake a special arrival Dec. 1 at 11

a.m. with free snacks and hot choco-late for. For information, call 724-7781. Discounted concert tickets: Linkin ParkNov. 30. You can pick up a copy of the USOmonthly calendars at the Main Exchange,Commissary, Dragon Hill Lodge, and TownHouse. Also, you can view the monthlycalendar at the USO website www.uso.org/korea. For information, call the USO ITT of-fice at 724-7003.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies

The U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan will of-ficially light Christmas trees with music,prices and visits by Santa.- Yongsan Garrison: Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.

- K-16 Air Base: Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.

- Hannam Village: Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.Details and locations will be announced innext weeks Morning Calm.

TRICARE in Korea website

The 18th Medical Command has a newTricare web site located on its main homepage at http://www.seoul.amedd.army.mil.located under the Hot Links section.

News & Notes

THE MORNING CALMAREA II

by Sgt. Jung Jae-hoon


YONGSAN GARRISON More than60 community members turned out for thefirst annual U.S. Army Garrison-YongsanCombined Federal Campaign ExtravaganzaNov. 15 at the Seoul American High Schoolgym.

e program organized by the USAG-Yongsan Command Group, the Directorateof Morale, Welfare and Recreation, andChild and Youth Services promoted theCFC and highlighted how the fund supportscommunity activities and youth programs.

After Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. DianeFoster welcomed participants and guests,

the 8th U.S. Army Band performed musicbefore youths displayed their talents.

Seoul American Elementary and MiddleSchool girls showed their talents with jazzand ballet dancing and a cheerleadingperformance.

Boys overwhelmed the crowd bysmashing wooden plates and spinningswords during the hapkido, tae kwon do,and kumdo (Japanese swordsmanship)demonstrations.

I really enjoyed the show, said Spc.Edward Webb, chaplain assistant at theUSAG-Y South Post Chapel. It was fun to

watch the performance while helping outfor the campaign.

As of Nov. 19, Yongsan community haddonated $302,100 to CFC charities throughthe CFC-Overseas campaign.

Garrison holds first CFC extravaganza

Youths show off their talents at the U.S.Army Gar-rison-Yongsans first Combined Federal Campaignextravaganza Nov. 15. (Top) Youth Services cheer-leaders rally the crowd. (Above) Child and YouthServices Skies ballet dancers perform at the event.

(Left) Skies children perform Kumdo, the art ofJapanese swordsmanship. U.S. Army Photos BySgt. Jung Jae-hoon

USAG-Y honors American Indian, Alaska heritage

Community donates$300,000 to date

Agencys Code Talker Exhibit, during WorldWar I, the Army arranged for two ChoctawSoldiers to become radio communicators.ey used common words to replace military

terms and spoke Choctaw, thus becoming thefirst Code Talkers.It was very interesting but also

educational, said Russell Obey, who attendedthe ceremony. I was really impressed by thenative Americans contributions to Americanhistory. For me, Lt. Col. Pilgreen was veryproud of his heritage, and I was happy tosee that.

Boy Scouts from the Order of the Arrow-Chosun Chapter perform a traditional war dance at the AmericanIndian and Alaska Native Heritage Month ceremony Nov. 16. (Below) Lt. Col. Stacy Pilgreen, a descen-dant of Oklahoma Indians, was the event guest speaker. U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. Jung Jae-hoon

by Sgt. Jung Jae-hoon


YONGSAN GARRISON Withdancing and drumbeats, the Yongsancommunity celebrated American Indian and

Alaskan Native Heritage Month Nov. 16 atthe Main Post Club.

Since 1994, America has set aside themonth of November to learn about and

honor the heritage, history, and traditions ofAmerican Indians.U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan organized

the ceremony to honor American andAlaskan heritage, said Sgt. 1st Class MyraWatson, USAG-Y equal opportunity advisor,to about 70 attendees. November is a month

we celebrate American natives and Alaskannatives.

Todays theme is honoring warriors, pastand present, said Lt. Col. Stacy Pilgreen,deputy chief of the Special U.S. Liaison

Activity-Korea office.Pilgreen, the guest speaker, is a descendant

of Oklahoma Indians. He explained the NativeAmericans contributions to the United Statesand its wars, such as using Choctaw Soldiersto transmit secret tactical messages in theirnative tongue during World War II.

ey are known as the Code Talkers,said Pilgreen. e Germans never broke thecode. Native Americans have helped withtheir courage, strength, and knowledge inmany battles.

According to the National Security


10/24

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 AREA II USAG-Y PAGE 11http://yongsan.korea.army.mil

SMOKE

OUT

by Pfc. Im Jin-minUSAG-Yongsan Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON Had thatfirst morning drag yet? How about waitinga few hours? Maybe a day?

Last week, 18th Medical Commandhealth promotion officials at YongsanGarrison tried to help smokers permanentlykick the habit as part of Great AmericanSmokeout events.

An information booth at the MainExchange Nov. 15 helped give smokers a

chance to think twice about their habitsand health, and experts taught fifth-gradersat Seoul American Elementary School justhow bad nicotine can harm the body.

Today is Tobacco-free day, a day tochallenge those who smoke to give itup for just one day, said Maj. Conreau

Williams, public health nurse at the 18thMedical Command, a Smokeout eventscoordinator.

We are offering information on tobaccoproducts deadly risks and urging smokersto quit smoking, she said.

She encouraged smokers to sign a pledgeto stay smoke-free for a day. We also targetnon-smokers who come with their smokerfriends and have them sign an adoptionpaper, she added.

As part of the weeks activities, theAdopt-a-Smoker program used the buddysystem to help a friend quit for at least 24hours.

Spc. Jeremy Jones Sr. pledged to try tohelp his friend, Pvt. Cori Batts, quit.

is pretty much says I will try to helphim quit smoking, Jones said of the pledge.Ill be always around him, maybe give hima treat every time he endures the desire.

Batts said, I know its not good, somaybe I can stop for a day, at least.

Another smoker, 2nd Lt. Daniel Alemany, said hes considered quittingsmoking for some time, but until nowdidnt look for help. I just had to stop andsee what the Army offered to help smokersquit, he said. I know Im increasing mycigarettes each day and want to stop before

it gets worse.e Great American Smokeout is anannual, national event designed to helpsmokers quit for one day and help themfurther understand the harmful effects ofnictone. Each year in communities across

America and in military communitiesoverseas, health promotion experts designactivities to help raise awareness of theharmful effects of nicotine.

That awareness also starts young. Atthe Seoul American Elementary School onNov. 15, fifth-graders got a close-up lookat the effects of tobacco on a human lung.

A simulated smokers lung showed thedifference in color and texture resultingfrom prolonged smoking.

at lung was nasty, said 10-year-oldJairas Hampton. Im never going to smokein my life.

I felt like puking, said Sandra Nettrour,fellow classmate. My dad said that if youstart, its hard to stop, and you end updying.

November

event takes

on tobacco

Army-Navy flag football match

set for Dec. 1 at MWR field

The 2007 Army-Navy Flag Football game will be played at 10a.m. Dec. 1 at the MWR field adjacent to the Seoul Ameri-can High School. Community members are invited to cheeron their team. For information, call 738-8608. Last year, Armyshut out Navy 28-0 (see photos at right) to take home theCommanders Cup for the fifth year in a row.

U.S. Army File Photos By David McNally

(Top) Fifth-graders at Seoul American Elementary School learn what a smoked-out lung feels like. Healthpromotion experts spent Nov. 14 educating the children on the dangers of tobacco use as part of Great

American Smokeout activities. U.S. Army Photo By Kenneth Fidler(Above) Maj. Conreau Williams administers a carbon monoxide test to 2nd Lt. Daniel Alemany at theSmokeout information booth at the Main Exchange Nov. 15. U.S. Army Photo By Pfc. Im Jin-min

Cigarette smoking has been identifiedas the most important source ofpreventable morbidity and prematuremortality worldwide. Smoking-related

diseases claim an estimated 438,000American lives each year, including thoseaffected indirectly, such as babies bornprematurely due to prenatal maternalsmoking and victims of secondhandexposure to tobaccos carcinogens.Smoking costs the United States over

Smoking-related ills kill 438,000 annually$167 billion each year in health-carecosts including $92 billion in mortality-related productivity loses and $75 billionin direct medical expenditures or an

average of $3,702 per adult smoker.Cigarette smoke contains over 4,800chemicals, 69 of which are knownto cause cancer. Smoking is directlyresponsible for approximately 90 percentof lung cancer deaths.

Source: American Lung Association


11/24

USAG-Y PAGE 12http://yongsan.korea.army. mil THE MORNING CALMAREA II

PAID ADVERTISING

PAID ADVERTISING

Thanksgiving

thoughts

Thanksgiving is the gateway to ourspecial American holiday season. Weare fortunate that even though we are

thousands of miles from home, we l ive in acommunity that works hard to ensure wecan continue to enjoy those traditions.

I hope that when you sat down to breakbread with your family, loved ones, friendsold and new, co-workers, and neighbors,you took a moment to remember why wehave this holiday. Explorers and settlersarriving to America often gave thanks forthe food they found. Today, we remaingrateful to live in a country of liberty andabundance borne on the fruits of theirlabor.

anksgiving is also a time to remember

our many blessings and to celebrate theopportunities that freedom affords. ough

we serve on freedoms frontier here inKorea, remember your fellow Warriors

who are helping to build democracy inIraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere our nationneeds us. Say a prayer for them and keepthem in your thoughts.

anksgiving is also the season whenfamilies traditionally come together. Formany of you, this may not be possible, oneof the many sacrifices you make to defendthe freedoms we hold so dear. ank youfor your dedicated service.

Beth Anne and I hope everyone enjoyedanksgiving Day and we thank you deeplyfor all you do.

Tara Hall looks for an angel from the Angel Tree on display at Army Community Services onYongsan Garrison. Community members can help make a childs holiday brighter by providing agift through the Angel Tree program, which collects and delivers the gifts to deserving communitychildren. An Angel Tree is available at the Hannam Village ACS, as well. The deadline to pick anangel and return the gift to ACS is Dec. 5. This is part of the 2007 Community of Sharing programthat helps families with meals and toys during the holiday season. For the Thanksgiving holi-day, the program assisted 82 families with meals and food items. For information, call 738-7505. U.S. Army Photo By Pfc. Im Jin-min

A community angel


12/24

NOVEMBER 23, 2007

IMCOM-K PAGE 13

http://imcom.korea.army.milAFAP


13/24

NEWS THE MORNING CALM

Sydney White

(PG13) 8:30 p.m.3:10 to Yuma

(R) 8:30 p.m.

Fred Claus

(PG) 6:30 p.m.

Fred Claus

(PG) 7:30 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 7:30 p.m.3:10 to Yuma

(R) 7:30 p.m.

Sydney White

(PG13) 7:30 p.m.

Halloween

(R) 7 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 7 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 7 p.m.

Sydney White

(PG13) 7 p.m.No Show No Show No Show

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 9 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 9 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 9 p.m.Sydney White

(PG13) 9 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 9 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 7 p.m.

Fred Claus

(PG) 7 p.m.The Kingdom

(R) 7 p.m.Sydney White

(PG13) 7 p.m.

Fred Claus

(PG) 7 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 7 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 7 p.m.

No Show No Show No Show

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 9:30 p.m.

Dan in Real Life

(PG13) 7 p.m.

30 Days of Night

(R) 8:30 p.m..Sydney White

(PG13) 7 p.m.

Fred Claus

(PG) 7 p.m.

Sydney White

(PG13) 9 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 8 p.m.

Superbad

(R) 7 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 7 p.m.

No Show Wonder Emporium

(G) 7 p.m.

The Kingdom(R) 8 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma(R) 9 p.m.


Bourne Ultimatum(PG13) 7 p.m.

No Show Wonder Emporium(G) 7 p.m.


Wonder Emporium

(G) 7 p.m.

Wonder Emporium

(G) 7 p.m.

Wonder Emporium

(G) 8 p.m.

The Invasion

(PG13) 6:30 p.m.

Halloween

(R) 6:30 p.m.

Bee Movie

(PG) 8 p.m.

The Invasion

(PG13) 6:30 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 7 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 6 p.m.

Chuck and Larry

(PG13) 6 p.m.

1408

(PG13) 6 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 6 p.m.

1408

(PG13) 6 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 6 p.m.

Halloween

(R) 6 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 7 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 6 p.m.

Chuck and Larry

(PG13) 6 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 9 p.m.

Sydney White

(PG13) 7 p.m.

The Kingdom

(R) 8:30 p.m.Halloween

(R) 8:30 p.m.

3:10 to Yuma

(R) 6 p.m.

Mr. Woodcock

(PG13) 7 p.m.

Mr. Woodcock

(PG13) 7 p.m.

Sydney White

(PG13) 7 p.m.

November 23-29

The Brave One

(R) 8:30 p.m.

Rush Hour 3

(PG13) 6 p.m.

Today Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday ThursdayWednesday

Sydney White

(PG13) 9 p.m.

Osan

784-4930

Red Cloud

732-6620

Stanley732-5565

Yongsan I

Yongsan II

Yongsan III

738-7389

Casey

730-7354

Henry

768-7724

Humphreys

753-7716

Hovey

730-5412

Kunsan

782-4987

Sydney White

(PG13) 7 p.m.

IMCOM-K PAGE 14http://imcom.korea.army.mil

by Capt. Sean Rogers

Yongsan Garrison Legal Assistance Attorney

What are Customs Laws?

Customs laws deal withregulating the flow of goods in

and out of a country and collecting fees forimports and exports. e Republic of Koreaenacted its first customs laws in 1949 asthe Republic of Korea Customs Act. Sincethen, the ROK has amended the CustomsAct more than 35 times and it contains wellover 300 articles.

Dont we have an agreement in placethat gives Servicemembers exceptions toROK customs laws?

e Status of Forces Agreement doesprovide some exceptions to ROK Customsscrutin y. United States Forces Korea

members are allowed, under Article IX of theSOFA, an exemption from customs dutiesand charges for their furniture, householdgoods, and other personal property broughtin for their private use when they first arrive.Article IX also provides the same exemptionto dependents arriving separately at somelater date. ese goods still qualify for theexemption from customs duties and chargeseven if they arrive in multiple shipments,and the exemption lasts for up to six months

Translating the language of customs laws in Koreafrom their arrival. is exemption alsoapplies throughout the USFK memberstour of duty for vehicles and parts importedfor private use, and for reasonable amounts

of personal effects and household goodswhich would normally be bought in theU.S. for private use if they are mailed intothe ROK through U.S. military post offi ces.While Article IX allows you to bring inpersonal property without paying customscharges on them, it is not an exemptionfrom other customs laws that bar you fromimporting certain prohibited goods.

So, what ROK customs laws should Iknow about when returning to the ROKfrom trips abroad?

Under Article 96 of the ROK CustomsAct, goods that you carry by hand or sendseparately are free from customs duties ifthey are deemed appropriate based on your

entry purpose, stay period, occupation,and other circumstances. Republic ofKorea Customs offi cials have considerablediscretion in applying this rule. In practice,ROK Customs officials do not imposeduties on what they deem to be a reasonablequantity of items brought into Korea forpersonal use. What amount is deemed tobe reasonable may vary between customsoffi cials. e key factor to remember isthe customs officials have considerable

discretion in applying this rule. Andremember that this too is not an exemptionfrom any other customs law that prohibitscertain goods from importation.

Tats the second time you referred toprohibited goods tell me more.

Article 234 of the ROK Customs Act andthe Trademark Law prohibit the following:Books, publications, drawings, records,films, videos, sculptures and other similargoods which disrupt the constitutionalorder, disturb the public safety and orderor corrupt public morals. Article 234smain focus is prohibiting the importationof pornography.

ere are additional prohibitions thatyou may encounter when returning fromtravel abroad. Article 235 of the ROKCustoms Act prohibits you from importingor exporting goods to and from Korea

that infringe on any registered trademarkright. Examples of goods that infringe onregistered trademark rights are bootleggedor illegally copied DVDs and CDs, andcounterfeit purses, watches, shoes andclothing, to name a few.

Even if you are able to find such goodsfor sale here in Korea, Article 235 prohibitsyou from bringing them into this country.Violations of Articles 234 or 235 mayresult in confiscation of the goods, criminal

penalties, fines, and/or placement oninternational hold.

e Korea Customs Service has a zero-tolerance policy on such goods. at means

if you purchase, for example, just one pair ofbrand name sunglasses that is a fake versionof the real thing, carrying the glasses backinto Korea violates the ROK Customs Actand the Trademark Law subjecting you tothe above stated penalties upon reentry intothe country.

is article is for general informationalpurposes only. ere are many customs lawscovering a wide range of conduct, thereforeyou may need to seek the assistance of a legalassistance attorney to thoroughly consideryour specific issues.

For further questions about ROKcustoms laws or other legal matters, contactthe Yongsan Legal Assistance Offi ce at DSN

738-8111 to make an appointment to talkwith an attorney.

We are located in Bldg. 4106, Rm. 229(the ACS building) on South Post. Ourhours are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,and Friday 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m.; ursday1 3:30 p.m.. Remember, seeing a lawyerearly may not only solve a problem you have,it may resolve or avoid a problem in thefuture. Seeing your lawyer early is practicingPreventive Law.


14/24

NOVEMBER 23, 2007

IMCOM-K PAGE 15http://imcom.korea.army.milCHAPLAIN

Area I Worship Services

by Chaplain (Maj.) Carol Highsmith

Area I Chaplain

Why do you suppose it is difficult to ask forhelp? Often, wed rather be self-reliant thanacknowledge our need for assistance. e

other day, I was moving a really heavy box from myroom on the first floor to the storage room on the sec-ond floor. I remember debating in my head whether

I should do this myself or whether I should simplyask a friend for help. Eventually, I concluded that Icould do this task myself. With that as my conclusion,I proceeded to pull and push the box slowly down thehallway to the stairway. After giving a sigh of relief, Ilooked up the flight of stairs and I began to wonderwhether I really could move the big box up the twoflights of stairs.

Where does your help come

from when you need it?Allowing others to help you allows them to serve

After shoring up my strength, I decided that Icould I just needed to do so slowly. And with that, Iproceeded to huff and puff and began to drag the heavybox up the stairs. Eventually, I began to make progress.As I did so, I began feeling rather pompous and proud.After all I was doing this all by myself!

In that audacious moment, God showed up andtaught me a lesson about humility. Why doesnt thatsurprise me? Right when I was feeling as though I didntneed anybodys help, this guy shows up.

Actually he was just passing through he was goingup the stairs to his room. However, when he saw mehuffing and puffing my way up the stairs, he bent down

and threw the box on his shoulder and briskly walked upthe stairs! Quickly, I followed behind him and eagerlyopened the storage room door so that my new friendcould take the box where it belonged.

After placing the box in my storage area, the manlooked at me and smiled. And as he smiled, it seemedas though God reminded me that it really is okay, andactually it is even a good thing, to humble myself andask for help. When I do this, then I allow another personthe opportunity to serve and to assist me. at also isa good thing.

During this season of Thanksgiving, Id like toencourage you to acknowledge your need for help.When you do this, you invite God to intervene andsupport you. And oh, by the way, dont forget to saythank you. Happy anksgiving!

During this season of Thanksgiving, Id like

to encourage you to acknowledge your need

for help. When you do this, you invite God to

intervene and support you.

Chaplain (Maj.) Carol Highsmith

Area I Chaplain

Protestant Services

Collective Sunday 1000 Camp Casey Stone Chapel

Sunday 1000 Camp Stanley Chapel

Sunday 1030 Camp Casey West Casey Chapel

Sunday 1100 CRC Warrior Chapel

Sunday 1100 Camp Casey Crusader ChapelSunday 1100 Camp Hovey Chapel

Gospel Sunday 1100 Camp Casey Memorial Chapel

Gospel Sunday 1100 Camp Stanley Chapel

COGIC Sunday 1230 CRC Warrior Chapel

KATUSA Sunday 1930 CRC Warrior Chapel

Sunday 1300 Camp Jackson Auditorium

Tuesday 1900 Camp Stanley Chapel

Tuesday 1840 Camp Casey Stone Chapel

Tuesday 1800 Camp Castle Chapel

Tuesday 1830 Camp Casey Memorial Chapel

Tuesday 1830 Camp Hovey Chapel

Thursday 1830 Camp Casey West Casey Chapel

Catholic Mass

Sunday 1300 Camp Stanley Chapel

Sunday 0900 CRC Warrior Chapel


Sunday 0930 Camp Hovey Chapel

Later Day Saints


2ID Division Chaplain (LTC) Frank Jackson:

[email protected], DSN 732-7998

USAG-Red Cloud Chaplain (MAJ) Carol Highsmith:

carol. [email protected], 732-6169


15/24

IMCOM-K PAGE 16http://imcom.korea.army.mil NEWS THE MORNING CALM

by Gary Sheftick

Army News Service

Military spouses watch as Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Gwen Bates, middle,a military spouse representative, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao sign a proclamationin the Pentagon Nov. 14 that will establish funding for education and training for eligiblemilitary spouses in eight states. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 15, 2007) - e Departments of Defenseand Labor announced a joint program Wednesday to provide military spouses with resourcesto help find jobs, receive training and launch careers.

A two-year pilot program that begins in January will provide $35 million in resources at18 installations in eight states. Five of the posts that will participate in test of the MilitarySpouse Career Advancement Initiative are Army installations at Fort Carson, Colo. ; FortBenning, Ga.;Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Today we embark on a landmark program that will open the doors to our militaryspouses for more fulfilling careers, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said as he announcedthe initiative at the Pentagon. He and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao signed a proclamationto support the initiative.

We understand how hard it is for families of military men and women who have to beready to move anywhere in the world every couple of years, he said, adding that packingand relocating is often at the expense of spouses careers.

Secretary Gates said moving makes it difficult for military spouses to navigate the career

licensure and certification requirements that go with most professions. He said the newprogram will help spouses obtain credentials for high-growth, portable occupations suchas education, health care, information technology and financial services.

Eligible spouses will get reimbursed for expenses directly related to post-secondaryeducation and training under the new program. ese include costs for tuition, fees, books,equipment, and credentialing and licensing fees in a number of professions. e programalso covers the cost of renewing existing credentials and licenses due to a military move.

Spouses of active-duty servicemembers grades E1 through E5 and O1 to O3 will be

eligible to participate. ey must have a high school or general education diploma.Army Education Centers at the five installations testing the program will have more

information about the initiative said Patricia Wells, the Armys Employment ReadinessProgram Manager at the Pentagon. She said Employment Readiness Managers at the fiveinstallations have also received training in the initiative and will be ready to help spousesapply for the program.

Ms. Wells said the Army has been helping military spouses with employment resourcesfor more than 20 years. e Armys Employment Readiness Program, or ERP, provides

job search assistance, job skills training and information and referral services for Soldiers,Family members and eligible military ID card holders.

It provides assistance with resume and resumix writing, interviewing techniques, dressingfor success tips and networking. Job skills training includes basic computer training, anoverview of the federal employment process, and a class in entrepreneurship.

e ERP managers work with installation Civilian Personnel Offices, communityagencies, contractors, and local Army Spouse Employment Partnership, or ASEPrepresentatives.

Under ASEP, the Army has a partnership with Fortune 500 companies and federalagencies who pledged their support to increase employment and career opportunities for

Army spouses. At present there are 31 Fortune 500 companies and five partners fromfederal and military agencies participating in the program.

Between September 2006 and September 2007, more than 7,200 military spouses werehired by ASEP partners, bringing the current total number to more than 23,000 spouses

hired through the partnership.e Military Spouse Job Search Web site, www.msjs.org was launched in July 2005 as

a portal for military spouse resumes and a place for ASEP partners and registered militaryspouse-friendly employers to post their job vacancies.

e new DOD and Department of Labor initiative, however, adds funding for educationand training that had not been available before under the Army programs, Ms. Wellsexplained.

For more information on the new initiative, visit www.army.mil.

New program to boost Armysemployment aid to spouses

Military spouses watch as Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Gwen Bates, middle, a military spouse representative, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao sign a proclamation in the Pentagon

Nov. 14 that will establish funding for education and training for eligible military spouses in eight states. Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess


16/24

IMCOM-K PAGE 18http://imcom.korea.army.mil MWR THE MORNING CALM

Gamers get ready for Regional PlayoffsSpecial to The Morning Calm Weekly

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation is hosting the firstKorea Region Gamers Extravaganza Dec. 12, at CampHumphreys CAC and Tommy Ds. e concept of theGamers Extravaganza is to consolidate three populargaming activities Frag Fest, Xbox and Texas Holdem into a fun-packaged weekend of gaming heaven.

With every flip of a card and every drop of a chip, thetension and magnitude of each decision will captivatecontenders in the Texas Holdem portion of the Extravaganza.

Approximately 80 per USAG players will gather to test theirskills, strategy and luck. Although there will be no buy-in,and, no exchange of money, what these rounders will winis so much better: bragging rights to the number 1, regionbest Texas Holdem Player and prizes worth over thousandsof dollars. No wonder the Texas Holdem craze that sweptthe United States has officially marked its territory on the

Army installations here in the peninsula.Frag Fest, the biggest LAN party, is the ultimate venue

where fraggers can prove their skills in teams or on their ownrig, against the best Korea has to offer. With room for over90 attendees, computer gamers and enthusiasts will cometogether, computer in hand, to participate in interactivegaming. In conjunction, over 40 players will be able toleap forward in high-definition gaming and entertainmentexperiences by participating in the Xbox tournaments.Players will fully engage in a gaming experience that is moreexpansive, dramatic and lifelike, where the possibilities arelimitless and their imagination knows no boundaries. Withso many like-minded gamers under one roof having a greattime, the atmosphere will be electric!

Texas Hold Em registration begins at 11 a.m. onSaturday, Dec. 1 at Camp Humphreys, Tommy Ds. A dailymaintenance fee of $25 will include buffet, snacks, andbeverages. Elimination rounds begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday

and play down continues through Sun. First place prize isvalued at $2,500 and other great prizes will be awardedto the Top 25.

Frag Fest and Xbox registrations will be held at theCamp Humphreys CAC on Sat, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. Day oneof Frag Fest includes team play of Battlefield 2, Companyof Heroes, Counterstrike, and Swat 4. Day two includesindividual game play of Unreal Tournament, EnemyTerritory, Supreme Commander, and Dawn of War. Xboxplay includes Halo 3 and Madden 2008. Food and drinks

will be provided.Special thanks to our generous sponsors US Airline

Alliance, Miller Brewing Company, USO Korea, LotteHotel Seoul, Hyatt Hotel and Dragon Hill Lodge.

Extravaganza is open to authorized MWR patrons 18years or older. For more information, please call the MWRRecreational Office at DSN 723-2246 or Business Programsat DSN 725-5062.

by Tim HippsFMWRC Public Affairs

A dozen Soldiers sang their way into the

semifinals of the 2007 Operation Rising Starcontest. You can help select the final six.Online voting at www.OpRisingStar.com

through Nov. 26 will determine six finalists who will vie for honors as the inauguralOperation Rising Star.

irty-five installations participated inthe singing contest based on the premisesof FOX televisions American Idol. Army

12 Soldiers remain in Operation Rising Star singing contest, 2 from Korea RegionMorale, Welfare and Recreation facilitiesplayed host to local competitions inSeptember and October.

e competition was open to active-duty,

National Guard and Reserve personnel fromall branches of the U.S. military. Contestantsperformed a cappella before a panel of three

judges before working their audience. e judges and audience each determined 50percent of the contestants final scores.

All 12 semifinalists have strong musicbackgrounds.

Sgt. Richard Scarlet

Documents

The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - Nov. 23, 2007