INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DOES YOUR HEART BURN

FOR THIS? 3

DYING FOR A FIX 6

AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF

LIVING!!!!!!!!

June 16, 2012 -- CSA Remarks Army Birthday Ball

Thank you very much.

During the last week I have had the op-

portunity to travel the nation. What I

have learned as I traveled across the

country is the deep respect that the men

and women of this country have for the

United States Army. That respect has

been earned. As we stand here tonight,

and as we celebrate this great birthday that we have, it is really about celebrating

the millions of Soldiers, men and women,

who have come before us. That is what

our Army is about. It is about those who

come before us. It is about those who

stand here today with us. And it is about

those who will come behind us in the

future, carrying on a tradition like no

other. You all are a part of that tradition.

You should never, ever forget that.

As you represent us around the world,

as we sit here today enjoying this great

meal, enjoying great friends, enjoying

camaraderie, we have 94,000 Soldiers

deployed: 68,000 in Afghanistan, thou-

sands of others in Bosnia, Kosovo, and

other nations in the Middle East. We

have another 90,000 Soldiers forward

stationed in 150 nations. They repre-

sent us, but they don't just represent us. They represent our country with

the moral and ethical values that they

bring forward. They represent America,

the greatest country in the world. That

is who we are, and that is who we will

be.

I will just remind you that over the last

ten years in our Army, there has been

over 14,000 Valorous Awards pre-

sented to American Soldiers, 6 Medals

of Honor, 25 Distinguished Service

Crosses, 650+ Silver Stars. But those

were men and women who were just

doing their job. They were just asked to

go forward, protect this nation in order

to secure the freedoms and liberty that

we have been so able to enjoy for so

many years. That is why I am so proud

to wear this uniform and stand side by

side with each and every one of you

every single day.

If you look to your right over there,

you will see the Army colors. There are

183 streamers that adorn those colors:

183 times, 183 campaigns that this

Army has sweated for, has sacrificed

and bled for. That is who you are. That

is who we are, and this is who we will

continue to be as we move forward.

Happy second birthday to all our loyal readers. Two years ago we set out to provide

an accessible and informative newsletter to the Fort Sill military community that

would be both relevant and fun. We wanted this newsletter to be one that would be

inclusive and did not take itself too seriously. Thanks to you, our valued readers,

this publication has gained momentum and admiration from “big Army”. Because of

readers, input, suggestions, and support we continue to evolve and strive to be a

resource for information and community building. IMCOM recognized us as a best

practice among installations. It has been a lot of hard work but we too have grown

through the process. This is only a milestone and we relish the opportunity to con-

tinue to grow and bring together this diverse community. Enjoy the day and have

some cake…..it’s okay...I give you permission this time to indulge and CELEBRATE!

A View from the Top: Celebrating Army Life

Celebrating Two Years of Pride

A D H R , A S A P , E A P

W E L L - B E I N G T E A M

P R O D U C T

We couldn't do this without our

families and the incredible support

that we get everyday from our great

commitment to the Army, which

includes my great partner, the Com-

mandant of the Marine Corps, Jim

Amos and his wife Bonnie, and As-

sistant Commandant of the Marine

Corps, Joe Dunford and his wife.

Thank you so much for all you do.

I leave you with the strength of our

Nation is our Army. The strength of

our Army is our Soldiers. The

strength of our Soldiers is our fami-

lies. That is what makes us Army

strong. Be proud of that. Army

Strong!

Refreshingly Relevant

VO

LU

ME

3

,

IS

SU

E

1

Sgt. Maj. of the Army

Raymond F. Chandler III

P A G E 2

Soldiers Come Forward For Men-

tal Health Cases

By: Chris Cheng FORT HOOD – Over the last five years Fort Hood has seen a dramatic increase in the number

of behavioral health cases. Those cases range from anything from problems sleeping to severe cases of depression and PTSD.. "In ten years of war our

soldiers have done a tremendous job but that of course takes its toll, it takes its toll on the soldiers and on the families," Lt. Col. Sharette Gray said. Lt. Col. Gray is in charge of the Department of Behav-

ior Health and said the Carl R. Darnall Army Medi-cal Center is averaging 3,000 patient encounters weekly." We do see the majority of the soldiers

not just one or two tours but three four and occa-sionally five tours," Lt. Col. Gray said. Despite the drastic increase Lt. Col. Gray believes this is a

positive sign. "I do think it is a result of more sol-diers feeling comfortable, I think the Army has done a great job from the leadership from the top

on down to really let the soldiers know that it's ok to get help," Lt. Col. Gray said. So with more soldiers coming forward Fort Hood has made it a

priority to keep up with the influx. "We're really looking to make sure we have the resources avail-able for soldiers to get the help they need," Lt. Col. Gray said. One of those resources is the new

Embedded Behavioral Health Model which allows a

therapist to treat soldiers on the frontlines. "The biggest focus right now is fielding these behavioral

health teams so that every unit has embedded providers in their footprint that can both do some prevention as well as treatment and get ahead of

the problem," Lt.Col. Gray said. Another, non-traditional, method is the work done at the War-rior Combat Reset Center. "This is specifically a

tool for soldiers who have mixtures of PTSD symptoms and concussions," Dr. Jerry Wesch said. Dr. Wesch practices a neuro-feedback treatment, where soldiers are connected to a computer by

three electrodes on their head. The treatment helps stimulate brain activity which allows them to progress during therapy talk sessions as well as

recover from concussions. "We hit it at every possible angle and then that because they're syner-gistic produces amazing effects." The Warrior

Combat Reset Center also uses acupuncture, massage, and meditation as alternative forms of therapy. Despite being able to help several thou-

sand soldiers, Lt. Col. Gray said the battle is far from over. "There are some soldiers that may feel

uncomfortable or afraid of what may happen

or consequences if they seek help so we still

have to continuously fight that battle," Lt. Col.

Gray said.

Most Drunk Drivers Causing Fatal Crashes Have Almost Twice Legal Blood Alcohol Limit

By Join Together Staff | August 15, 2012 | Almost three-quarters of deaths in drunk driving crashes in 2010 in-

volved drivers who had blood alcohol levels that were nearly twice the .08 legal limit, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-

tion (NHTSA) said Tuesday.

NHTSA Administrator David L. Strickland called for mandatory

ignition-interlock devices, which are designed to prevent drunk drivers from starting their cars, for first-time offenders, Business Week reports. Seventeen states require ignition interlocks for first-time offenders, the article notes.

Drivers who have had an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle must blow into it to determine their blood alcohol level before they can start it. The blood alcohol content that drivers using interlocks

are allowed to have is determined by states. A study published in 2011 found that ignition locks significantly reduce the likelihood that people convicted of driving while drunk will reoffend.

A national law that takes effect October 1 will provide states with extra highway funds if they have interlock laws for convicted drunk drivers, according to the article.

The 10,228 alcohol-related vehicle deaths in 2010 accounted for nearly one out of three highway deaths on U.S. roads, according to a

NHTSA news release.

What Is West Nile Virus? West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe

WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up

in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains impor-

tant information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.

What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?

Prevention measures consist of community-based mosquito control pro-

grams that are able to reduce vector populations, personal protection

measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by infected mosquitoes,

and the underlying surveillance programs that characterize spatial/temporal

patterns in risk that allow health and vector control agencies to target their

interventions and resources. The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on

the package. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and

pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change

the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep

children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.

What Are the Symptoms of WNV?

People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.

Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe ill-

ness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors,

convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neu-

rological effects may be permanent. Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms

such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the

chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick

for several weeks. No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with

WNV will not show any symptoms at all.

How Does West Nile Virus Spread?

Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become

infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals

when they bite. Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been

spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby. Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with

the virus.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?

Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infec-

tion though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe

headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be

WNV.

West Nile: Just the Facts

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 Health News

Alcohol a Major Culprit in Heartburn

While

many people blame spicy or acidic

foods for their heartburn, alcohol

is a major culprit, a gastroen-

terologist at the University of

California, Los Angeles, tells NPR.

“Alcohol has a direct effect” on

heartburn, said Dr. Kevin Ghas-

semi. He explained that alcohol

relaxes the lower esophageal

sphincter, a ring of muscle lo-

cated at the point where the

stomach and esophagus meet.

“The muscle is supposed to be

closed, except when food is passing into the esophagus,” he said.

Alcohol can relax the muscle, creating an opening. When this oc-

curs, stomach acid can come back up into the esophagus, causing

reflux. This leads to the burning sensation associated with heart-

burn.

Coffee can also relax the sphincter muscle.

Some people may be more prone to heartburn after drinking alco-

hol, including those with a weak or faulty sphincter muscle. Being

overweight also raises the risk. While reducing alcohol and coffee

consumption can help some people, others need prescription medi-

cine to treat heartburn, Ghassemi noted.

Karthik Ravi, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, said there is no clear

link between heartburn and spicy foods, or acidic foods such as

orange juice or tomato sauce.

By Join Together Staff | August 14, 2012

Nonsmokers

who breathe in

secondhand

smoke out-

doors have

elevated levels

of tobacco-

related chemi-

cals in their

body, according

to a new study.

The researchers say their findings suggest this smoke exposure may

increase risks of health effects associated with cancer-causing

agents in tobacco.

The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, in-

cluded 28 college students who spent three evenings on patios

outside a restaurant and bar where smoking was allowed, and at a

nonsmoking open-air site. The students sat near smokers at the

restaurant and bar, and one of them counted the number of ciga-

rettes lit every 10 minutes, The Wall Street Journal reports. The

researchers collected urine and saliva samples from the students

before, immediately after, and the morning after each visit, which

lasted three hours.

The study found the students’ levels of cotinine, a nicotine byprod-

uct, were significantly higher in their saliva both right after and the

morning after the restaurant and bar visits, compared with the non-

smoking site visits. Levels of the chemical NNAL, found in tobacco,

were elevated in the students’ urine immediately after the bar and

restaurant visits, and continued to be significantly higher the next

morning.

Study Finds Secondhand Smoke Has

Effects on the Body Even Outdoors

Most people can attest to the reality that they feel better

mentally and physically when they have a good day or

have positive experiences. Things like laughter and smil-

ing can make you feel better long after the activity that

first made us happy, which may make you wonder

whether a positive attitude affects a person's overall

health.

Impact on Medical Community

USAToday.com reports that the medical community is

increasingly making the connection between positive

attitudes and good health. Carol Ryff, a psychology pro-

fessor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison says,

"There is a science that is emerging that says a positive

attitude isn't just a state of mind; it also has linkages to what's going on in the brain and

in the body." Positive thinking has begun to be attributed to longer, healthier lives in

people with chronic illnesses and a decline in stress, which overall reduces cardiovascu-

lar problems.

What Is Positive Thinking?

Positive-thinking individuals tend to be

more optimistic than pessimistic. Ac-

cording to the Mayo Clinic, people who

engage in positive thinking do not ignore

or dismiss problems, but instead they

approach problems from a more hopeful

and optimistic viewpoint. People who

seem to naturally tend toward a positive

attitude usually engage in positive self-

talk. Thus, positive thoughts overwhelm-

ingly run through their minds. On the

other hand, some people are constantly bombarded with negative thoughts, causing

them to have a tendency toward pessimism.

Health Impact

Individuals who have a positive attitude will feel the im-

pact on their health through lack of illness and overall

increased positive well-being. The Mayo Clinic suggests

that many health benefits have been influenced by a posi-

tive attitude, including increased life span, increased resis-

tance to the common cold, lower rates of depression,

increased cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and

overall physical and mental vigor.

How Does It Work?

Currently, the understanding of how a positive attitude

impacts health is unclear. One theory, brought to light

by the Mayo Clinic, is that people with positive atti-

tudes are better able to cope with stress and anxiety.

Also, a correlation has been found between those who

maintain a positive attitude and those who maintain a

healthier lifestyle through diet, exercise and social

interactions.

Improving State of Mind

Overall, the importance of a positive attitude on health

is apparent, but how it works exactly is still unclear.

The mind-body connection is strong and undeniable to

those in the medical community. Improving your state of mind can have significant last-

ing effects on health. One of the ways to do this is to increase positive thoughts by

making a conscience effort to refrain from criticism

of yourself and others. Also, HelpGuide.org sug-

gests that humor and laughter are one of the

quickest ways to influence your health. The posi-

tive attitude humor and laughter bring with them

can immediately ward off stress and anxiety thus

returning you to a calm, positive state of mind.

Ref: Livestrong.org

EAP Health Minute By Join Together Staff

“WOW! Looks like

there is a lot happening

in and around Fort Sill

this month...Hope to see

you and your family out

enjoying all that the

community has to of-

fer!!” ~Toodles

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 ASAP CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30

S eptember 20 12

Like Us on

Facebook!!

Click to visit our ASAP

Website

For more community events, activities,

and trainings, check out the MWR and

ACS websites: (click on logos)

Gambler’s Anony-mous (WBC Bldg

3415, 1800)

Gambler’s Anonymous

Gambler’s Anonymous

Gambler’s Anonymous

Alcoholics Anony-

mous (WBC Bldg

3415, 1900)

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous

ADAPT (WBC,ASAP 0830-1630) UPL Recert 0830-1600

Unit Prevention Leader Training (Well-Being Center, ASAP 0800-1600)

Supervisory Training

(WBC, 1330)

International Festival (Elmer Thomas Park)

International

Festival (Elmer

Thomas Park)

Happy Hour Comedy

(Sheridan Theater, 0900)

Comanche Co. Fair (Fairgrounds)

Heroes Remembered

March (Elgin Football

Field, 0700)

Devil Dog Run (New

Post Chapel, 0800)

Care2Cure Car Show

(GP Coliseum Expo)

Buffalo Burger

Cookout (Co-op

Park) Cache Bulldawg Days Carnival (Cache City Park)

Comanche Nation Fair (Comanche Nation HQ)

Comanche Nation Fair (Comanche Nation HQ)

Big Top Circus (Butner/Cowan

Field)

Big Top Circus (Butner/Cowan

Field)

Post Wide

Garage Sale

Body vs. Earth

Triathlon (LETRA)

TRAIN TO ENGAGE Civilian Well-Being Officer training is scheduled for 26-27 Sep-

tember 2012 from 0930-1600. If there are any interested super-

visors that would like to embrace workforce engagement and

designate an employee to support their efforts, NOW is the

time! These trained individuals will join the few selected across

Team Sill to maximize resources, increase organizational unity,

and promote a healthy working environment. This training will

provide the opportunity for one to broaden

their knowledge on available resources,

gather intervention skills, and allow them to

further professional goals. If you have any

questions, please contact Ms. RaShonda Lab-

rador at 580-442-6306/4205.

Rx Take Back

Suicide Stand-down Training

CWBO TRAINING

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Life focus SUICIDE PREVENTION

PROGRAM COORDINA-

Did You Know?

Launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychologi-

cal Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, the Real Warriors Cam-

paign site serves as a resource for the military community. At

www.realwarriors.net or 866-966-1020, Warriors, veterans

and their families can talk with psychological health consultants

and read tips on deployment and coming home.

Soldiers are en-

couraged to volun-

tarily come forward

when alcohol and

drug problems

arise. Voluntary

(self) ID is the most

desirable method of

ASAP referral. A

Soldier whose per-

formance, social

conduct, interper-

sonal relations, or health becomes impaired because of the

abuse of alcohol or other drugs has the personal and societal

obligation to seek rehabilitation.

The Limited Use Policy restricts the consequences of the Sol-

dier’s involvement in the ASAP and prohibits the use by the

government of protected evidence against a Soldier in actions

under the UCMJ or on the issue of characterization of service

in administrative proceedings. Additionally, the policy limits the

characterization of discharge to “Honorable” if protected evi-

dence is used. Protected evidence includes:

Results of a command di-

rected/competence or fitness

for duty urine or alcohol test.

A rehabilitation test as part of

the ASAP treatment plan.

Information about a Soldier’s

prior drug or alcohol abuse

Possession of drugs for per-

sonal use

Voluntary Referral to the

ASAP

I was done with life. Nothing

ever went right. I hated my job

at a fast food joint, I was failing

every class in college, I didn't

have a car, my mother was

being a tyrant, my boyfriend

was in prison serving a year

sentence, and all my friends

lived in Toledo. Why be a

bother to anyone? Why deal

with all this crap anymore?

Why take drugs for depression

if they aren't working? Fine. I'll make them work. That night, I took almost two weeks' worth

of my antidepressant and mood stabilizer. I washed it down with a mini bottle of vodka I had

snuck from my mom. I lay in bed, waiting. I was oddly relaxed, almost like I was really ready to

be done with this world. I fell asleep. I woke up to my sister telling me dinner was ready. I told

her I would be right down. I laid there for a minute and realized that I needed to go to the

bathroom and I was thirsty. I tried to stand up, but I hit the floor and started throwing up. I

couldn't stop myself. It was the worst feeling. I heard my mom come into the room, saw me

and started screaming and yelling. "What have you done?! What have you done to yourself?!" I

only remember bits and pieces after that. I remember my mom calling 911. I remember her

boyfriend trying to drag me into the bathroom (because I was still next to my bed on the floor

doubled over). I shrugged him off. I remember my mom changing me into clean clothes. I re-

member the firemen carrying my downstairs and out through the garage. And I remember

being awake briefly in the ambulance. "You have to stay awake Karen. You have to keep your

eyes open." Needless to say, I didn't. From what they told me, I was in a coma for five hours.

They tell me it was my brains' way of resetting itself. I woke up hours later connected to a

million different cords, beepers, and stickers. I still don't remember a lot. Just flashes. I was

sent to a psychiatric hospital on a three day hold. At first I was angry that they wouldn't just

let me die. It wasn't until I got to the psychiatric hospital that I figured out that I was okay with

living again. A lady in the psych hospital told me something I'll never forget: "It's the ones

outside of these walls who are crazy. They are the ones who need the most help. They all

think they are fine. We're the sane ones because we're getting the help we need."

All of this happened in early 2008. I'm now going on my second year of living after my nearly

lethal suicide attempt. I've moved out of my mother's house, I'm no longer on medication, and

while I may have a slight case of bi-polar disorder (which is hereditary), I'm enjoying my life.

Since the night of the overdose, I've always been a positive thinker. I don't know what exactly

clicked in my head, but I think it's the beauty of it all. Driving home from the psychiatric hospi-

tal, the blue sky was gorgeous. The trees were magnificent. The wind was fantastic. The sound

of my boyfriend's voice was the sweetest thing in the world. And it wasn't until after I at-

tempted suicide that I realized how precious this life is. Many of us don't realize how short

life is, and how much there is to do

and experience. Those who have

lived through a suicide attempt often

do, but some still struggle. My rea-

son to keep living is now me. I'm not

going to let anyone else influence my

passion for MY life. It's mine, and it's

what I make of it. Don't stop your-

self, and never let go.

Testimonial:

Taking Back

my Life

P A G E 6 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1

(CBS/AP) Updated 2:56 p.m. ET

Randy Travis was charged with driving while intoxicated

and threatening law officers after the country singer

crashed his car and was found naked and combative at the

scene, Texas officials said Wednesday. It was the second

arrest this year for Travis, who was cited in February for

public intoxication. A photo released by the Grayson

County Sheriff's Office shows a battered-looking Travis in a

T-shirt, with a black eye and dried blood on his face. He

later walked out of jail on $21,500 bond wearing scrubs, a

University of Texas ball cap and no shoes. The sheriff's

office received an emergency call just before midnight

Tuesday about a man seen lying in a road west of Tioga,

where the singer lives. A car registered to Travis, 53,

drove off the road, said Tom Vinger, spokesman for the

Texas Department of Public Safety. The vehicle had struck

several barricades in a construction zone, according to the

DPS. Vinger said Travis made threats against Texas High-

way Patrol troopers and was not wearing clothes at the

time of his arrest. He refused sobriety tests, Vinger said, so

a blood specimen was taken. Sheriff's Sgt. Rickey Wheeler

said Travis faces charges of retaliation or obstruction in

addition to driving under the influence. "Travis had a

strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath and several

signs of intoxication," according to a statement from the

sheriff's office. "While Travis was being transported, Travis

made threats to shoot and kill the troopers working the

case." A representative for Travis said there would be no

immediate comment on the arrest. In February, Travis was

charged with public intoxication after being spotted in a

vehicle parked in front of a church near his home. He also

has been involved in messy court proceedings with his ex-

wife. Travis was divorced from Elizabeth Travis in 2010

after 19 years of marriage. Earlier this year, Elizabeth

Travis, who had been his manager for more than three

decades, filed a lawsuit claiming that Randy Travis made it

impossible for her to do her job and terminated her man-

agement contract without proper notice. She said her ex-

husband sent several men, including an armed guard, to

clean out her offices. Randy Travis countersued in May,

accusing his ex-wife of divulging confidential information

about him in order to damage his reputation and career.

The court documents don't say what information Elizabeth

Travis is alleged to have betrayed.

Randy Travis charged with DWI in Texas

Drug Awareness

…..is on vacation! Look out for a refreshed Fran

next month.

DEAR FRAN

ASAP Testimonial I was sober for 16 years prior to December 2010. It was ONE drink

that took me back over the edge to drinking yet again. From that

point until 25 March 2012, I was out of

control and making high risk drinking

choices. I self-referred myself to the ASAP

shortly after and I found that the group sessions allowed me

to listen to the younger soldiers and it reinforced the fact of

the manipulation that addiction brings to one’s life. My moti-

vation for not picking a drink up again are my 5 grandkids! I

want to live and my goal is to teach elementary aged children

to value their inner strength and to have self-confidence. I

want to say thanks to God for loving me in spite of me and

Ms. Nashay for her support through this recovery process.

This photo provided by the Grayson County, Texas, Sheriff's Office shows Country singer Randy Travis, who has been

charged with driving while intoxicated.(Credit: AP/Grayson

County Sheriff's Office)

One drink is

all it takes to

end sobriety

The Army has investigated 56

Soldiers in Afghanistan on suspi-

cion of using or distributing her-

oin, morphine or other opiates

during the past two years. Eight

Soldiers died of drug overdoses

during that time.

The overdose totals for the past

two years, are double the number that the Defense Department has reported as drug-related

deaths in Afghanistan for the past decade.

While the cases represent just a slice of possible drug use by U.S. troops in Afghanistan, they

provide a somber snapshot of the illicit trade in the war zone, including young Afghans ped-

dling heroin, Soldiers dying after mixing cocktails of opiates, and drugs found in medical bags.

Afghanistan provides up to 90 percent of

the world's opium.

Prevention Education is recommended

for young Soldiers to raise awareness

and offer help. For more information or

to schedule a class, contact the Fort Sill

Army Substance Abuse Program at 580-

442-4205.

Heroin Use: On the Rise By Sandra Jefferson

SOLO SECRET If you have any questions or con-

cerns that you would like

Fran to address, please

contact Fran through our

ASAP Facebook page:

1 oz

5 oz

12 oz

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 Mind Expansion

A Ping-Pong Ball in a Hole

Your last good ping-pong ball fell down into a

narrow metal pipe imbedded in concrete one

foot deep. How can you get it out undam-

aged, if all the tools you have are your tennis

paddle, your shoe-laces, and your plastic

water bottle, which does not fit into the pipe?

Answer in next month’s issue

August Brainteaser Answer:

PENNIES: Mary had a coin purse with fifty coins, totaling exactly $1.00. Un-

fortunately, while counting her change, she dropped one coin. What is the

probability that it was a penny?

Solution:

90% chance of a penny being

dropped..

45 - Pennies

2 - Nickels

2 - Dimes

1 - Quarter

45/50 x 100 = 90

Brainteaser

SSG Joshua Ferrier,

HQ A 3/6

Ft. Sill Talks Back

“I’d be a harp. Because it’s most like me,

quiet and soft But intriguing and can get

attention when made to play.”

- SSG R. Ponce, HHR 31 Bde

“I would be a drum. Because it is used in

most music in most cultures, it makes peo-

ple happy, dance, and feel good”

-SGT Francisco Vargas, D Co., 1-415th

“Saxophone, it is a beautiful shaped item

or piece of object just like a woman, beau-

tiful music with every blow if it is handled

with care and loved.”

SSG Eslyn Chambers, HHC, 100th BSB

Guitar, because they are intricate, classy,

and hard to play with grace. They can be

dark, light, look elegant, or edgy.”

SSG Michael Guile A, 1-30th FA

EAP FUNNY CORNER

If you were a musical

instrument which

would it be, and why?

SPOTLIGHT

What is your favorite word or

phrase?

Excited!

What is your least favorite

word?

Can’t

What turns you on?

My children inspire me everyday What turns you off?

Bad leadership

What sound or noise do you

love?

My kids voices

What sound or noise do you

hate?

Alarm clock

What profession other than

your own would you like to

attempt?

Airframe and power mechanic

What profession would you

not like to do?

Policeman

What is your ideal vacation?

Ireland

SGT Cody Troxel

D 4-3 ADA

Amazing Coast of

Ireland

P A G E 8 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Wellness Window

Relaxation techniques are a great way to help with stress management.

Relaxation isn't just about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. Relaxation is a process that decreases the effects of stress on your mind and body. Re-

laxation techniques can help you cope with everyday stress and with stress related to various health problems, such as cancer and pain.

Whether your stress is spiraling out of control or you've already got it tamed, you can benefit from learning relaxation techniques. Learning basic

relaxation techniques is easy. Relaxation techniques also are often free or low cost, pose little risk and can be done just about anywhere. Explore

these simple relaxation techniques and get started on de-stressing your life and improving

your health. The benefits of relaxation techniques

When faced with numerous responsibilities and tasks or the demands of an illness, relaxation

techniques may take a back seat in your life. But that means you might miss out on the health benefits of relaxation. Practicing relaxation techniques can reduce stress symptoms by:

Slowing your heart rate, Lowering blood pressure, Slowing your breathing rate, Increasing blood flow to major muscles, Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain, Improving concentration, Reducing anger and

frustration, Boosting confidence to handle problems, To get the most benefit, use relaxation techniques along with other positive coping methods, such as exercising, getting enough sleep, and reaching out to

supportive family and friends.

Complete Well-Being

1. Be consistent

2. Follow an ef-

fective exer-

cise routine

3. Set realistic

goals

4. Use the buddy system

5. Make your plan fit your life

6. Be happy

7. Watch the clock

8. Call in the pros

9. Get inspired

10. Be patient

For more information on each of these tips, visit

WebMD.com.

For more information on your Civilian Wellness

Program click the following links:

IMCOM WELLNESS and DOD WELLNESS

Ingredients

6 large tomatoes 2 cups cooked and cubed

chicken 1/2 cup minced red bell pep-

per 1/2 cup corn, drained 1 1/2 tablespoons minced

red onion 1/4 cup plus 2 table-

spoons olive oil 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt

Leaf lettuce or spinach leaves

Directions

Cut 1/2-inch off top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp from toma-

toes. Turn tomatoes upside down on paper towels to drain.

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, bell pepper, corn, and onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and next 6 ingredients.

Pour over chicken, tossing gently to coat.

Line tomatoes with leaf lettuce or spinach leaves. Spoon chicken

salad evenly into tomatoes. Refrigerate or serve immediately.

Ref: Food Network

Cooking Excellence

Tomatoes Stuffed with Chicken Salad 10 Workout

Secrets from

the Experts

PEACEFUL PLAZA: Relax.

Click RELAXATION

to relax and enjoy this

month’s featured

“Peaceful Plaza Guided

Imagery segment as pro-

vided through healthjour-

neys.com

Over the years from 1996 to 2011, there has been a rise in the "share of

new entrepreneurs [that is, non-business owners who start a new business

during the year] in the ages 55-64 group. This group represented 14.3 per-

cent of new entrepreneurs in 1996, whereas it represented 20.9 percent of

new entrepreneurs in 2011," according to a 2012 analysis of CPS data by

the Kauffman Institute.

P A G E 9 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 Etiquette, Manager’s Memo

Workplace Etiquette 101: Don’t be a Prairie Dog

and Pop Your Head Over

the Top of Cubicle and

Chime into a Conversa-

tion

Whether it’s a work

question you can an-

swer or a private

conversation you’d

rather not hear, ig-

nore comments that

aren’t directed at you.

One Fifth of New Entrepreneurs in 2011 Were Older Adults

Manager’s Memo: Extracting the “How” From the “What”

I came across a book recently titled “The 4 Disciplines of Execution, Achieving Your Wildly Important

Goals”, by Chris McCheseny, Sean Covey and Jim Huling. The book was prompted when Intel CEO Andy

Grove questioned how he should respond to AMD’s and Cyrix’s sale of lower costs chips that were cutting into Intel’s market

share. The experts readily explained that he should establish a stand-alone business unit with its own sales department. Grove

shook his head in frustration and replied, “I asked you “how” to do it, and you told me “what” I should do...I know what I need

to do. I just don’t know “how” to do it.” The authors suggest that deciding what to do is not a manager’s biggest challenge.

Most managers are better educated at strategizing and planning. However, most manager’s have had little formal education as

how to execute those strategies. Anyone can make plans and goals, however, the execution of the goals makes the all the difference. The authors identify four

disciplines to execution:

Discipline 1 – Focus on the wildly important (goals) - Stop trying to do everything and focus your team on one or two goals criti-

cal goals at a time. Ensure that they are measured against some deadline. Of course, the goals should be aligned with an organiza-

tion’s corporate strategy.

Discipline 2 – Act on Lead Measures – Instead of focusing on lagging measurements (those

that are in the past that tell us if we have achieved our goals) managers should instead focus

the team on lead measures. Lead measure informs the team that they are likely to achieve

their goals. For example, while we can’t control how often our car breaks down (a lag

measure), we can control how often our car is routinely maintained (a lead measure). And,

the more we act on the lead measure the less our car breaks down impacting lag measures.

Discipline 3 – Keep a Compelling Scoreboard -People play differently when they’re keeping score. Scoreboard should reflect three

things – where are we now; where we want to be; and when do we need to be there. These

three points should be communicated graphically. It enables us to track and adjust for progress.

Discipline 4 – Hold each other accountable – Refers to a repetitive and methodical process of

knowing what each team member needs to do and by when – It is level of mutual accounting and

knowing other are counting on you raises your level of commitment. It requires that the

team stays engaged and aware of results being achieved.

Granted, it is understandable that we feel swept up in the whirlwind of day-to-day operations, however, by focusing on fewer,

more worthwhile goals, doing the things that have the greatest pay-off, monitoring accomplishments graphically, and using ap-

praisals to hold individuals accountable, we can finally get our bearings again and move our organizations forward. If we are not

executing all that planning is useless. Execution is everything. . .

Reference: www.businessmanagementdaily.com

By Jay Khalifeh

P A G E 1 0 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Mission Card, School Liaison Services

The education and welfare of school-age children is a quality of life issue. Military families experience challenges with reciprocity and quality of education from location to location. School-age children are as transient as their military parents and may encounter transition and academic problems. For children enrolled in schools in the civilian community, installation School Liaison Officers

(SLOs) provide information on the surrounding school districts and help relocating children smoothly adjust to their new schools. SLOs work with relocating students and their new schools to smoothly transfer credits completed at their previous schools to

their new ones. Each branch of Service has SLOs ready to serve relocating families, regardless of the service member's Service affiliation, ensuring a smooth transition to their new civilian schools.

ARMY SLOS Army School Liaison Officers are located in the Child, Youth & School (CYS) Services program. Army SLOs act as primary facilitators between local Army senior leaders and the schools serving the installation as they deal with issues resulting from frequent moves and deployments. They

are knowledgeable about the provisions of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children. SLOs assist Army families in accessing local resources and help with transition issues by serving as ombudsmen between military families and schools during in- and out-processing periods. SLOs also support families who choose to home-school.

Contact information for an Army SLO on a specific installation is available through CYS. For families that are geographically distant from an in-stallation, the Army provides six regional School Transition Specialists, whose contact information is also available through CYS. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) also provides an online Army School Liaison directory.

MARINE CORPS SCHOOL LIAISONS The Marine Corps provides a School Liaison (SL) position at each Marine Corps installation to assist parents and commanders in interacting with local schools and in responding to education transition issues for all school ages. Marine Corps SLs also support transitioning families in obtaining

educational information and assistance from local school districts. The SLs maintain information on the availability and access of educational ser-vices in their areas and collaborate with the various Marine and Family Support programs to ensure that Marine families receive responsive sup-port with a minimum of referrals and paperwork. Contact information for a Marine Corps SL on a specific installation is available through the Marine Corps School Liaison directory provided by DoDEA.

NAVY SLOS The Navy implements kindergarten through twelfth grade education support to military families through Child and Youth Programs' Youth Spon-sorship using Child and Youth Education Services at all Navy installations. Navy SLOs assist families by providing support to all military families

including school transition services, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) cycle support, school-based deployment support, special education sys-tem navigation, and postsecondary preparation. Navy SLOs also provide this support to activated Navy Reserve and other families geologically dispersed from installations. The transition support for both families and schools connects families to Navy support organizations, such as Fleet

and Family Support Centers, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), and Child and Youth Programs. Contact information for Navy SLOs is available through the local Child and Youth Programs office, the Fleet and Family Support Center, or the Navy School Liaison direc-tory provided by DoDEA.

AIR FORCE SLO Every Air Force installation has an SLO to coordinate and assist parents of school-aged children with educational opportunities and information necessary to succeed in an academic environment. The SLO is the central point of contact for commanders, military families, and local school

systems on school-related matters. Air Force SLOs network, educate, and work in partnership with local schools to address or enhance the military child's education. The Air Force SLO provides military commanders with support necessary to coordinate and advise military parents of school-aged children on educational issues and needs and to assist in solving education-related problems. The SLO works to identify barriers to academic success and develop solutions; promote parental involvement in their children's education; develop and coordinate partnerships in

education; provide parents with the tools they need to overcome obstacles to education stemming from the military lifestyle; and promote and educate local communities and schools regarding the needs of military children.

The Air Force SLO also connects families with Child and Youth Programs and Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support offices. Con-

tact information for Air Force SLOs is available in the Airman and Family Readiness Center on any Air Force installation, or through the Air Force School Liaison directory provided by DoDEA.

School Liaison Officer

MISSION To provide Soldiers, Civilians, Retirees and their Families with a secure installation, consistent and

efficient services, and quality facilities and infrastructure .

VISION With current fiscal reality, to maintain our quality services and infrastructure across the installa-

tion. To maximize available resources and to foster positive relationships with those living and work-

ing on Fort Sill as well as with our surrounding communities.

INTENT To develop an environment that becomes a model for integrating organizations into common foot-

prints, thereby becoming true stakeholders of the installation. To empower Organizations by instill-ing pride in ownership and providing a voice. To transform the Garrison while capturing efficiencies

and promoting fiscal responsibility. To maintain an environment that enhances safety, well-being, and

readiness; a place of limitless opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.

US ARMY GARRISON

FORT SILL

P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 Financial Fitness

SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT – KNOW YOUR

RIGHTS! The Servicemembers Civil Relief

Act (SCRA), formerly called the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act, is a federal law that provides certain protections to persons

serving on active military duty when their military service makes it more difficult for them to sat-isfy certain obligations or to

appear in civil lawsuits. The protections given by the SCRA range from limiting interest rates

on debts incurred before coming on active duty, to early termination of leases and cellular phone contracts, to delaying lawsuits. Some protections are also extended to servicemembers’ family members. Most SCRA protections are not automatic and action is required to invoke the protections. Some of the most common protections

under the SCRA are: The 6% Percent Solution. The SCRA allows a servicemember to have interest rates on liabilities in-

curred before entering active duty capped at 6% as of the date the servicemember begins active duty. This reduced interest rate extends as long as active duty service, but in the case of a mortgage the 6% interest cap continues for one year after leaving active duty. Any interest higher than 6% is forgiven and may not be collected by the

creditor. The servicemember must make a written request to the creditor for the reduction and provide a copy of the active duty military orders. To not grant the reduction, a creditor must go to court and convince a judge that the service member's military service does not justify reducing the interest rate.

Early Termination of Leases. The SCRA allows individuals to break residential leases entered into before going on active duty. Service members are also allowed to terminate residential leases

entered into while on active duty, if receiving PCS orders or deployment orders of 90 days or more. The service member must provide written notice and a copy of the military orders to the landlord. The SCRA also allows service members to terminate vehicle leases and cellular phone contracts in certain circumstances.

Delay of Court or Administrative Proceedings. If a service member is a party (one of the people suing or being sued) in a civil case (not a criminal case) and cannot appear because of his or her military service,

the service member, supported by a statement from his or her commander, may re-quest a 90-day delay, or request additional delays, of the legal action.

These are just a few of the basic protec-tions of the SCRA. This law is found at Title 50,

United States Code, Appendix 501 through 597a. Service members should become familiar with the SCRA and consider it as a potential option whenever their military duties limit their ability to fulfill a legal or

contractual obligation. Advice about the applicability of the SCRA in a specific situation, or how exactly to use its protections, may be obtained from the Fort Sill

Legal Assistance Office located on the 4th Floor of the Welcome Center, Building 4700 Mow-Way Road.

The Back to School blitz has

begun. State sponsored “Tax free

days” and school specific supply

lists are now available. As you

approach the new school year, I

am sure some are asking …are

there any tax savings tips or op-

portunities available in this back

to school madness? Certainly, if

you are smart about your spend-

ing. While the amounts may seem

small, they add up in a hurry.

Here are ten ideas to keep in

mind as you begin the 2012-2013

school year.

Make your money go further in your back to school shopping. Maximize

your savings when shopping for back to

school supplies, clothing, and uniforms

through comparison shopping, sales, cou-

pons, and price matching.

Teachers, save your out-of-pocket

expenses. The $250 deduction for the

qualified educator’s out-of-pocket classroom

expenses is a popular tax provision in Con-

gress that could easily be extended.

Purchasing classroom supplies could

be an opportunity for deductions. Often schools send a list of requested sup-

plies for the school year. Some items on the list are clearly for student’s personal

use (such as an eraser or a ruler) while other items on the list are often for school

and classroom use (such as 24 pencils or paper towels). This classroom supply tech-

nique effectively transfers the school expenses to our children. Keep track of these

non-cash school/classroom donations for possible charitable deductions.

Donate funds versus buying supplies. Instead of buying the classroom supplies

yourself, consider providing a check written to the school as a donation. This helps

in two ways: First, it becomes a clear cash donation with a canceled check as a re-

ceipt. Second, if your school has a good supply agreement, the purchasing power of

your donation will go further. Check with the school on how to create a Win/Win

for the school and your family.

Whenever you donate to school, get it in writ-

ing. Most teachers do not have the form, so bring one

with you that the teacher or school administrator can

sign. You can get the directions on www.irs.gov or

seek out a local charitable group for a format to copy.

Leverage the school’s PTA. This non-profit parent

group is a great way to help your school and get de-

ductible donations for funds you would otherwise

provide directly to your child’s school.

Use checks not cash. If you usually provide dona-

tions to the school in the form of cash (like providing additional money to help other

kids go on field trips) make those donations in the form of a check. Cash donations

without receipts are no longer deductible.

Donate funds versus taking the raffle ticket. Raffles, subscription drives, and

silent auctions are fun ways schools raise funds. To maximize your ability to deduct

your donations, pass over the possible prize so your entire donation is clearly de-

ductible.

Don't forget your out-of-pocket expenses for volunteer activities. Perhaps

you donate your time at school functions, donate books to the school library, or

help assist the teaching staff. Remember, your out of pocket expenses and mileage

should be tracked for charitable deduction purposes.

Save your receipts for childcare and extended day care. Many students at-

tend before and after school programs. Whether they utilize extended day programs

in the school, daycares or school age services programs, typically the childcare ex-

penses for your child/student is deductible.

Finally, don't forget to review state rules and

follow up with your tax preparer regarding educa-

tional expenses. There are often credits available

for out-of-pocket school and educational ex-

penses.

Back to School Savings

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes changes to the health insurance system and

health insurance benefits that may affect the cost of insurance and healthcare for people

with mental illnesses, according to The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. For

example, beginning in 2014, a 32-year-old single, unemployed, uninsured man with a

mental illness will get Medicaid if he makes 133 percent or less of the federal poverty

level (in 2012, $14,856 for one person) and his state implements the Medicaid expansion. Under the recent Supreme Court ruling

on the ACA, states are not required to expand Medicaid. A 45-

year-old single woman with a mental illness who works part

time and makes $6,500 a year, and receives Medicaid because of

a disability but no Social Security disability income, will continue

to get Medicaid in 2014. For more examples, and to find out

more about health insurance and mental illness under the ACA,

visit The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati’s website.

By: Christy M. Schrock, AFC

Affordable Care Act Changes May Affect Insurance Costs

for Those With Mental Illness By Join Together Staff

By: CPT McCormick

Chief, Legal Assistance

P A G E 1 2 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 Inspire and Encourage

Some of you have never once said out loud to your-

self, “I’m a good mother.” I’m a good father.” “I’m

talented and creative.” “I’m kind and considerate.”

I don’t say this arrogantly, but I like who God made

me to be. I love to compliment other people, but I’ve

learned even to compliment myself. I like the gifts

God has given me. I like my personality. I like my

height. I like my age. I like what I’m able to do. One

of the recording playing in my mind all through the day

is: You’re a good father. You’re a good husband.

You’re talented. You’re creative. You’re kind. You’re

fun to be around. It is easy to stay encouraged when you learn to compliment yourself. Sometimes

we think it’s humble to compliment somebody else while putting ourselves down. “Man, you’re so

good at that. I could never do anything like you.” No, you can do exactly what God has created

you to do. People often tell me, “I could never speak in front of large crowds like you do.” Maybe

not, but I could never fly an airplane like you do. I could never design houses like you do. I could

never teach children like you do. The fact is, every one of us is good at something. We shouldn’t

look at somebody else and think, Man, they are so talented. They are so creative. They are so disci-

plined. They are so good-looking. I don’t know what in the world happened to me. No, start look-

ing in the mirror and saying, “You are so talented. You are so creative. You are so disciplined. You

good-looking thing.” You’ve got to compliment yourself. Try it. It may work. It didn’t for my

brother, Paul! But you try it anyway. A young lady named Brittany moved to a new school in junior

high. Most of the students had grown up together and been friends for years and years. She was

having a tough time breaking in and really connecting with anybody. This school had a tradition that

during the week before Valentine’s Day, students could buy 25-cent carnations to send to one an-

other. The carnations were all delivered during homeroom on Valentines’ Day in front of the whole

class. So it was a big deal to see how many carnations everyone received. Well, Brittany knew she

would not receive any carnations. She was new to the school and didn’t have any friends. She was dreading that day, thinking she’d be left out and embar-

rassed. But then Brittany came up with a great idea. Instead of just sitting back and watching everybody else get flowers, she decided to send some to her-

self. She took five dollars down to the school office where she asked for twenty carnation delivery forms. Then she filled them out in private so nobody

would know she was sending them to herself. On Valentine’s Day, most of the young ladies received three or four carnations. The real popular girls might

have five or six or seven delivered to them. But in Brittany’s homeroom, it seemed every other carnation came to her. Her homeroom classmates looked

at her, thinking, Who in the world is this girl? She has so many friends. One after another carnation was delivered to her. Her classmates would ask,

“Who’s that from?” And Brittany would look at the note and say, “Oh. They are so special. They love me so much. I can’t wait to tell them thanks.” They

had no idea she was talking about herself. You would have thought Brittany was the most popular girl in school. By the end of Valentine’s Day, she was the

envy of the whole class. She had more carnations than anybody else. You need Brittany’s attitude: If nobody else is celebrating me right now, I’m celebrating

myself. If nobody is asking me out to dinner, I’m dressing up and taking myself out to dinner. If nobody is sending me a birthday gift, watch out. I’m buying

myself a present. If you’ve lost your happiness, your joy, your fire, and your enthusiasm, maybe it’s because no one is celebrating you, cheering you on, or

encouraging you. So do as David did in the Bible and encourage yourself. Draw that line in the sand and say, “That’s it. This is a new day. I am done living

negatively, discouraged, and with no enthusiasm. I know this is the day the Lord has made. I’m choosing to live this day with faith and with expectancy.”

You may have gone through a setback, but prepare for a comeback. God did not bring you this far to leave you where you are. He has you in the palm of

His hand. He had the solution before you ever had that problem. He already has a way out. God knows the end from the beginning. Everything you’re

facing right now is subject to change. That means one touch of God’s favor can turn any situation around. You’ve got to dare to do like David. Shake off

that spirit of discouragement and say, “I may be knocked down, but I’m not staying down, I’m rising back up and going again.” Encourage yourself so that

you can find happiness in every day. When the negative voices start up and say, ‘Well, the economy is bad. Aren’t you afraid?” Say, “No, I know God is my

provider. He supplies all of my needs.” “Well, gas is high.” “Yes, but God is well able to take care of me.” “Well, your child is not doing right.” “That’s true,

but I know he’s subject to change.” “Well, you were laid off. I heard you lost your job. Aren’t you frustrated?” ‘Not at all, I know God is about to open up

another door. I know He has something better in store for me.’ “Well, you look like you’re not

feeling well. Somebody said you received a bad report from the doctor.” “Yes, I did, but I know

God is in complete control. He said that nothing would snatch me out of His hand. So I believe I

will live out every second He’s planned for me.” That’s what it means to encourage yourself. Get

up every morning thinking about the goodness of God. Replay in your mind the victories that He’s

given you in the past. Don’t remember the negative. Change the channel and remember all the

times God has brought you through. If you don’t have an Encouragement File, start one. When

you’re tempted to get down, go get those letters out. Let them lift your spirit. And don’t wait for

others to compliment you. Compliment yourself. Learn to celebrate who God made you to be.

It’s up to you to keep yourself encouraged. Don’t put pressure on your friends and family to

encourage you all the time. You can draw strength from the inside. When you learn to encourage

yourself, that’s your faith at work. By encouraging yourself, you will enjoy your life more and you

will overcome every obstacle. You will restore your happiness and your joy. You will help every

desire, every promise put in you come to pass. Even when you do get knocked down and suffer a

setback, just as God did for David in the Bible, He will make sure you not only come back but that

you come back better off than you were before.

EAP INSPIRATION STATION—Change the Channel

CALLING ALL EARLY BIRDS...

The beginning of FY12 is within arm’s reach.

Next month will be the first opportunity for

all to receive their Substance Abuse Preven-

tion and Life Skills Training in accordance

with AR 600-85. There is an annual 2 hour

requirement for Civilians and 4 hour re-

quirement for Soldiers. We look forward to

seeing you soon.

RIBBONS: RAISING AWARENESS

October is the month where we kick of substance

abuse prevention activities for our children during

Red Ribbon Week, and where we raise awareness

about breast cancer. In the next edition of Work-

force Pride, we will explore the prevention and

intervention techniques for both campaigns. Also,

in next month’s issue we will focus on preparation

for the upcoming holidays. This time of year yields

a plethora of emotions, risky financial decisions,

and a magnitude of tasks to be completed. Next

issue will include tips on relaxing high-strung emo-

tions, holiday financial planning, and end of year

vacation ideas.

ARE YOU A SURVIVOR?

WE WANT YOU TO SHARE YOUR

SUCCESS STORY!

Please contact us if you are a cancer survivor.

Your story will be greatly appreciated for next

month’s issue. Anonymity requests will be re-

spected. Is there anything else you would like

to share? I would love to hear from you!

rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil.

3415 Miner Road

Ft. Sill, OK 73503

Phone: 580-442-4205

Fax: 580-442-5704

E-mail: rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/

Lawton-OK/Fort-Sill-Army-Substance-

Abuse- Program/115638415119642 Website: http://sill-www.army.mil/USAG/

DHR/ASAP/

YOUR EAP IS READY TO SERVE

EAP Services to Employees and Supervisors:

Assessment, problem identification, and short-term counseling/intervention.

Referral for treatment and rehabilitation to appropriate community counseling/treatment

resources.

Follow-up services to aid an employee in achieving an effective readjustment to his or her

job after treatment.

Training and education for supervisors and employees about alcohol and drugs.

EAP Services to the Installation Organization:

Training and consultation for supervisors and managers on how and when to make proper

use of EAP services for improving employee performance and conduct.

Consultation to management about trends in employee needs, work groups, and related

concerns dealing with work/life/wellness support programs.

Well-Being Center, ASAP

Sneak Peek: What to Expect Next Month

COME VISIT US AT: RaShonda M. Labrador, MS, EAPC

(580)442-4205/6306

rashonda.labrador@us.army.mil

“Understand how precious

life is. Everyday is a

good day until there is no

day at all”

- Thomas R. Williams,

NFL Journeyman

OFFER HOPE

SAVE

A LIFE

Disclaimer:

Information, views or opinions expressed in the Workforce Pride e-newsletter originates from many different

sources and contributors throughout the general community. Please note that content and hyperlinks external to the

US Government websites does not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions of the Fort Sill Garrison,

the Fires Center of Excellence or the United States Army or their affiliates nor are the events endorsed by the same.