Military partners with communities to extend services

As a result of multiple deployments over nearly nine years of war in two theaters, many families of service members are choosing to remain in their established neighborhoods or return to a relative's hometown when their Soldier deploys.

In many cases, this means resources commonly found on military installations aren't available to them for the duration of the deployment.

The Army has hired 61 community support coordinators located across the U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and Japan to help connect these geographically dispersed military personnel with community service systems.

More: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/12/29/32369-military-partners-with-communities-to-extend-services/

Leadership from U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in the Republic of Korea resigned the Army Family Covenant on Dec. 18

The covenant serves as a promise to Soldiers and their Families that the Army will be there to support them, said Installation Management Command officials, especially during this time of increased deployments and challenges. More: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/12/28/32334-yongsan-leadership-re-signs-covenant/

Military Families Weather Holidays, Deployments

Brandy Flotten is tackling her first holiday season without her deployed husband, but she’s still determined to keep the holiday spirit alive for her two sons... http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=57236

From Defender 6: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Sarah and I extend our warmest greetings to each one of you and your families. This season of celebrations is a time of eager anticipation, joyful get-togethers, and being with loved ones. It is a holy period for many. The start of the New Year is a time of reflection, revelry and renewal. May your holidays be filled with the cheer, spirit of giving and hope that should be part of this season. Please know that each one of you is important -- to your Family, to the Army, to IMCOM /ACSIM and me.

Remember our Soldiers and civilians who will not be with their loved ones.
Remember those who valiantly defend our nation against threats and go into harm's way to protect our freedoms. Consider participating in programs established to honor our Soldiers and Families, giving to a local charity, or simply offering a prayer of thanks. Reach out to those who may be experiencing pain during the holidays.

Make safety a part of all you do. Be cautious when driving in ice and snow.
Be mindful of the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide. Be extra careful when consuming alcohol, driving after partying, driving without adequate rest, and using lighted candles for decoration.

Give the gift of life by following and sharing the safety information in our IMCOM Fall/Winter Safety Brochure available at http://www.imcom.army.mil/hq/officecom/staff/safety/ to plan and enjoy your seasonal celebrations safely.

The Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPs) at http://combatingaggressivedriving.com/trip%20planning.html helps identify travel risks and reduce the chance of an accident.

On behalf of Sarah and I, CSM Ciotola and his wife Beth, and the entire command leadership team, I wish you a safe, enjoyable holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Thanks for all you do. We are making history together.

Support and Defend!

Defender 6

Delivering on the Army Family Covenant

Delivering on the Army Family Covenant: Officials Seek Feedback on Family Programs
The Army Family Covenant pledges IMCOM’s commitment to support Soldiers and their Families and resource programs to provide them a quality of life commensurate with their services. With the hope of gaining more insight into the effectiveness of Military Family Programs, defense officials have launched virtual “listening sessions.” The anonymous, online survey solicits feedback from Soldiers and their Families on the military’s educational programs, support networks and other services.

Service members and their families are invited to participate in the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1253631402808.

For more information: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=57138

Check Your FMWRC Facility Hours on Dec. 24

Since the President's announcement grants federal employees a half-day holiday the afternoon of Dec. 24, please check with your local FMWRC facility to confirm the time of closing.

IMCOM Holiday Devotional

The importance of faith and relationships during the holidays was the message of the IMCOM chaplains team Tuesday morning, when they led a group of Headquarters staff in a brief devotional gathering.

IMCOM Chaplain Col. David Smartt called the staff together for a prayer led by Chaplain Lt. Col. Gregory Tyree and a reading of the Christmas story by Chaplain COL Douglas Castle.

“Christmas is the anchor of the holiday season that begins with Thanksgiving,” said Deputy Chaplain Lt. Col. Brent Nelson in a brief message to the staff. “There are many important religious holidays this time of year – one, for example, is Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, which began at sundown on December 11. The themes of these holidays are the same: peace, joy and love. But peace doesn’t come out of thin air – it comes out of faith.”

Chaplain Nelson noted that the holiday is a time to nurture both work and personal relationships. “Relationships are what make organizations like IMCOM work, and the important events of our lives are experienced in relationships with others,’ he said.

Chief of Staff Col. Rick Newton spoke to the staff about their value and the need for support in the often difficult environment in which IMCOM works to support Soldiers and Families. “We’re all here for a purpose. We do our work with lots of stress around us and with the hard work of a major transition ongoing,” he observed. “You should know that the Command Team is here for you – over the holidays, and any time – when you need us.”

Following the singing of several traditional carols, Chaplain Smartt closed the devotional by presenting staff members with a small gift – a ceramic angel tree ornament – as he said, “just to let everyone know that they have someone watching over them.”

Benelux Garrison Signs Army Community Covenant

Three signatures formalized decades of friendship between the U.S. military, local residents and a Belgian army unit Dec. 12, a unique twist to traditional stateside U.S. Army Community Covenants.U.S. Army Garrison Benelux commander James Drago, Bastogne Mayor Philippe Collard and Belgian army 1st Field Artillery Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Henri Badot-Bertrand pledged closer cooperation and cultural exchange among their organizations through a partnership charter.

"Through the many years, USAG Benelux and its preceding units have participated in many ceremonies with Bastogne representatives, veterans and Soldiers of the 1st Field Artillery regiment," said Drago during the ceremony. "Our partnership is a natural continuation of this deep, imbibing friendship. I am honored to stand before you today with my signature as one of three on this formal partnership proclamation.

"The Community Covenant is an Army program designed to enhance ties between U.S. service members and communities across America. USAG Benelux officials applied that principle within their European footprint, highlighting a historic bond between the town of Bastogne and U.S. troops dating back to World War II's Battle of the Bulge.

"Dear American friends, on behalf of the city of Bastogne, I thank you for being here today to show our common attachment through the values of peace and democracy," said Collard, amid the festivities of the town's commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

"(On this day) I hope that you have the message of my predecessors for 65 years while translating the gratitude of our cooperation toward these young American Soldiers who lost their lives on our ground, so that we could enjoy freedom today."

Evidence of the three-way partnership has been seen for many years, Drago said. The USAG Benelux color guard has carried the national colors of Belgium and America during official ceremonies, he explained, while the Bastogne-based 1st Field Artillery Regiment has paraded individual flags of U.S. states. "Our friendship extends further still," he said. "Now a Soldier from the Belgian unit marches alongside the U.S. Soldiers, forming one team - one USAG Benelux color guard.

Recent partnership events between the two units have included marching side-by-side during military training, competing in M-16 firing drills and participating in a celebration of the artillerymen's patron saint.Throughout Bastogne, tributes to American troops are displayed prominently, including monuments to two U.S. generals who have become folk heroes in the region - George Patton and Anthony McAuliffe. The town fosters a carnival-like atmosphere each December on the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, with an outpouring of gratitude for U.S. service members.

"This charter is an opportunity to maintain very good contact with the people of America and with our liberators," said Philippe Collignon, a school teacher and alderman in Bastogne. "To us, the men and women of the USAG Benelux are the representatives of their people and a conduit to the folks in America. Their presence at every one of our events shows us that they too appreciate us."

Collignon supervises Bastogne's youth, sports, morale and cultural events. His duties include the planning and supervision of every official commemoration. "Bastogne takes the duty of memory very seriously," he said. "We are grateful to the people of America and do not want to miss one single opportunity to remind all generations of the sacrifices the American nation made to free us from the oppressors.

"We will not allow anyone to forget," he said emphatically.

More: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/12/14/31757-benelux-garrison-signs-army-community-covenant/

Bamberg schools address deployment impact

Ensuring excellence in child, youth and school services is a hallmark of the Army Family Covenant. As a result of deployment’s impact on youth, Bamberg Elementary and Middle/High School faculties have initiated a number of programs to support students dealing with the multiple stages of a parent's deployment. These programs are available for students through all phases of the deployment process, including re-integration. More: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/12/04/31310-bamberg-schools-address-deployment-impact/

IMCOM HQ Celebrates the Holiday Season

IMCOM HQ's annual holiday luncheon December 9 was marked by a special emphasis on the importance of the Command's work to families -- large and small. In remarks to the HQ staff, Commander Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch applauded the Command's support for Soldiers and Families and recognized the hard work of uniformed and civilian personnel. "You can read history or make it," Lynch said, "and what you do is as important as what our Soldiers are doing walking the streets of Baghdad or the fields of Afghanistan. You provide our Soldiers and Families a quality of life equal to their service."

Lynch said that the holiday season is a time of renewal for the IMCOM team, which must carry out its mission "surrounded by tragedy" during a time of war and in the face of personal losses. "You've got to keep focused on family," he explained, "not just the Army Family, but your own families. The holidays are a time to focus on reconnecting with the families and friends we love and to tell them how much we appreciate them. In the end, we are known by how we focus on our families."

IMCOM Videos Released on Energy and the Environment

Assured access to reliable, affordable and stable energy supplies remains a significant challenge for the Army. The videos show what the Army is doing to:

– Reduce energy consumption
– Increase efficiency across platforms and facilities
– Increase use of renewable energy– Assure access to sufficient energy supply
– Reduce adverse impacts on the environment

Check out the IMCOM videos:

Saving Energy on Fort Knox http://www.army.mil/media/amp/?bcpid=6981683001&bctid=51607980001

Fort Knox Energy Plan http://www.army.mil/media/amp/?bcpid=6981683001&bctid=47542217001

Strickland retires after 36 years

By Alex McVeigh Pentagram Staff Writer


After a 36-year career that featured many firsts, Command Sgt. Maj. Debra L. Strickland retired Wednesday at a ceremony in the Pentagon. She served as the command sergeant major of the Installation Management Agency in 2002, and the first command sergeant major of Installation Management Command when it was formed in 2006.

She became garrison command sergeant major of Fort Belvoir in October 1997, a position which she held until July 2002. It was while she was stationed at Fort Belvoir that her husband, Sgt. Maj. Larry L. Strickland, was killed in the Pentagon on 9⁄11.

Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, who served as her commander at IMCOM, spoke to the audience of more than 50 people who came to bid Strickland farewell.

‘‘She was all about taking care of Soldiers, civilians and Families. She was also key in planning for IMCOM’s future, ensuring that we had the right vision and the right strategy to support a changing Army, an Army at war,” Wilson said. ‘‘She was my chief advocate and strongest supporter for quality of life issues.”

Wilson also praised Strickland’s efforts in the development of programs such as the First Sergeant’s Barracks Initiative.

After he finished his remarks, Wilson presented Strickland with the Distinguished Service Medal, and read letters of congratulations from President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli and Director of the Defense Commissary Agency Philip E. Sakowitz Jr.

She was also given a folded American flag that had flown over Fort Belvoir, the Florida state capitol and the Pentagon.

When Strickland took the stage, most of her words were words of thanks. She thanked her various commanders and inspirations throughout the years, including those who helped her get through the death of her husband.

‘‘My Family was incredibly impressed by the care that Fort Belvoir provided,” she said. ‘‘We are a Family inside the military, and ... all the civilians, all the contractors and certainly all the military that were on Fort Belvoir became especially important to me.”

Strickland expressed great pride in her career as a Soldier, and said she looked forward to the future, even though it may be uncertain.

‘‘It’s been a great ride in this Army,” Strickland said. ‘‘I’m not certain what the future holds, but I’m going to count on the fact that there has to be somebody out there that can show me the ropes of becoming a civilian, and maybe finding some joy in the next stage of my life.”

Strickland’s legacy was summed up appropriately by Wilson in his concluding remarks.

‘‘She delivered the right leadership at the right time and the right place. She is totally selfless and devoted to the Army and to her Soldiers,” Wilson said. ‘‘The Army is losing a great command sergeant major with your retirement, one who is loved and one that is respected. On behalf of the United States Army, a grateful nation and the many Soldiers, civilians and Families around the world thank you.”

Resourcing the Army’s Home: Installation funding levels on the decline

Dec. 1, 2009

By Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch
Command, Installation Management Command

In recent years, the Army and its Installations have enjoyed unprecedented levels of funding. In fiscal year 2008, the Army hit a high water mark in its fiscal history with a total annual budget exceeding $250 billion - three times more than FY2001 funding level.

Much of this growth is attributed to funding the war, rebalancing our Army through investments in Army's force structure, equipment, infrastructure, and key Soldier and Family programs.

Funding levels of this magnitude are unsustainable year after the year and as the country faces some stiff economic challenges, we are forced to reduce funding and exact a greater level of stewardship over our resources.

The Installation Management Command - like other commands throughout our Army - will operate at reduced funding levels. This means that starting in 2010, performance levels for some installation services will be notably less than what we have had in recent years and will remain at that level for the foreseeable future.

Our challenge is to ensure those key, higher priority programs across our installations do not suffer. We will maintain our full support to Life, Health and Safety programs, the Army Family Covenant and those services that prepare our Soldier and their Families for deployment in support of the Army's Force Generation model.

These are non-negotiables that will remain fully funded. This is our commitment; we will not depart from it. However, there will be other installation services that will clearly be reduced.

We have grown accustomed to some very high levels of service across the board in recent years and we all need to be forthcoming with the expectation that things will be different in some areas. Help manage this expectation across your garrisons. Educate everyone as to which changes they can expect to see. A simple explanation can go a long way to helping understand the changes some of our installation services will undergo.

Across the Army's installations, we can do much to help ourselves by becoming better stewards of our resources. It starts with the individual; everybody has a role. Simple things like turning the lights off, powering down your computer at night, driving tactical vehicles instead of TMP vehicles or conducting a VTC instead of traveling to a distant site unnecessarily all save money - and no savings is too small to forego.

Commanders and leaders across the installation have a key role and are responsible for the efficient use of our resources. Costs should be an inherent consideration in your every decision. We too often marginalize this key factor in making good, resource-informed decisions but we can no longer afford to do so.

As I travel throughout the Army community, I carry the message that we can do business smarter and more efficiently without sacrificing the quality of service that our Soldiers and their Families so richly deserve.

I challenge everyone to do the same; to work together to ensure that those key installation programs that mean so much are well resourced and operated; that we do away with wasteful and unnecessary spending.

Every person - whether you are a Soldier, Family member, one of our great DA Civilians or a contractor serving our Army - is needed and can make a difference.

Ask yourself if you are doing the right things and then, are you doing them right. Doing things right means doing them in the most cost efficient way without sacrificing effectiveness.

Army Strong

Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch
Defender 6

Respite Child Care Expands to All 50 States

The Armed Services YMCA, as part of a Defense Department contract, provides health and wellness opportunities, including the Respite Child Care program, for reserve-component service members and their families across the country through their local YMCAs.

The Respite Child Care program provides up to 16 hours of child care for families of deployed Guard and reserve personnel. It’s meant to be a “short break” for the parent or guardian responsible for the child’s care, said Mike Landers, deputy national director of the Armed Services YMCA.

More: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=56859

A Thanksgiving Message from Defender Six - Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, Commanding General, Installation Management Command

“This Thanksgiving Day will be particularly poignant for the many thousands of Soldiers serving in harm's way and their families. As you celebrate in gratitude, let us recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of our war-fighters ensuring our security and freedom.”

More: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/11/24/30937-defender-six-remember-safety-deployed-soldiers-during-thanksgiving/

Female service members to get unique care package

The United Services Organization has sent out a lot of care packages over the years, but they have never put together a "for women only" kit -- until now: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/11/19/30645-female-servicemembers-to-get-unique-care-package/

The Military Child Care Act of 1989 continues to make a difference

In the 20 years since enactment of the Military Child Care Act, military child care has undergone enormous change. Those changes have led to recognition by a number of organizations, including the National Association of Regulatory Administration and the National Women’s Law Center for the department’s commitment to high-quality, accessible, affordable child care.

Sesame Street Muppets, Rosita and Elmo, accompanied Melvin Ming, Sesame Workshop’s chief operating officer, to the Defense Department’s 2009 Child Development Conference in Washington, D.C. this week. They helped explain the Workshop’s “Talk, Listen, Connect” videos designed to help military kids deal with many of the challenges they face.

More: http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=56754; http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=56761

Proof of Army Family Covenant success found among facts, figures

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama pledged his support of military members and their families and said Americans have a "solemn obligation" to preserve their well-being. He issued a proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.

The numbers demonstrate AFC is not about buzzwords... http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/11/17/30543-proof-of-army-family-covenant-success-found-among-facts-figures

Army Family Covenant: Keeping the Promise

Never before in the history of our Army have we asked so much of our Families. They are serving side-by-side with our Soldiers, enduring their hardships and providing the unconditional love and support that truly make our Army strong. The Army Family Covenant pledges our commitment to support Soldiers and their Families and resource programs to provide them a quality of life commensurate with their service.

The Army Family Covenant promise is tangible. Every day the Army is expanding Family programs, providing more accessible health care, improving housing conditions and ensuring our schools, youth services and child care centers are a priority. Download the Army Family Covenant brochure at http://www.myarmyonesource.com/CommunitiesandMarketplace/ArmyFamilyCovenant/default.aspx

Tips to Avoid the Flu

Get a full night’s sleep, eat healthy, exercise, laugh every day and take these everyday steps to protect your health:

-- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-- If sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions:

-- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
-- Be prepared. Keep a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand cleaners, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

"A Day of Remembrance"

The Army has declared Tuesday, November 10, 2009, "A Day of Remembrance" to grieve for and honor Soldiers and Civilians who died as a result of the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, TX and for fallen Soldiers from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as represented by the 5-2 Stryker Brigade at Fort Lewis, WA.

Garrison Commanders Conference Focuses on Contributions of Spouses

Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of the Army Installation Management Command, deeply appreciates the spouses of garrison commanders and their command sergeants major. “Every great thing that happened at Fort Hood when I was in command there happened because of the hearts and minds of spouses,” he told the Command’s 2009 Garrison Commanders Conference.

Spouses participating in the Conference offered their counterparts guidance on how to more effectively support Soldiers and Families by:

-- identifying their particular personal skills and focusing on the activities where they feel they can make a special impact;
-- prioritizing their tasks in support of their installation and its Soldiers and Families;
-- training themselves to be alert to receive – and to seek out – feedback from Soldiers and Families about installation programs and services;
-- relying on the command spouse team for information to gain a broader range of feedback and insights into the programs and services that are working, and identify the areas where their installation needs to improve;
-- understanding that they don’t have all the answers to questions from Soldiers and Families, they just need to know who to direct questions to;
-- sharing the positive and negative aspects of their installations openly and honestly with dignitaries and other special visitors, taking care not to speak for the Army but to convey their individual views as personal perspectives; and
-- growing a “tough skin” and learning to let go of small issues, because mistakes will be inevitable.

The spouses explained that most Army programs are working well in meeting the needs of Soldiers and Families. The Army Family Covenant was cited for helping connect with Families, although the program’s meaning is sometimes unclear to spouses and Families “on the ground” because communications about the Covenant seem intermittent and its actual results need to be highlighted more prominently.

Spouses cited Army education opportunities as effective, along with the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, because single Soldiers and single Army parents can sometimes feel left out of programs aimed at Families. The Army’s new technology for connecting geographically dispersed Soldiers and Families – ArmyOneSource.com – was singled out for its value.

One spouse urged Soldiers and Families to take the initiative in getting assistance when they need it. “Family support and counseling is out there,” she said, “you just have to go out and find it.”

Spouses were appreciative of the increase in new and improved housing but noted that more is needed to meet the demand of a growing Army, particularly to accommodate the influx of younger Soldiers. A spouse who works as an installation nurse commented that the system for obtaining medical appointments is working.

The spouses were as realistic about potential challenges ahead for Soliders and Families as they were appreciative of the improvements they have already seen. A general concern was voiced about maintaining the quality and scope of Soldier and Family programs should future funding shortfalls occur. A more specific concern was voiced about difficulties in identifying Gold Star Families associated with installations and caring for them long-term.

Lt. Gen. Lynch thanked the spouses for their contributions – and their candor – in the vital role they play in support of Soldiers and Families. “The Army experience – because of what we are called to do – can sometimes make us callous,” he observed. “We don’t want to be callous. Spouses help us maintain balance and help us grasp reality. For spouses, it’s all about communication. They often have better ideas and better communications, and we need to tap those strengths.”

Mrs. Lynch added a strong, knowing voice to the conversation when she thanked the spouses for participating in the Conference and encouraged them “to care of yourself and know that you’re empowered to do that so you can take care of Soldiers and Families.” She offered herself as resource to spouses by assuring them that when they bring their issues and concerns to her, “I’ll take them to the general.”

Command Sergeant Majors in the Spotlight at Garrison Commanders Conference

The Army Installation Management Command wrapped up its 2009 Garrison Commanders Conference by highlighting the role of command sergeants major – an influential group that makes a major difference every day in supporting garrison commanders and Soldiers and Families.

The CSMs provided valuable feedback from their special perspective as key non-commissioned officers on installations. They identified two significant communication elements they believe must be strengthened to help build support for IMCOM’s approach to installation management: telling other Army organizations about the Command and its mission, and strategically conveying the intent and priorities of IMCOM’s leadership to Soldiers and Families.

IMCOM CSM Neil Ciotola said that serving as a CSM is grounded in basic Army commitments and standards. “With every new generation and with every new commander, someone comes up with a new jingle about the Army, but it all comes down to the Army Creed and the Warrior Ethos.”

Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, IMCOM’s commanding general, wrapped up the conversation with CSMs by saying, “It is an honor and privilege to command IMCOM and to touch Soldiers and Families on our installations on a daily basis. We can’t serve anywhere more impact than we can as a garrison commander or a command sergeant major in IMCOM. We control the resources that make the quality of life for Soldiers and Families equal to the quality of their service.”

Looking ahead, Lt. Lynch announced the formation of a new transition team that will begin meeting in November with the objective of producing an IMCOM campaign plan to be released in March. He also announced that a new Web site will be created to encourage the sharing of best installation management practices and added that he would begin regularly scheduled “virtual meetings” with garrison leaders starting in early 2010. “As long as I’m commanding general,” he concluded, “it’s all about communication.”

Live From the IMCOM Garrison Commanders Conference

Soldier and Family Well-being

Soldier and Family well-being is a cornerstone of Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch’s Commander’s Intent – as commanding general, he wants active, visible commanders who are focused on delivering quality installations and the Army Family Covenant to Soldiers and Families.

Safe and secure installations are essential to the well-being of Soldiers and Families. Carlisle Barracks is expanding its connections to fire, rescue, and police resources in surrounding communities to achieve new synergies in security.

Building a strong sense of community and pride also contributes to well-being. Installations are using Army Family Covenant events to communicate that the Army is committed to providing Soldiers and Families a quality of life equal to their service. White Sands Missile Range engages local minor-league sports teams to highlight the Covenant and build community support for the Army Family. Fort Benning reaches out to its local communities with the “Houses and Heroes” program. This program demonstrates how the Army can be a good neighbor by engaging Soldiers to do home repair for local residents.

Lt. Gen. Lynch believes that support to Soldiers and Families begins on installations. “If we send a Soldier or Family off the installation to get a need met,” he said, “we’re not doing our job.”

Live from the IMCOM Garrison Commander's Conference

Installation Energy and Sustainability

IMCOM’s Garrison Commanders Conference is shining a bright spotlight on the need for Army installations to use less energy – and use it smarter – as they continue to focus on the well-being of Soldiers and Families and on supporting an expeditionary Army at war.

Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general, said he has seen installation energy bills triple in recent years – a clear signal that garrison commanders and staffs must take new and different actions that have impact today and in the long-term. Building on Lt. Gen Lynch’s direction, Brigadier Gen. Al Aycock, IMCOM deputy commanding general, urged installations to make the security of their energy supplies a top priority, along with improving conservation and efficiency.

The leaders’ comments set off a sharing of “smart energy” practices. Installations mentioned posting an “electricity meter” icon on their Web pages to make energy use visible to Soldiers, Families and Civilians. Other installations are modifying their generating and heating systems to switch between fuels and get the lowest price. Fort Bliss, in Texas, declared its goal of being “The Army’s Center for Renewable Energy” and is exploring innovative energy-saving technologies as well as solar, biomass and geothermal energy sources. Detroit Arsenal is selling unused energy back to suppliers and is working to get tenant organizations to generate power onsite. Other installations are replacing conventional incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting with even more efficient light-emitting diodes, and more are expanding the use of hybrid and low-speed electric vehicles to reduce oil consumption.

Repeated Army deployments also present opportunities to save energy. Some installations are closely regulating allowable electricity use when Soldiers deploy and return, based on the varying occupancy levels of buildings. Some installations are applying private-sector business process improvements tools – Lean Six Sigma heads the list – to dig deep into complicated energy and sustainability issues.

Some installations are taking decidedly low-tech approaches to save energy and improve sustainability. Banning Styrofoam containers and packing material reduces waste volumes – and disposal costs. Installing recycling containers that are larger than trash bins sends Soldiers and Families a subtle – but strong – message. Setting up a telephone tree to quickly initiate power-saving measures when electricity prices spike creates significant savings.

Lt. Gen. Lynch was clear in his energy message to installations: “I expect garrison commanders and their command sergeants major to embrace the idea that we can save money by saving energy. I’m going to ask every garrison what they’re doing to save energy. It’s right for the environment, and it’s right way for us to manage installations. Let’s be an impetus for a conservation culture in the United States.”

“Live” from IMCOM’s Garrison Commander’s Conference – Day 2: “Taking care of Soldiers and Family, that’s my passion.”

At the IMCOM Garrison’s Commander Conference, Lt. Gen Rick Lynch, “Defender Six,” said he is excited about joining ACSIM and IMCOM. He is honored to wear the title of the ACSIM and CG IMCOM, but, the title he is most proud of is, “I am the husband of Sarah and the father of my children,” a proud title, he says, he will carry long after he retires from the Army. He also titles himself “the Family first general.”

A native of Ohio, his parents were blue-collar shift workers at his hometown paper mill. He went to work at the age of 13 and applied to West Point simply because he could not otherwise afford a college education.

After struggling through to a commission, he said, “All I wanted to do was command a battalion. I did that.” At first, he said, “…the Army was a job, then it became a profession, today it is a passion.”

“My passion is taking care of Soldiers and Families,” Lynch said, adding Sarah, his wife of more than 27 years, shares that same passion.

“Sarah will travel everywhere I go. She will focus on Families,” Lynch said. “I’m the commanding general. She’s the one who sleeps with the commanding general. When we visit installations Sarah will get information I could never get,” Lynch explained. “She will be another set of eyes and ears. We will focus on fulfilling the Family Covenant. We will focus on the Family,” he said.

“We spend too much time fixing broken Soldiers and Families and not enough time giving them a break.” Lynch says his mission, his priority is all about balance, finding the right balance between work, family, health, and fun.

Lynch said, “The road to success is, one, surround yourself with confident people and delegate. Two, look down not up. Worry about those working for you, not catering to those above you. Three, never compete with sister units. Share best practices. Four, have fun.”

“Taking care of Soldiers and Family, that’s my passion.”

Live From IMCOM's Garrison Commander's Conference -- Day 1

On his first day as commanding general of the Army Installation Management Command, Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch is moving quickly to continue delivering on the Command’s commitment, in the Army Family Covenant, to provide the best care and quality of life possible to Soldiers and Families in order to make them more resilient and to make the Army stronger and more capable.

Lt. Gen. Lynch and his command group brought together more than 400 garrison commanders and their spouses and non-commissioned officers, along with a wide range of installation management professionals, at the 2009 Garrison Commanders Conference to explore how they can create and sustain excellence on Army installations.

Lt. Gen. Lynch told the conference that over the coming six to eight weeks he intends to listen and learn about IMCOM, with the goal of creating a campaign plan that will guide the command’s mission focus over the next few years.

Lt. Gen. Lynch asked attendees at the Garrison Commander’s Conference to get to know one another, share best practices, and rededicate their efforts to sustaining excellence on Army installations. He tasked attendees with doing their jobs by always asking:

- are we doing the right things?

- are we doing things right?

- what are we missing?

Using his Commander’s Intent for IMCOM to be “The Sustainable Army Community of Excellence” as a frame of reference, Lt. Gen. Lynch is guiding conference participants to engage with leadership – and with one another – on four areas:

- installation readiness;

- Soldier and Family Well-being;

- leader and workforce development; and

- Soldier and Family readiness.

Watch this space for more information on IMCOM’s 2009 Garrison Commander’s Conference.

More from the IMCOM Change of Command on Oct. 2, 2009

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. served as host for the event. He took the podium first to thank Wilson for his almost four decades of service, and to welcome Lynch to the position.
Story and photos: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/11/03/29770-imcom-changes-command

Live from the Garrison Commanders Conference

Lt. Gen. Lynch directs leadership to share best practices and rededicate their efforts to creating and sustaining excellence on our installations by asking the following: Are we doing the right things? Are we doing things right?
What are we missing?

Live from the IMCOM Change of Command

Today, Army Installation Management Command closed a formative chapter in its history – and opened an exciting new one – when Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson relinquished command to LTG Rick Lynch. Lt. Gen. Wilson was IMCOM’s first commanding general, leading the command since it stood up Oct. 26, 2006. During the ceremony at Fort Myer, Lt. Gen. Wilson was honored with the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and Mrs. Wilson was honored for her work on Soldier and Family issues, particularly the education of military children.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, host of the ceremony, said, “Bob Wilson put mission first, and Soldiers always. His career is one of breadth and depth.” Gen. Casey noted “the daily contributions of IMCOM and its lasting legacy of services to Soldiers and Families” under Lt. Gen. Wilson’s leadership. “He understood the human dimension of the Army’s transformation, and he never lost sight of the bottom line of sustaining Soldiers and Families,” Gen. Casey commented. “Bob Wilson played a leadership role in making the Army Family Covenant a reality” and delivering on its promise to provide a quality of life equal to service.

Gen. Casey singled out Lynn Wilson as a “tireless, thoughtful advocate for Soldiers and Families.” He added, “She is a proven leader with the vision and drive to continue the transformation of installations” to better support Soldiers and Families.

Following the thanks and honors accorded him, Lt. Gen. Wilson said, “It has been a privilege to be the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management and Commanding General of IMCOM and lead this magnificent organization for the last three years.” He called IMCOM “a great command consisting of great people who make a difference every day.” During his 38 years of service, he said, the Army has changed significantly in areas such as casualty evacuation and support for Soldiers and Families. But, he added, “I will tell you, regardless of the different culture, our Army then, just as it is today, was the best Army in the world.”

Of his new duties, Lt. Gen. Lynch said, “It is a blessing to serve Soldiers and Families. The transition of command is the best I’ve ever experienced. The Army has reaped the benefits of Bob Wilson’s leadership.”

Photos from the ceremony may be viewed at flickr.com/photos/IMCOM

Follow us “Live” from IMCOM’s Change of Command Ceremony on 2 NOV

IMCOM will close a formative chapter in our history – and open an exciting new one – when LTG Robert Wilson relinquishes command to LTG Rick Lynch on 2 NOV. LTG Wilson holds a unique position in IMCOM’s history as the first commanding general when IMCOM stood up 26 OCT 2006.

LTG Wilson’s three years of leadership alongside our Soldiers, Civilians and Family members have been marked by significant impact and change. LTG Wilson guided IMCOM do the right mission the right way and charted the command’s course through a sweeping organizational transformation and transition to Fort Sam Houston. He turns over to LTG Lynch an enduring organization that is positioned more effectively to support the Army readiness in an era of persistent conflict and continue to provide an environment in which Soldiers and Families can thrive.

LTG Wilson never failed to thank the IMCOM team for all they do for Soldiers and Families. On 2 NOV, it is our opportunity to thank him for his 38 years of service to the Army and our nation. We wish the LTG Godspeed as he opens the next chapter in his life, and we welcome LTG Lynch aboard as the commanding general who will lead IMCOM into the future.

The agenda for the ceremony:

CEREMONY HOST
General George W. Casey, Jr.
Chief of Staff
United States Army

COMMANDER OF TROOPS
Colonel David Anders
Regimental Commander
3rd United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

PARTICIPATING UNITS
3rd United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own)

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

MARCH ON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“The Rifle Regiment” J.P. Sousa

PRE-CEREMONY CONCERT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”We Were There”
Buskin and Cunningham
“When the Saints Go Marching In” J.M. Black
“National Spirit” S.E. Hummel

INTRODUCTION OF OFFICIAL PARTY

HONORS
SOUND OFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The United States Army Band
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . .“The American Soldier” C. Koff and T. Jones
“The Second Infantry Division March” (The Warriors) arr. By J. Kessler

COLORS ADVANCED. . . . . . . “The Stars and Stripes Forever” J.P. Sousa

HONORS TO THE NATION. . . . . .“The Star Spangled Banner” J.S. Smith

CHANGE OF COMMAND

RETIREMENT OF LTG ROBERT WILSON

REMARKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General George W. Casey
LTG Rick Lynch
LTG Robert Wilson

MARCH AND REVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“March Grandioso” R.F. Seitz
“Washington’s March” Traditional
“Trio” National emblem E.E. Bagley

ARMY SONG

CONCLUSION OF THE CEREMONY

From an Interview with John Nerger, Executive Director of IMCOM…Part II

Question: What are some of the other quality-of-life initiatives — covering fitness, childcare, recreation, food service— that the Army introduced or will introduce in the upcoming fiscal year?

Answer: I think it’s probably better to say that we’re focusing on improving the programs that we’ve begun, rather than launching a whole suite of new initiatives. But there are a couple of emphasis areas that I would draw attention to…

From suicide, substance abuse and safety to childcare centers, facility improvements and more, Mr. Nerger discusses the pivotal role of IMCOM in support of Soldiers and their Families.

More: http://www.ebmpubs.com/MCH_pdfs/mch_Nerger2.pdf

From an Interview with John Nerger, Executive Director of IMCOM…

“The Army, which has been at war for the better part of this decade, is out of balance. We’ve got stressed soldiers and stressed families. I see IMCOM’s role as having a major responsibility to help the Army get itself back in balance by providing the complete range, and types of services, programs and facilities that support soldiers and families. I would characterize that as our principal goal for the next couple of years. In support of that goal is the Army Family Covenant… The second objective, the one I spend quite a bit of time on on a daily basis, is to ensure the command adapts successfully as the Army transforms. The Army is undergoing a lot of change. We’re closing in on the execution and completion of a significant round of Base Realignments and Closures (BRAC). We in IMCOM are also affected by BRAC. So, this command is directly supporting the rest of the Army as it’s making those transitions, implementing those base closures, executing those relocations at the same time we’re going through it ourselves.”

Full interview: http://www.ebmpubs.com/MCH_pdfs/mch_Nerger1.pdf

Happy Birthday IMCOM!

On October 26 IMCOM will mark its third year of supporting Soldiers, Families and Senior commanders by providing quality services and programs, delivered consistently across installations.

IMCOM was originally designated the Installation Management Agency (IMA) in August 2002, when the Army issued General Order 4 creating the command as a field operating agency of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (OACSIM). General Order 4 followed a period in which Secretary of the Army Thomas E. White and GEN Eric K. Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff, had envisioned installation transformation as the initial focus for transforming the Army as a whole.

The intent of the order was to enable senior commanders to focus on their war-fighting missions, to standardize and improve the quality of life for Soldiers and Families, to place the “city management’ functions of installations on garrison commanders, and to streamline funding to installations. Initiating installation management transformation with IMA was based on three key assumptions:

– Installation services should be standard and predictable
– Business practices would improve installation management
– Installation costs would be reduced while improving execution through centralized funding and streamlined processes

In 2005, Base Realignment and Closure directed the consolidation of the U.S. Army Family, Morale and Welfare Command, the U.S. Army Environmental Command and the U.S. Army Installation Management Agency in San Antonio Texas.

In October 2006, Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey and Army Chief of Staff GEN Peter K. Schoomaker created the Installation Management Command. This action placed the former IMA, the former Community and Family Support Center (renamed the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command), and the former Army Environmental Center (renamed the Army Environmental Command) in a single three-star command as a direct reporting unit to OACSIM.

The IMCOM vision is to be “The Army’s Home.” Every day, IMCOM delivers the commitments of the Army Family Covenant to more than 150 installations worldwide, honoring the sacrifices of Soldiers and Military Families, enabling successful execution of the Army Force Generation cycle.

Army Energy Security: An Overview

As America’s Army moves through a period of expansion and change at home – and mission challenges abroad – building greater energy security is among the top priorities for the Army.

The Army’s drive for greater energy security is taking place against a backdrop of the need to support an expeditionary Army as well as the national impetus for substantial investments in the research and development of new energy technologies.

Today, the Army is moving to use energy more efficiently and increase the security of its energy supply in order to reduce the potential for supply disruptions that could impact its defense missions.

The Army Energy Program requires:

· installations to decrease their energy consumption in existing facilities by 3 percent annually through 2015, for a total reduction of 30 percent;
· newly built facilities – and new equipment – that are 30 percent more efficient than current standards;
· annual 10-percent increases in the use of alternate-fueled vehicles; and
· use of renewable electricity according to future targets:
- 3 percent in FY07-089
- 5 percent in FY10-12
- 7.5 percent by 2013 and
- 25% by 2025

To keep the Army moving forward toward greater energy security, the Army has formed the Senior Energy Council. This body is made up of more than 25 major Army organizations, including headquarters staff. The SEC is charged with providing leadership, strategy and accountability for energy security across the entire Army enterprise.

Within the Army’s overall energy security effort, the Army Installation Management Command is working to improve the energy security position of installations by pursuing three initiatives:

· modernizing energy and utility infrastructure to improve reliability;
· incorporating redundant energy systems to assure than installations can perform their missions; and
· maintaining a high level of preparedness for disaster recovery.

Energy reviews and improvements are ongoing across the 157 installations that IMCOM manages.


One of the most obvious signs of the Army’s push for greater energy security is the development of a 500-megawatt solar power plant at Fort Irwin, Calif. The plant will be built in phases, with a project end date expected around 2022. But Phase 1A of the project, with a completion of around 2014, is expected to provide enough power to sustain Fort Irwin. Project developers at Fort Irwin believe that, after developing the 500-MW facility as required, future development could lead to a 1,000-MW facility.

In ways large and small – and seen and unseen – Army installations are working to use energy smarter to help achieve their missions.

McHugh puts Soldiers and Families at Center of Agenda

In many ways the Army is doing well, but more needs to be done as the service begins a ninth year at war, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said today…Soldiers are performing their missions extraordinarily well, but they and their families are under enormous stress, McHugh said.

More: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/10/21/29063-mchugh-puts-soldiers-families-at-center-of-agenda

San Antonio: A Photo Round Up

Check out the latest IMCOM photos at www.flickr.com/photos/IMCOM

More Photos from the IMCOM Booth

Thank you for following our "Live Posting" from AUSA last week. To view more photos, please visit flickr.com/photos/IMCOM.

Wrapping Up AUSA: Runners set records in 25th running of Army Ten-Miler

The silver anniversary running of the Army Ten-Miler on October 4, 2009, produced record times in the men’s and women’s divisions. The event also featured the highest number of registered runners in the history of America’s largest 10-mile road race.

Ethiopian, Alene Reta, 27, won the race around Washington, D.C.’s monuments in 46 minutes, 59 seconds – 33 seconds faster than the record established in 2004 by three-time race champion Maj. Dan Browne, who finished third Sunday with a time of 47:49 while competing for the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. Second-place finisher Tesfaye Girma (47:20), another Ethiopian living in New York City, is another Ethiopian elite runner.

Samia Akbar, 27, a 2003 graduate of American University who lives in Herndon, Va., won the women’s race with a time of 55:25 – 55 seconds quicker than the mark set in 1995 by Susan Molloy of Charlottesville, Va.

Katie Read of Arlington finished second in the women’s race with a time of 56:39, and was followed by Muluye Gurma (57:20), an Ethiopian living in Silver Spring, Md., Costa Rican Gabriela Trana (58:56) and former WCAP marathoner Capt. Emily Potter (59:47) of the U.S. Army Team.

An event record of 30,000 people registered for the Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation race in a span of six days, and 21,256 runners and wheelchair athletes completed the 10-mile course that started and ended at the Pentagon.

More: http://www.armymwr.com/news/news.aspx?nid=160

More Photos from the IMCOM Booth at AUSA

Thank you for following our "Live Posting" from AUSA last week. To view more photos, please visit flickr.com/photos/IMCOM.

Live from AUSA: ACSIM Panel – “The Army Family Covenant-Delivering on the Covenant”

As the Army marks the second anniversary of the Army Family Covenant, the Army prides itself on providing its Families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive. The AFC recognizes that the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families. The AFC is determined to build a partnership with Army Families that enhances their strength and resilience.

The Army Family Covenant pledges to have standardized programs and services for Soldiers and Families to use. The AFC ensures that healthcare is easy to access and better than before. The AFC also has made the commitment to improve housing and to make certain schools, youth center and child care centers a priority. The AFC wants to expand career and education opportunities for Army spouses and children. The Army Family Covenant’s mission is to keep its promise to better serve its Soldiers and Families.

The Army Family Covenant’s mission is to keep the promise it has made to its Soldiers and Families.

Live from AUSA – Family Forum III: “Army Families – Forging a Stronger Future”

The promises of the Army Family Covenant reaffirms the Army’s commitment to Soldiers and Army Families. By investing in people, programs and infrastructure that support the AFC, the Army is making the covenant a reality.

The Army Family, with more than two million Soldiers, spouses and children, is shouldering the load for 300 million Americans. The health of the All-Volunteer Force depends on the health of the Army Family.

Through the stewardship of the Installation Management Command (IMCOM), the Army provides an environment in which all Soldiers and their Families can thrive, no matter where they are located or which command they serve.

Key to IMCOM’s effective support of the Army’s expeditionary operations is enabling Senior Commanders to focus on their warfighting missions while garrison commanders provide the effective leadership to deliver installation management functions. This fundamental transformation of the Army’s approach to installation management contributes to readiness by linking services, infrastructure and operational support to Soldiers and Families across the globe.

The Army’s present-day communities and those of the future will face more pressures and demands. From implementing new technology, to addressing resource scarcity and providing quality of care for Soldiers and Families, Army communities must be flexible, adaptable and capable of sustaining mission readiness.

To meet these challenges, IMCOM provides thought leadership, analyses on emerging issues and developing actionable, relevant information to enable the Army to respond with agility and clarity to the demands of tomorrow.

As IMCOM continues to prove its value as today’s installation readiness solution today, the Command is also planning for the installations the Army will need to support the All-Volunteer Force of tomorrow. IMCOM’s Center for Future Installation Strategies is working to ensure that the Army installations of 2030 meet the needs of unborn Soldiers and Families and are adaptable and sustainable in supporting mission readiness for meeting new defense challenges.

IMCOM’s future achievements will be rooted in the Command’s actions today in honor of our Military Families. The Soldiers and Civilians of the IMCOM team take pride in their role in transforming the Army’s approach to installation management. These dedicated individuals are the stewards of The Army’s Home – and they make a difference to America’s defense mission – and in the lives of Soldiers and Families, today and in the years ahead.

Live from AUSA at the IMCOM Booth: USAEC Commander COL Maria R. Gervais - Sustaining the Environmental Integrity of the Army’s Home

The U.S. Army Environmental Command plays an important role within the Installation Management Command’s vision to sustain Soldiers, Families and Army civilians; to prepare them for success in current and future conflicts; and to support Army transformation. And as the USAEC commander, I am proud to be part of an organization helping to make IMCOM’s vision a reality.

The AEC staff does this every day by lending our expertise to installations in support of efforts sustaining the environmental integrity of the Army’s Home. The AEC staff is making sure we know the scope of environmental cleanup projects; we’re prioritizing these projects according to the Army’s needs; and we’re completing more projects faster with the same money. The AEC staff is making sure ranges are kept open and in a condition maximizing their effectiveness for training. And the AEC staff is making sure installations can meet their responsibilities to sustain the environment by ensuring efficient processes are in place and making sure the processes are working.

Not everything required to sustain the environmental integrity of the Army’s home can be done overnight, but step-by-step AEC is helping make installations safer, healthier, more productive places for Soldiers, their Families, and Army civilians to live and work.

For more information about the Army Environmental Command visit the USAEC Web site at http://aec.army.mil/usaec/.

Live at the IMCOM Booth at AUSA: Details on the Homeowners Assistance Program

We are privileged to have with us today, Ms. Diann Thompson, Realty Specialist, Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The HAP was expanded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA) which was signed by President Obama in February.

Ms. Thompson provided the following detailed overview of the HAP, including eligibility criteria and information on the application process:

Overall:

-- The Department of Defense (DoD) announced on September 30, 2009, details for the temporary expansion of the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP). The program was created by Congress in 1966 to financially compensate eligible service members and Federal civilian employee homeowners faced with losses on the sale of their property due to a reduction-in-scope of operations due to Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC).

-- The expansion of the program authorizes temporary assistance for members affected by the mortgage crisis. The Department of Defense designated the US Army as the executive agent for the HAP. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) administers the program for the Department of Defense.

-- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama in February, provides $555 million for expansion of the HAP. Recovery Act funds are being used to temporarily increase support for eligible service members, DoD civilian, and Coast Guard families that are affected by the economic downturn as they are forced to sell their homes at a loss.

-- Like many Americans, DoD families feel the economic downturn’s impact as they also cope with the unique challenges of military life. They often don’t get to choose when they move and may be forced to sell their homes when they don’t want to. Often, service members are ordered to change duty stations and establish new homes sometimes every two to three years.

-- The HAP program partially offsets losses certain service members, surviving spouses, and civilian employees incur when they have to sell homes at a loss and relocate.

-- While the HAP expansion is not designed to pay 100 percent of the losses, it can help protect eligible applicants from financial catastrophe due to home sale loss in value. Under current law, HAP benefits above current fair market value (sale price) will be taxed as part of applicant’s gross income (Federal, state, local). The benefit payment is subject to withholding taxes. There is pending legislation in Congress that if signed into law, would eliminate tax liability from the HAP benefits.

-- DoD will fund projects and programs to help sustain the All-Volunteer Force as the best in the world, give Wounded Warriors care that has no equal, and provide military families a quality of life matching their service and sacrifice.

Eligibility Criteria:

-- After conducting an extensive analysis to determine how best to prioritize the finite $555 million available while maximizing assistance to as many people as possible, the DoD developed specific eligibility criteria designed to take care of people in the greatest need.

-- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Public Law 111-5, expanded the HAP to provide assistance to:

1) Wounded, injured or ill members of the Armed Forces (30% or greater disability) and wounded DoD and Coast Guard civilian homeowners reassigned in furtherance of medical treatment or rehabilitation or due to medical retirement in connection with their disability;

2) Surviving spouses of the fallen;

3) BRAC 2005 impacted homeowners relocating during the mortgage crisis; and

4) Service member homeowners undergoing Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves during the mortgage crisis. Subject to availability of funds.

-- Similar to the Recovery Act’s “Cash for Clunkers” program, homeowners eligible through 2005 BRAC and PCS criteria will be processed based on the availability of funding.

HAP Process:

-- USACE executes the program through three field offices, the Savannah, Ft. Worth, and Sacramento Districts. These field offices evaluate applications to determine eligibility and benefit award.

-- Applicants should visit the HAP web site: http://hap.usace.army.mil/ and download and complete the application package and send to USACE HAP Field Office for the area in which the applicant’s home is located.

-- The HAP application processing could not occur until program details were published in the Federal Register for public comment, because the proposed HAP expansion affects surviving spouses of deployed Service members and forward-deployed civilian employees. The rule was published on September 30, 2009.

-- There are approximately 4,000 applications awaiting to be processed. Due to the large number of applications waiting to be processed, it may take up to six months before the HAP Field Offices can complete initial processing. Applications will be processed as quickly as possible, according to eligibility priority category.

-- BRAC 2005 and PCS applicants will need to find a buyer of their homes in order to receive Expanded HAP benefits. Surviving spouses and wounded, injured and ill members do not need a buyer to receive expanded HAP benefits.

Live from the IMCOM Booth at AUSA - Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant: Communities and the Marketplace

Following the announcement of the Army Family Covenant in October 2007, the Army Community Covenant was the natural next step to formalize support from local communities across America. The program is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships with the Army to improve the quality of life for Soldiers and their Families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer to other states. The Community Covenant is a formal commitment of support by state and local communities to Soldiers and Families of the Army – Active, Guard and Reserve.

“The impact of the Army Community Covenant is a crucial part of sustaining Soldier and Family relationships, by providing a quality of life commensurate with their service,” explained Brad Johnson, ACSIM.

Community Covenant signing ceremonies are a community’s public commitment to build partnerships that support the strength, resilience and readiness of Soldiers and their Families, and assist with implementation of the Army Family Covenant. Since the program’s inception in April 2008, there have been 339 signing ceremonies in 46 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia. Community Covenant signing ceremonies also raise awareness of the sacrifices of Soldiers and their Families and the need to support them before, during, and after deployments. New programs are announced at signing ceremonies when applicable.

A new Community Covenant Web site was launched in August 2009 which provides linkages between Soldiers and their Families, as well as community organizations, and needed programs and services. The Web site www.army.mil/community. The Web site also features a Facebook page which provides an opportunity for distributing information as well as gaining feedback from Soldiers and their Families.

Live from AUSA: At the IMCOM Booth - ArmyOneSource.com

ArmyOneSource.com is key to delivering on the promise of the Army Family Covenant to standardize Family programs and services. ArmyOneSource.com recognizes the importance of keeping Soldiers and Families – especially those who live away from installations – connected to the many services, programs and benefits available to them.

ArmyOneSource.com offers single-portal access to a wide array of information to support Army Families before, during and after deployments. ArmyOneSource.com can help Soldiers and Families quickly find child care…address health care issues…manage careers…relocate…find physical fitness facilities…and make travel arrangements. ArmyOneSource.com can also help Soldiers and Families manage money…address Family life issues…pursue learning opportunities…and get questions answered about available programs and services.

“ArmyOneSource.com is the fingertips in the community that actually touches the geographically dispersed Soldiers and Family members,” explained William Freeman, FWMRC ArmyOneSource.com. “ArmyOneSource.com touches the unreachable by using connectivity, community partnerships and military facilities to reach Soldiers and Families in every region in each state,” Mr. Freeman said.

Today’s era of persistent conflict – with its repeated deployments – demands a sustaining environment in which Soldiers and Families are connected to the service and programs that support them.

Whether you’re a Soldier or Army Family who lives near an installation, a National Guard armory, or a Reserve Center – or your home is far away from an Army facility – check out ArmyOneSource.com for the information you need on Army programs and services.

Live from the IMCOM Booth at AUSA - Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant: Recreation, Travel and BOSS

FMWRC deploys MWR professionals to Iraq to plan and deliver theater wide entertainment programs and base camp MWR programs. Individuals from Garrison MWR programs volunteer for duty in Iraq (6 months) through HQ FMWRC (WIAS tasker) and provide a frame work to advise military leaders on resource and logistical requirements for theater wide MWR activities, schedule live entertainment, develop sports and fitness programs and operating requirements for base camp recreation programs.

“As an extension of the Army’s home, Soldiers and Community Recreation provides MWR support downrange,” explained Barbara Christine from the Soldiers and Community Recreation program. “This support comes in the form of recreation kits, theater in a box, book kits and audio book kits. The program has also deployed MWR professionals into Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan to provide quality of life support,” Ms. Christine said.

Warrior Adventure Quest (WAQ) is a program designed by an Integrated Process Team (IPT) of Army medical, psychological research, behavioral health, and Safety professionals specifically for Soldiers and incorporates Battlemind techniques in a training format. The training introduces Soldiers to the combat operational stress control (COSC) model that demonstrates how to recognize stress and the influences on resiliency, teaches individual coping skills and where to find help. Represents viable means to assist Soldier re-integration, empower small-unit leaders, maintain combat readiness, and increase unit cohesion.

Garrison recreation programs which contribute to the social and mental well-being of the military community, form the foundation for the DOD initiative of “Return and Recreate” and support the Army’s Soldier Family Action Plan. These programs include: 1) Inclusive Training for Garrison MWR Personnel; 2) “Warrior Zone; 3) Partnership with CYSS; 4) BOSS Partnership with I.A.M. STRONG.

Enterprise purchase program for fitness equipment - This program provides predictable levels of service and operational performance that assist Soldiers in meeting the physical requirements of their military occupation specialty by resourcing standardized equipment and training for preventive maintenance and customer use. All exercise equipment is modern and meets industry standards for heavy commercial use.

Live from AUSA – The Army’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program

Now in its 20th year, the Army Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program has a presence not only for the single Soldier, but also for single parents and geographical bachelors. The mission of BOSS is to enhance the quality of life and morale of Single Soldiers, increase retention, sustain readiness and maintain the All-Volunteer Force. The four pillars of the BOSS program are:

· Quality of life
· Community service
· Recreation
· Leisure

The BOSS program has been described as “the Soldier’s voice” and “the vehicle of choice for obtaining the single Soldier’s perspective, ideas, or feedback.” BOSS is both of these depictions and more. BOSS helps make the Army a safer environment and creates a sense of harmony.

“The importance of BOSS is that we keep our Soldiers engaged in the community,” said SGT Danielle Colson. “BOSS is about Soldiers taking ownership of each other and themselves and the way they live.”

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Soldiers requested a new logo. On 7 April 2009, the BOSS Program solicited Soldiers from across the Army to submit designs that truly portray the commitment of today’s single Soldier, while illustrating the Soldier’s strength and drive to make a difference. A new logo was unveiled at the Annual Department of the Army’s BOSS Forum in August 2009.

Live from AUSA – “Energy and the Environment for an Expeditionary Army”

BG Al Aycock, Deputy Commanding General, Army Installation Management Command, along with other panelists, reviewed the first year accomplishments of the Army Senior Energy Council (SEC).

“Assured access to reliable, affordable and stable energy supplies remains a significant challenge for the Army,” said BG Aycock.

Energy security means preventing the loss of power (surety), ensuring resilience in energy systems (survivability), accessing renewable energy on installations (supply), providing adequate power for critical missions (sufficiency), and promoting support for the Army’s mission, its community, and the environment (sustainability

To improve installations’ energy security posture, IMCOM is committed to:

-- Modernizing energy and utility infrastructure to improve reliability
-- Incorporating system redundancy for mission assurance
-- Developing renewable energy supplies to reduce dependence on fossil fuel
-- Maintaining disaster recovery preparedness

“IMCOM has worked hard on energy sustainability. We have partnered with the Department of Defense and performed energy assessments of 13 installations,” Aycock explained. “We are currently looking for opportunities for renewable energy resources across our installations.”

The issue of energy security has become increasingly important to the nation and the mission of the Department of Defense. An outcome on this issue of energy security for our garrisons has been addressed in the Army Energy Security Implementation Strategy. This strategy balances current legislation and policies against the need to deliver a comprehensive solution for energy security.

BG Aycock summarized the five key characteristics that have been developed into energy security goals. Achievement of theses Energy Security Goals should improve the energy security posture for the Army installations as well as comply with federal energy regulations and Army energy policies. The ESGs are:

-- ESG 1 – Reduce energy consumption
-- ESG 2 – Increase efficiency across platforms and facilities
-- ESG 3 – Increase use of renewable energy
-- ESG 4 – Assure access to sufficient energy supply
-- ESG 5 – Reduce adverse impacts on the environment

Meeting the energy management challenges of the Army is the largest organizational change since World War II. To address the energy management challenge, IMCOM centrally funds enterprise programs.

Centrally funded programs provide standard set of services
Programs driven by federal legislation, Executive Orders and Department of the Army Policy
Programs provide technical assistance to energy managers
Program deliverables identify energy savings projects and costs
Programs are available for installations across the globe

The enterprise approach also directs IMCOM’s efforts to increase the use of renewable energy. IMCOM has partnered with the Department of Energy to conduct detailed analyses of the potential for electricity generation at selected U.S. Army installations; completed 13 assessments, 6 scheduled for FY10; identified economically feasible opportunities for generation of electricity from renewable supply that is significant enough to warrant connection to the grid and/or to contribute in a meaningful way to the aggressive renewable energy goals of the Army and the Department of Defense.

Existing renewable projects completed to date include Ft. Drum Solar Wall, Ft. Huachuca Photovoltaic Roof, Ft. Knox Ground Source Heat Pump, Ft. Jackson Fuel Cells, Ft. Carson Solar Array and Ft. Stewart Biomass Plant. Future renewable projects, such as the one at Ft. Irwin, located in California, will improve the energy security of the installation through the construction and management of the largest solar power project proposed to date within the Department of Defense. Solar energy Enhanced Use Leasing will entail a flexible, phased, multi-technology approach to delivering up to 500 megawatts (MW) of power generation.

Ft. Greeley, Alaska, is just one energy security success story that BG Aycock noted. Through an investment strategy to recapitalize the Army’s utilities infrastructure (electric, natural gas, water and wastewater) and bring systems up to current industry standards, the following energy transformation has occurred:

Increased reliability through new 138 KV Transmission Line and Substation
New substation is energized to provide 20 MW capability vice having 5.5MW capacity produced by old diesel generators
Replaced a 50-year old transformer and 50-year old switchgear which will reduce maintenance and power outages
Reduced reliance on fossil fuel

Energy must be readily available to support Army missions. IMCOM is committed to improving the Army’s energy security posture by reducing Army energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency in our facilities and promoting the use of new sources of renewable energy supplies.

Live from AUSA: Secretary of the Army 2009 Quality of Life Awards

The Army today honored the installations that have expanded their commitment under the Army Family Covenant to provide Soldiers and Families with a quality of life commensurate with their service.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh recognized the installations in a ceremony at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army in Washington, D.C.

Winners of the Secretary of the Army’s Quality of Life for 2009 are:

Quality of Life Command Team Award
Military Intelligence Readiness Command
U.S. Army Reserve
Fort Belvoir, Va.

Quality of Life Best Practice Award
108th Training Command
U.S. Army Reserve
Charlotte, N.C.

Quality of Life Partnership Award
U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Hood, Texas

Quality of Life Partnership Award – Honorable Mention
Ohio National Guard Joint Family Readiness Program
Columbus, Ohio

Quality of Life Communication Excellence Award
U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii

Superior Quality of Life Award – Small Unit
Department of Family & Community Medicine
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Fort Hood, Texas

Superior Quality of Life Award – Medium Unit
108th Training Command
U.S. Army Reserve
Charlotte, N.C.

Superior Quality of Life Award – Large Unit
U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Since 2007, the Army Family Covenant has communicated he Army’s commitment to improving Solider and Family readiness through programs and services, quality healthcare, housing,, schools, youth services, childcare, education and employment. By providing a strong, supportive environment in which Soldiers and Families can thrive, the Army builds partnerships that enhance their strength and resilience.

Live from AUSA at the IMCOM Booth: Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant – Libraries

MWR Libraries deliver outstanding quality of life supporting education, life-long learning, mission information and leisure needs of families – and they are one of the most-used MWR programs.

The Library Program managed by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command provides deployed Soldiers with reading material, audio books (Playaways) and online databases available remotely 24/7 – all great morale boosters!

“MWR Libraries are the place to be – they’re open weekends and during after-duty hours,” said Carla Pomager of FMWRC Libraries. “They offer story hours, book clubs, Internet access and so much more. Even from their home computers, Soldiers and Families can visit their library to download an audio book, read an e-book, or practice for a school test.”

MWR Libraries are the “family room” of the installations that make up the Army’s Home – a place to relax, study and play. Libraries offer interesting events for children and spouses to lighten the load and help pass the time until their loved ones return home.

MWR Libraries offer virtual library services through the General Library Information System (GLIS), http://mylibraryus.fmwr.net/ and online databases for registered users of Army OneSource https://www.myarmyonesource.com/EducationCareersandLibraries/Libraries/default.aspx?AllowSSL=true and AKO https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/255553.

Live from AUSA: At the IMCOM Booth Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant: Health Care

The Army is committed to increasing accessibility and quality of health care. Providing accessibility and quality of health care is key to the AFC, which honors the sacrifices made by Soldiers and Military Families.

Some highlights include:

-- Created 36 Warrior Transition Units (WTU) to support more than 7,700 Soldiers. An additional nine community-based WTUs are now serving more than 1,450 Warriors in Transitions residing at home.
-- Provided Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (TBI-PTSD) chain teaching to more than 900,000 Soldiers and conducted neurocognitive testing on more than 240,000 Soldiers prior to deployment. -- Educated 750 providers on TBI care and programs and provided advanced PTSD training to 950 Behavioral Health (BH) providers (600 received web-based training). FY09 improvements included increasing the PTSD Training program from 12 to 24 courses and training 720 additional BH providers.
-- Created 200,000 training products for military children and Families to strengthen their resilience and ease the effects of deployment on children, spouses and dual-military Families.
-- Authorized TRICARE Standard coverage for more than 500,000 eligible members of the Selected Reserve and their Family members and lowered the co-payment by 44% for individuals and 29% for Family members.

“Our goal is to inspire trust in Army medicine’s stakeholders and customers by building relationships, enhancing partnerships and improving communication about the excellence and value of Army medicine,” said LTC Nikki Butler, Allied Health Staff Officer in the Army Office of the Surgeon General.

Live from the IMCOM Booth at AUSA - Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant: Child Care, Youth Programs, and School Support Services

Army Child, Youth & School Services delivers the promise of Army Family Covenant to ensure excellence in schools, youth services and child care. CYS Services fulfills the promise through programs that reduce the conflict between Soldiers’ mission readiness and their parental responsibilities.

A Soldier's life and workday are affected by irregular and extended duty hours, deployments and temporary duty assignments. This creates constant challenges for Soldiers and their Families who need child care or youth programs, as well as school support services. These challenges continue to grow as mission requirements increase the demands and stress on Soldiers and their Families. CYS Services understands these challenges and provides solutions by offering quality child and youth programs to meet the needs of Soldiers and Families. CYS Services also works with schools to mitigate the stress that results when a Soldier-parent is deployed or when students must switch schools because a Family relocates.

“CYS Services are needed more by our expeditionary Army now than at any time in its history,” said Jerry Haag of the CYS Services Directorate of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. “We know CYS Services is highly valued by our Families during times of deployments.” The goal of Child, Youth & School Services is to assure Soldiers’ peace of mind so they can concentrate on their missions -- knowing that their children are in safe environments with trained and caring professionals.

Live from AUSA: Family Forum I - “Army Families-The Strength Behind the Soldier”

In peace and in war, the Army honors the sacrifices that Soldiers and Families make daily, at home and abroad.

America’s Army faces unprecedented challenges as it enters the eighth year of war. Soldiers and Families have shown tremendous courage and resilience during repeated deployments.

The Army is consistently finding ways to better serve the Soldiers and Families that have given so much for this nation.

“We are using feedback from Families to prioritize the services we provide,” said Ms. Kathleen Marin, director of installation services in the Office of the Chief of Staff for Installation. “We are maintaining the services and programs that Families have told us are working for them – these are the programs that are personally delivered and confidential. Our priorities are improving Child and Youth Services registration, family readiness training, command support for Family Readiness Groups, funding FRGs and communicating the availability of FRG resources to FRG leaders. ”

The Army is focused on developing and instituting a holistic program to build the resilience of Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians. This initiative is based on five key principles:

· We recognize the commitment and increasing sacrifices that our Families are making every day.
· We recognize the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families.
· We are committed to providing Soldiers and Families a Quality of Life that is commensurate with their service.
· We are committed to providing our Families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive.
· We are committed to building a partnership with Army Families that enhances their strength and resilience.

Army Families have shown the same determination and resiliency as Army personnel. The Army thanks and honors the Families of Soldiers for supporting their loved ones who have answered the call to serve the nation. Army Families are the strength behind the Soldier.

Live from the IMCOM Booth at AUSA: The Installation Geospatial Information & Services (IGI&S) Program’s enterprise geospatial system.

The Army Mapper provides the infrastructure foundation for secure sharing of geospatial capabilities and data in accordance with Army and Department of Defense (DOD) enterprise architecture standards.

“The Army Mapper’s geospatial systems allow users to visualize, analyze and present data as maps, reports and charts,” said Judy Carter. “These tools can be used to inform decision-making and help users to answer and solve problems. For example, Army Mapper allows installation specialists to plan for major events by comprehensive gathering data on potential locations well beforehand.”

Geospatial information supports many Army missions, including emergency response planning, force protection, training support, facilities management, environmental planning, and natural resources conservation.

The Army IGI&S program delivers the data and services that support the management and resourcing of Army installations worldwide and are key to Army Installation Management Command’s to effectively adapt Army installation, programs and services to support an expeditionary Army and plan for the future Army community.

Live from AUSA: ILW, G3/CSF TF Panel - “Building Resilient Soldiers, Families and Civilians”

“In a force where 60 percent of Soldiers are married, taking care of Families is more vital than ever,” Gen. George Casey, Army chief of staff, said recently during a visit to the Fort Hood Resiliency Campus in Texas.

Not surprisingly, with seven-plus years of sustained combat, Army leadership is seeking new or improved ways to meet the needs of those military men and women who have experienced increased levels of stress.
“The Army needs to make our resilience training for Soldiers, Families and Civilians turn post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth,” said LTG James D. Thurman, deputy chief of staff for Army G-3/5/7.”

The Army currently faces increased rates of post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and suicide – all serious indicators of Soldier-stress levels. To alleviate this, Army leadership, through the Army Family Covenant, is committed to providing Families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive.

LTG Mark P. Hertling says that the Army should begin post-traumatic training early. “Post-traumatic resilience must come before the trauma happens,” he explained. “Everyone will have resilience training before deployment to give Soldiers a high level of resilience before a trauma occurs.”

Historically, and for obvious reason, physical fitness has been an integral part of a Soldier’s military career and the Army has heavily invested time and resources into maintaining a physically fit force.

The mission is to develop and institute a holistic, resilience-building fitness program for Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians. The overarching goal is to provide individually tailored skill training that leads to a balanced, healthy, self-confident force whose resilience and overall fitness enables them to thrive in this current environment and beyond.

The Army now recognizes that these additional dimensions of fitness are as important to readiness as physical health and fitness. Building strength in the five dimensions of strength - physical, emotional, social, Family, and spiritual – enables the Army to sustain our Soldiers, Families and Army civilians in an era of persistent conflict.

Live from AUSA: At the IMCOM Booth

Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant: Soldier and Family Housing

Army Housing follows the philosophy of improving Soldier and Family quality of life by building, maintaining, operating and/or privatizing an inventory of quality housing for it’s Soldiers and Families at various installations around the world where there is not ample, available housing on the local economy. Army Housing plans, programs and obtains funding for the acquisition of Single Soldier and Family Housing requirements, globally. The Army Family and Unaccompanied Personnel Housing programs are supported by the Army’s vision and mission in the Army Campaign Plan.

“The business of Army housing is people,” said Sandy Randolph of the Office of the Chief of Staff for Installation Management. “We ensure that all Soldiers and the Families live in safe, quality homes, either on post or in the community.”

Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) is a readiness issue. Providing a high quality, safe, and healthy residence is a crucial commitment the Army has made to single Soldiers. Quality UPH is a key component in efforts to ensure increased retention and higher morale of the single Soldier. When Soldiers are confident that their housing needs have been met, they can then focus on the mission. If these needs are not fulfilled, morale is lessoned. It is essential that the Army provide high quality barracks accommodations. To ensure that these high standards are met programs such as the centralized barracks management program called the First Sergeant’s Barracks Initiative (FSBI), the Permanent Party Barracks Modernization Program, UPH Privatization, and the Army’s Housing Operations Management System 4 (HOMES4) residential management system have been implemented to achieve and sustain that high quality of life that is essential to single Soldier housing.

Army Family Housing (AFH) provides for new and replacement construction of homes as well as the revitalization of existing facilities. The Residential Communities Initiative (RCI) uses appropriated funds that have been obligated by AFH to privatize the on-post housing inventory. The Housing Services Office (HSO) is the point of entry on the Garrison for community and privatized housing. The HSO enhanced referral services uses the Department of Defense web-based multiple housing listing service referred to as the Automatic Housing Referral Network (https://www.ahrn.com), and Army Housing OneStop ( https://onestop.army.mil), which hosts 29 installation welcome videos. These videos can also be viewed on Army.mil, Vimeo and YouTube to provide a direct line of communication to Soldiers and Families.

“We care about Soldiers and the Families and the sacrifices they make,” said Mary-Jeanne Marken of OACSIM. “That’s why we work to assure the the highest level of professionalism in the housing services we provide.”

Live from AUSA: At the IMCOM Booth - Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant: Family Programs and Services

The Army is committed to standardizing Family programs and services. Standardizing programs and services is key to the AFC which honors the sacrifices made by Soldiers and Military Families.

Some highlights include:

-- Standardized Army Community service (ACS) staffing and programs at the garrisons and created 477 ACS staff positions to meet operational and staffing shortfalls.
-- Increased staff for the New Parent Support Home Visit Program to reach high risk Families. The program operates in 33 U.S. and 29 overseas garrisons.
-- Supported 249 Army National Guard Family Assistance centers which provide Soldiers and their Families support services, regardless of their geographic position.
-- Conducted more than 100,000 religious services around the world, including at home stations and on the battlefield. Ensured better access to religious support at the battalion level by adding 21 chaplains and chaplain assistants.

“Army Community Support Coordinators play a special role in providing standardized programs and services by focusing on the needs of geographically dispersed Soldiers and Families,” said with Karen Conrad of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. “We now have 61 CSCs at work serving Soldiers and Families, with more to come.”

Live from AUSA at the IMCOM Booth: SGT Woof

Sergeant Woof here, bloggin’ at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Expo in D.C. I’m here every day of the event to woof about UXO safety.

For you civilians out there, UXO stands for “unexploded ordnance,” and it can be a real danger in areas where the military has conducted training in the past. Some of these areas are now available for public uses, such as recreation, business or residential. In some cases, UXO is known to be present on such land; in others it may have gone undetected for years. It could be laying on the ground, be buried or found in water.

My motto is “If you did not drop it, do not pick it up,” but there is another simple way to remember what to do if you see something that might be a UXO – I call it the “3Rs” of UXO safety: Recognize, Retreat, Report. First, recognize when you see a UXO. Second, “retreat” -- do not touch or disturb it and move carefully away. Finally, report what you saw and where you saw it by calling 9-1-1.

Understanding the risks associated with UXO and knowing what to do can help keep you safe. So don’t forget to Recognize, Retreat, and Report!

C’mon by the IMCOM booth (#3511) to grab some UXO safety materials, find me on the stage for a photo op or to scratch me behind the ears 0900-1000 today through Wednesday, 1200-1300 today, 1500-1600 Tuesday or 1400-1500 Wednesday.

If you can’t come by to see me, go to http://aec.army.mil/usaec/cleanup/mmrp02.html for more UXO safety information.

WOOF!

October 2009 is Army Domestic Abuse Prevention Month

Army leadership is fully committed to taking care of its people and investing in the health and mission preparedness of Soldiers and Families. Domestic Abuse undermines that commitment.

The Army is committed to emphasizing prevention, assuring that victims of domestic abuse are protected through a combination of reporting options and multiple sources of support and intervention, and to holding offenders responsible through treatment and/or administrative action for those who continue to abuse.

"Doing Nothing" is the only wrong choice. “The Right Choice” is to do something positive to end ongoing abuse and to prevent abuse from happening in the first place. Each person can make a difference:

-- Recognize the signs of Domestic Abuse.
-- Acknowledge that interpersonal violence is always wrong.
-- Refer to the places where help is available.
-- Reach out to help.
-- Take advantage of the many Family services and programs.
-- Reach out to support victims.
-- Hold offenders accountable.
-- Do everything you can to create a climate of safety and respect.

The Family Advocacy Program on each installation is a good starting place for making the right choice.

Follow IMCOM Live at AUSA on October 5-7 at www.usarmyimcon.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/pages/Arlington-VA/Army-IMCOM/52448796913, www.flickr.com/photos/imcom, www.imcom.army.mil/hq and www.twitter.com/armyimcom - look for the #ausa hashtags!

Gold Star Mother's Day is September 27, 2009

Every year the fourth Sunday of September honors mothers whose sons or daughters died in the line of duty. The name references the single gold star on service flags displayed in the windows of homes that have lost a son or daughter to war.

On Friday, September 25, the Army will conduct a Gold Star Mothers ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. On Sunday, September 27, Gold Star Mothers and service representatives will lay wreaths at the Vietnam War Memorial and at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Survivor Outreach Services to Gold Star Mothers delivers a coordinated, comprehensive and standardized program across the force that meets survivors' needs with dedicated resources. Benefit coordinators, financial counselors and support coordinators address survivors' immediate and long-term needs, including long-term support throughout the grief process, support groups, information and referral services and coordinate child care.

Army mothers have shown the same determination and resiliency as Army personnel in tolerating deployments and the tragedy that war brings to some Families. The Army commemorates Gold Star Mother's Day because mothers across the nation have supported the Army; now, through this recognition and through survivor outreach programs, the Army supports them.

The Army thanks and honors the parents of Soldiers- especially Gold Star Mothers- for supporting their children's call to serve and for their sacrifice. A grateful nation remembers.

More: http://www.army.mil/-images/2009/09/25/51554/index.html