Carol Kerr, Public Affairs Office

Out of warfare's past, the siege of Sarajevo draws closer attention  

February 2, 2006 -- At the eve of the 21^st century, the siege of Sarajevo was a starkly dramatic moment. From April 1992 to February 1996, the besiegement is said to have caused ten thousand deaths among military and civilians alike. The drama and tragedy motivated many survivors to recount their experiences, which in turn inspired plays, musical scores and novels set in the context of siege. 

   It's been widely studied as a moral tale, emphasizing the effect on civilians.

   In a free public lecture sponsored by the Army Heritage and Education Center on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7:15 p.m. in Ridgway Hall, Dr. R. Craig Nation will revisit the siege of Sarajevo to consider the moral aspects - and much more.

   Nation will assess the strategic logic of the siege from the perspective of both belligerents. Why was Sarajevo placed under siege, and why was Sarajevo an armed camp?

   Nation acknowledged the atrocious nature of what may have been the longest siege in history.  The Army War College professor also thinks there's more to consider in example of the nature of warfare in our time.  

   "Most literature depicts it as a vestige of the distant past perpetrated by ignorant brutes motivated by racism - and there was some of that racially motivated, ethnic killing.

   "I'd like to look more directly at the siege as a military event, and consider the strategic logic of the siege. I think that holding the city under siege filled certain objectives of the Serbs, but as the siege protracted and attracted international attention, it became counterproductive.

    A case study in military strategy and political strategy, the siege of Sarajevo says much about the nature of war in the near past.   "Sieges are nothing news in warfare," said Nation. "Sieges took place in almost every war since the days of Jericho."

    Nation admitted that some may think of the 1992 Bosnian war as the receding past, but he thinks it's highly relevant to study this European war of our time, with its legacy of atrocities that the region now struggles to overcome. "It would be interesting to understand something about the nature of that conflict, and the use of besiegement which was long considered a pillar of warfare," he said.

Tickets on sale for Mid-Winter gala

    Tickets are on sale for the United Way's Third Annual Mid-Winter Gala - An Evening for the Children, Sat. Feb. 11.

    Call 245-4135 for ticket information.

Sgt. Sara Wood, American Forces Press Service

Adjustments essential to maintaining Tricare, official says

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2006 - Adjustments to the Tricare program are necessary to ensure military health benefits are maintained at a superior level for many years, a Defense Department official said here yesterday.

    The much-anticipated changes, which will be introduced next week with the release of the Quadrennial Defense Review and the president's budget request, will not change the benefits military beneficiaries receive under the program, Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said at the State of the Military Health System 2006 Annual Conference.

    "Sustaining the benefit is about making needed adjustments that are fair, that are thoughtful, that are equitable, and that go a long way towards sustaining the superior program that we have today," Winkenwerder said.

    Program adjustments will not affect active-duty military members or their families, said Army Brig. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director and program executive officer of the Tricare Management Activity.

    "We know we have a nation that is at war, and we're going to continue to make sure that we maintain those superb benefits that we need to support this long and drawn out global war on terrorism," Granger said.

    The adjustments, which will affect enrollment costs and other fees, will apply to the large military retiree population served by Tricare. Raising costs to beneficiaries is a controversial issue, but DoD cannot keep up its medical system if the costs keep increasing at the rate they have been, Winkenwerder said.

    "We are recognizing a reality that we have in front of us, and not to act or not to take appropriate steps to recognize that reality would be placing the promise of a great health benefit at risk," he said. "Doing nothing is not a secure foundation for the future."

    Health costs for the military have been rising at an increasingly higher rate in the past five years, due to added and expanded benefits, reduced cost contributions, regular health inflation, and a growing population of retirees under the age of 65, Winkenwerder said. Costs have doubled in five years, he said, and if they continue at this rate, it is estimated that the health system will take up 8 percent of the DoD budget, at $64 billion, by 2015.

    Determining what adjustments will be made has been a long process, involving the surgeons general of the services, the service chiefs, the Joint Staff, assistant secretaries for manpower and readiness, and personnel chiefs, Winkenwerder said. It has been a joint effort, and all the entities approve of the results, he said.

    "There's agreement that this is the right approach, and the leadership is very much in agreement that what the department is putting forward is appropriate, prudent, fair, equitable and necessary," he said.

    The military health system will employ other strategies to make operations more efficient and save money, Winkenwerder said. DoD will promote generic drug use in pharmacies, the use of the mail-order pharmacy, better hospital use, and joint procurement with the Veterans Affairs Department, he said. DoD's new electronic record system also will save the department money by reducing medical errors and speeding up the movement of information, he added.

   DoD's only motivation in making these changes is to ensure health benefits are maintained at their current level, Winkenwerder said. The proposed changes will save billions of dollars over the years and will allow the department to sustain the best health system in the country, he said.

    "It is a fantastic benefit, and I am absolutely delighted that that's what has been built," he said. "Our goal is to sustain that, to keep that for the future."

Punxsutawney Phil says six more weeks of winter

Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/06 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob, Pa.:

It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Around the country there are many imitators of me.

In Harrisburg there is Gus who appears on TV
working for the lottery.

Then all around town,
Cute groundhog statues abound.
They all look like me, I found.

Today on the Knob as I'm doing my job,
I don't like this likeness of me.

It's my shadow I see. Six more weeks of mild winter there will be.

    (Editor note: This information came from a release from www.groundhog.org)

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

Creativity, recipes on display at chili cook-off

Seminar five wins best chili award

  January 23, 2006- With ingredients ranging from chocolate sauce to chili powder and booths decorated in themes from science projects to outhouses, the annual Carlisle Barracks chili cook-off was a gas.

    On January 20 seminar groups and other post organizations brought their best chili recipes and their imaginations to the Letort View Community Center to see who would come out on top.

    "It's a great relaxing environment," said Lt. Col. Bob Reighard of seminar two. "There are some very creative and unique booths. It's a lot of fun."

    "Out of the 18 years we have been doing the chili cook-off it was the best turnout and participation," said Kim Foltz, LVCC manager. "We had 30 chili entries this year and we normally have about 20. As always, it was great fun."

Tom Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office

YS art contest winners to compete nationally

(courtesy photo)

Eight-year-old Catherine Lynchs sculpture, My Dog, won Best in Show in the 2005 post Youth Services Boys and Girls Club of America winter art show. More than 120 pieces were entered and eleven blue ribbon winners will head to the regional competition in Buffalo, N.Y. 

January 26, 2006 -- Carlisle Barracks may be home to the next great artist if the works displayed at the Youth Services Annual Art Show are any indication.  

    Eleven pieces of art won blue ribbon awards during the Boys and Girls Club of America winter art show and go on to compete in competitions nationwide. There were more than 120 entrants in the post 2005 competition. 

    "Those awarded blue ribbons will go next to the regional competition in Buffalo, New York, to compete against other pieces of art from this region," said Allen Campbell, YS coordinator. "If they win there, they'll go on to the national competition."

Another blue ribbon winner was awarded for 13-year-old Kayla Rowles sculpture, Native American Pouch.

Art classes offered at YS

     The art was done as part of the YS art program, which offers classes during the school year and the summer.

    "We offer two art classes each semester from 4:30 to 6:00 each Tuesday and Thursday," said Bob Salviano, YS director. "We also offer art classes during summer camp." 

     The classes generally use a building block approach starting with basic pencil drawing then moving on to charcoal, ink and wash, according to Salviano. The class then moves on to pastels, watercolors and acrylics. Each class usually has about 20 participants. For more information or to find out how to register call YS at 245-4555.

The Blue Ribbon winners are:

• Nicole Chesney, 9 years, Monochromatic, My Pennsylvania Town

• Tristan Rowles, 9 years, Multicolored, My Hood

• Brooks Robinson, 9 years, Pastel, The Duck Family

• Andrea Sipos, 7 years, Print Making, The Hummingbird

• Catherine Lynch, 8 years, Sculpture, My Dog, (This piece also won Best in Show)

• Holy Magnin, 12, Monochromatic, Tiny Town in the Hills

• Kay Jensen, 12, Multicolored Drawing, My Military Family

• Kay Jensen, 12, Pastel, Butterfly

• Sarah Magnin, 12, Print Making, Tiger

• Mariah Rowles, 13, Pastel, Tornado

• Kayla Rowles, 13, Sculpture, Native American Pouch

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

Bowling a strike

High-tech computer system helps bowlers improve their game

  January 23, 2006-The Carlisle Barracks bowling center hosted a professional bowling coach on January 21 who analyzed bowler's technique on a high-tech computer program.

    About 25 people went to the bowling center to seek help on improving their game and learn from a pro.

    "I wanted to give something back to our bowling patrons to help them improve their game," said Bill Foster, bowling center manager, who arranged the coaching session.

    Charlie Earnst, a professional bowling coach and a bowler on the PBA tour, brought his computer system and knowledge of the game to help people improve their scores. The system is connected to a video recorder, which records a view of the bowler from the back and from the side. The image is then loaded onto the computer and Earnst has the ability to check the person's technique one frame at a time.

    "I can stop the action one frame at a time and show them what they are doing right or wrong," said Earnst. "I look for things like arm position, arm swing, approach, wrist position and other things."  

    Earnst also has the ability to place diagrams and markers on the computer image to check against the bowler's image to make sure they are extending their arm properly on their forward motion. He can also check other things such as the revolution of the ball for more advanced coaching sessions.

    Those in attendance seemed to think the coaching helped.

    "They helped me improve my balance and my grip," said Lt. Col. Mark Weston, USAWC student. "They videotaped me and then showed me that I was holding the ball wrong and swinging my arm out too far. Just today I went from a 180 to a 230."

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

Leavenworth-era War College graduate dies at 99

January 26, 2006 -- Old photographs and faces of War College graduates line the walls of Root Hall. Many have gone on to do great things in the service to their county. Many of these men and women have long passed, although they will never be forgotten for their service. One of the unforgotten, Col. (Ret.) Leo Cather, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. He was the oldest known living Army War College graduate.  

    Born in 1906, Cather was admitted to the United States Military Academy in 1927 and upon graduation in 1931, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery.

    Cather was a versatile man who was to serve his country with distinction. He attended flying school at Randolph Airfield in San Antonio, Texas before being stationed at Fort Stotsenburg, in the Philippine Islands until 1937, according to a published obituary.

    During WWII, he was in the European Theater of Operations in Wales, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany. He was at the D-Day landing and served in the Battle-of-the-Bulge in the Ardennes Forest.

    After the war, Cather attended the Army War College in 1950-51. He was a member of the first class assembled after a 10 year break during WWII. Cather attended the course at Fort Leavenworth when the college was located there.  The War College was at Fort Leavenworth for only one year before relocating to Carlisle Barracks in 1951.

    Cather served in the Eighth Army during the Korean conflict, and in Japan, with the Far East Command until 1957. Later, he served in the Headquarters, Fourth Army until 1961, when he retired at the age of 55.

    After his retirement from the Army, Cather was Director of Student Financial Aid at Trinity University for ten years.

    There were other members of Cather's 1951 War College class with notable military careers.

    "Stephen Mellnick was captured in the Philippines and survived Japanese prison camps," said Dr. Conrad Crane, director of the Military History Institute. "Joseph W. Stilwell, Jr. was the son of 'Vinegar Joe' and a key player in the early days of Special Forces. He hitched a ride on a Thai aircraft headed for Vietnam in 1967 and was never seen again. Of the hundred or so officers of the class of 1951 about half eventually became generals or admirals.

    Editor's note: portions of this story were taken from the obituary section of the San Antonio Express-News.

Post offering conversational Arabic class

Rosetta Stone Foreign Language Training also now available for AKO account holders

January 26, 2006 -- Just for fun, try counting how many times a day you greet other people. Now picture yourself in a place where you don't know the language and can't communicate basic things.

   To help students learn conversational Arabic and script words like "hello," "danger," "stop," "radiation" and other words, Olivia Jones, Carlisle Barracks Army Education Center Director, has put together a Conversational Arabic Course for effective Arabic communication.

    "To date, 50 people from the post community have signed up for the six-week survival-level Pan-Arabic Course," said Jones.

     There will be two opportunities per week to take the same class if a participant should have a conflict.

     The class will meet in two, one-hour sessions per week in the Wil Waschoe Auditorium in Root Hall. The class times are 11:30 a.m.-1230 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m.  The next course starts April 18 and runs thru May 31.

    The professor, Reginald Heefner, is competent in 15 languages-Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Estonian, Modern Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hindi, Swahili, Urdu, Latin and Sanskrit. He was recently selected for inclusion in the 2005 edition of "Who's Who in the World" for his contributions in the field of foreign languages.

Foreign language skills vital to success in current operations

    Col. George Reed, director of Command and Leadership Studies, took a version of the class offered by the Carlisle Adult Continuing Education Program. Reed said he felt that in the current operational environment, the opportunity to learn basic Arabic is a near-necessity.

    "I think that it really helps to understand a culture by studying its language," said Reed. "Many of our students may be deploying to regions around the world where a basic knowledge of the language and culture could be invaluable."

    Even learning the basics can go a long way in communicating with others.

    "I attended a conference in Boston and noted that the desk clerk at the hotel had a name that suggested he might be from an Arabic speaking country," said Reed. "I greeted him using one of the phrases that Mr. Heefner taught me and he responded with surprise and happiness.  I had to explain that my understanding and speaking ability was very limited, but it nevertheless led to a very friendly exchange. Even a little language ability opens doors."

    For more information or to register contact Jones at 245-3943.

Rosetta Stone now available

    The Army recently entered into a contract agreement with Fairfield Language Technologies to provide Rosetta Stone foreign-language training. The program is available at no cost, to all active Army, National Guard, Reservists and Department of the Army civilians worldwide via the Army e-Learning portal on the Army Knowledge Online (AKO).

    The objective of this training tool is to develop a force capable of engaging in basic communications with the populace in the area deployed - and with coalition partners. Rosetta Stone online training is an immediate, cost effective way to provide a training capability across the force, and is an excellent tool for units preparing to deploy and Soldiers preparing to fill billets outside the United States.
    The Army has had much success with Rosetta Stone on Army e-Learning. More than 12,000 Soldiers and Army civilians have used the online training since it became available on November 7, 2005. The top five courses accessed are: Spanish (Lat Am); German; Arabic; French and Italian.
    * Free state-of-the-art language courses through Army e-Learning, include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Danish, Dutch, English, French, Farsi (Persian), German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Swahili, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese and Welsh.
    * Each user must have an AKO account to register for Army e-Learning.
    * To access Army e-Learning, visit AKO at www.us.army.mil and select "My Education" and click Rosetta Stone. If you are already registered for the Army e-Learning, logon and access the Rosetta Stone® courses or select Register to obtain your e Learning password. All course completions are posted to individual ATRRS records.

    (Editors note: Portions of the story came from an ARNews story)

Tom Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office

Check the date on your CAC to avoid trouble down the line

February 16,  -- Do you know when your Common Access Card (CAC) expires? If not, you may want to check and see when it does so you can save yourself a headache down the line.

    Most of the employees on Carlisle Barracks have CACs for identification, and to send and receive encrypted and digitally signed emails.

    "The Department of the Army began fielding them about three years ago," said Maj. Carla Campbell, director of the post DOIM. "They are designed to last three years, which means that many CACs may begin to expire soon." A new CAC can be obtained from the ID Card Section in 315 Lovell Ave. CAC cards cannot be replaced until 30 days before their expiration date.

    Other than having to get a new photo taken, a new CAC means users must take some steps to ensure they can read previously received encrypted emails.      

    "When you get a new CAC, you also get new digital certificates on your card," said Campbell. "This is especially important when you use Outlook to send and receive messages. Since the certificates aren't the same, users need to take a few minutes beforehand to be able to read old messages."

To help with this process, the DOIM has laid out a series of instructions for users.

    "There are really two types of replacements, planned and unplanned," said Campbell. "Most people will fall into the 'planned' replacement category so it's fairly easy to get access to their emails."

    Planned replacements usually involve a CAC replacement due to it expiring, someone getting promoted, getting a new job (i.e. become a GS employee or contractor).

    During a planned replacement, users are instructed to gather all of their encrypted emails together and re-send them unencrypted to him/herself so they can open them once they get their new CAC. This only applies to encrypted emails. Users will not need to take any action on their normal, non-encrypted or digitally signed emails.

    "The best and easiest way to make sure everything runs smoothly is to go the planned replacement route," said Dave Shrader, Instructor and Training Coordinator with Remtech Services Inc. Full instructions will soon be posted to the service desk homepage.

    However, if someone loses their CAC or it is no longer usable, users will have to go through a slightly different process to gain access to their old encrypted emails.

    "In order to recover the necessary certificates, a digital signed email is sent to the Army Registration Authority. A response can take up to two days to receive, " said Shrader.

    "Either way the Service Desk can help users with any problems or questions," said Campbell.

    For more information contact your departments IMO or call the Service Desk at 245-3000.

Dental Clinic sick hours to change

    Due to staff shortages, effective Feb. 1, Dental Clinic sick call hours will be 7:30 - 9 a.m. with no afternoon sick call.

Buy your flowergrams now

    Headquarters Company Soldiers are selling Valentine flowergrams to raise money for company activities. You can purchase one dozen roses for $35, one dozen tulips for $20 or half a dozen carnations for $11.

    Orders and payments can be completed at the following locations:

• Executive Services Office, A103 Root Hall, Sgt. Karla Illingsworth, 245-4689 or

• Public Affairs Office, A118 Root Hall, Sgt. David Hopkins, 245-4773

    Checks must be made payable to HHC, U.S. Army Garrison.

    Deadline for flower orders is Wed., Feb. 8. Flowergrams will be delivered throughout the day on Valentine's Day.

Heidi Lawrence, Public Affairs Office

Dental Clinic helping to celebrate Children's Dental Health Month

    February is National Children's Dental Health Month. The Carlisle Barracks Dental Clinic will be presenting several programs to increase awareness of the importance of dental health.  

    To help celebrate, there will be events on Feb. 7 and 8 at the Child Development Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Children will have the opportunity to experience dental equipment firsthand and there will be people on hand to explain what happens at a child's first dental visit. .

    There will also be an event at Youth Services on Feb. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. These events will include science experiments, discussions on tobacco and oral piercings, and a poster contest. Judging of the poster contest will take place at the Dental Clinic and winners will receive a gift certificate for the PX.

    The programs will include information about ways to prevent decay, changes from primary to permanent teeth, proper brushing and flossing techniques, dental sealants, and the important relationship between nutrition and dental health.  The programs will also stress that children should say no to tobacco and maintain a balanced diet.

    For more information contact Staff Sgt. Kareem Lamb at 245-3774.

Pfc. Cassandra Groce, special to American Forces Press Service

Former NFL players join troops in Iraq

TIKRIT, IRAQ, Feb. 7, 2006 - Watching the Super Bowl with retired NFL greats at your side talking sports ranks right there with being at the game itself.
    Soldiers viewing Super Bowl XL live at 2 a.m. local time yesterday were joined by an entourage of traveling football players at Forward Operating Base Speicher here.
     New England Patriots running back Keith Byars, who played in Super Bowl XXXI; linebacker Bryan Cox, who helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl in 2001 for the first time in franchise history; kicker Nick Lowery, who broke virtually every Kansas City Chiefs record, including longest field goal; and Chiefs running back Christian Okoye, nominated for the 2000 Hall of Fame, attended.
    Also with the group was businesswoman Bonnie-Jill Laflin, a former Dallas Cowboys and 49ers cheerleader.
    They visited troops at several locations besides Tikrit, including Camp Adder in southern Iraq and Camp Ramagan near Samarra, Iraq.
    While at Ramagan, the players' "toughness" was challenged by returning soldiers from a convoy. The jests led to the players being given a chance to fire a .50-caliber and an M-4 rifle.
    The group's trip to Iraq had sobering moments as well. When they first arrived in Kuwait, they watched fallen soldiers being shipped back to Iraq.
    "It was very sobering and really put things into perspective for them," said Brian P. Lee, director of Marketing Ventures and Promotions that put the NFL players' tour together.
    "Regardless ... if you think the war is right wrong or otherwise, we have people over here battling for our freedoms," Cox said. "So it's important that I come over here and let the guys and girls know how thankful I am that (they) sometimes have to give up (their) life for others to be free."
    Seeing the country firsthand and talking with Iraqis showed the athletes a whole new side to a very high-profile war.
    "You read all kinds of junk about the country, and once you come to Iraq your thoughts and views are changed," Okoye said. "This is real and a lot of things are a lot better than I thought and what I have seen on television. (These) guys have really done a good job bringing freedom to the country. From what we hear on TV and see in newspapers, it didn't sound like this, so I am very impressed."
    "It's funny talking to the Iraqis and seeing how nice they are," Laflin said. "Everyone here seems happy and that the war is making a difference. I think if you come over here it changes your opinion."
   The players and Laflin spent hours visiting troops throughout the camps, signing autographs and taking pictures with them. They also took the time to eat dinner with troops at their chow halls.
    "We want to say to them to hang on keep doing what they are doing," Okoye said. "They have our support. Just looking at them and seeing the smile on their face makes me feel good, so they have my support."
    Even though the athletes had been on the go for 20 hours, they wouldn't pass up the chance to watch the 2 a.m. Super Bowl game with the troops. The group traveled to different locations where servicemembers were viewing the game.
    "We've been all over Iraq to support the troops, and it is very dear to my heart," Laflin said. "My uncle served in Vietnam and my grandfather in World War II, so it was very important to come out here and give the troops a smile and hopefully make a difference."

(Pfc. Cassandra Groce is assigned to the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)

Bliss Hall re-opening Feb. 16

    The renovations are nearly complete and Bliss Hall will be officially re-opened with a short ceremony Feb. 16 at 11:30 a.m.

    There will be a ribbon cutting followed by remarks by Maj. Gen. David Huntoon, USAWC commandant. Cake will be served in the Bliss Hall foyer immediately following the ceremony.

Public Affairs staff report

E-mail, network access to be limited this weekend due to upgrades, maintenance

    February 8, 2006 -- Post e-mail and network users may have a hard time accessing their accounts this weekend, but the work being done may help prevent further problems down the line.

    "We will have a major e-mail upgrade and enhancement combined with normal scheduled server maintenance this weekend," said Maj. Carla Campbell, head of the post DOIM. "There will be a replacement of outdated, non-supportable servers and data migration to a more robust disk array."  The maintenance is expected to start at 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 and end by 2 p.m. the following day.  

Impact:

    E-mail and access to Outlook Web Access will be unavailable during the Feb. 11 maintenance. The e-mail service will be only unavailable from 8 a.m. Feb. 11 until 6 a.m. Feb. 12.

    All network resources will be intermittent during the regular network maintenance on Feb. 12. 

Additional Details:

    "New servers were purchased to replace the outdated servers," said Campbell. "The outdated servers were purchased in 2001 and are sorely in need of replacement. Moving to the new equipment drastically reduces the chance of a major failure."  

    Campbell said she expects users to notice the difference with the new servers.

    "The migration will present a noticeable improvement to the entire e-mail system with a more robust backup/recovery capability, thus positioning us for more efficient future growth," she said.

    External e-mails sent while the Carlisle Barracks Exchange server is down will be queued up on the sending e-mail server and will be retransmitted when the server returns to service.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris Hwang, USN, Special to American Forces Press Service

Corporate partners offer free tax filing service to military members

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 - Military members and their families can now file their taxes for free, thanks to a partnership between a group that helps military people deal with financial issues and a civilian financial services company.

    "Military OneSource" has partnered up with Intuit, a financial services company, to provide the TurboTax basic product for federal and state returns at no cost. Military members can download this program and also benefit from tax consultations and have access to appropriate resources. The Military OneSource Web site will provide annual upgrades to the TurboTax software at no cost.

    "This tax consultant support for filing 2006 taxes is available telephonically toll free (800-342-9647) and at no cost to the servicemembers from any deployment location in the world," acting Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy Jane Burke said. "Military OneSource tax consultants are also familiar with the IRS publication 'Armed Forces Tax Guide.'"

    Burke said DoD has a long history of offering tax assistance to military members, but this year the department is offering the opportunity for servicemembers to self-file electronically at no cost, using a popular software product that double checks for accuracy.

     "For many years, help has been available at many installations through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program. VITA volunteers will continue to be available through legal centers at most installations. VITA volunteers help servicemembers to file their taxes free of charge," said Burke.

   Defense Department personnel noticed the need for a tax filing system that met military members' needs. TurboTax modifies itself based on the customer's information relevant to their unique tax situation. Providing an easier way to file taxes is an important quality-of-life issue, officials said.

    "DoD recognizes the reciprocal relationship that binds the military member, the military mission, and military families. The Department is working hard to make a difference in the quality of life of servicemembers and their families," Burke said. "The Military OneSource program, available worldwide 24/7, leverages technology to help servicemembers and their families deal with the stresses of the military lifestyle. Providing access to electronic tax filing with the free telephonic support of a tax consultant is just one of the services offered by the Military OneSource service."

    TurboTax customers can expect to see a new and improved way of filing their taxes as well. The easy-to-understand language allows users to feel more confident about the information they receive. Users can also click on an "Explain This" button within the TurboTax Web site to get relevant help. TurboTax also includes timesaving summary screens, allowing users to quickly review and edit their data.

    "The department is proud to offer innovative options, like free electronic access to Turbo Tax and telephonic support, for addressing the challenges that military members and their dependents face. The Department of Defense recognizes that families also serve and is committed to supporting military families," Burke said.

    (Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris Hwang is assigned to Navy Personnel Command.)

'Born to be Wild' Sock Hop Feb. 3

     The USAWC civilian students will host a sock hop on Feb. 3, from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Letort View Community Center.

    All USAWC students, faculty, staff and their guests are invited to attend. Admission is $30 per person and includes dancing, disc jockey, food, beer, wine, door prizes, and games.

    Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Best costume prizes will be awarded for each decade.  Other prizes include a Caribbean cruise for two, a $50.00 gift certificate to Market Cross, and a Longaburger "Little Market Basket."

    For more information or to purchase a ticket see the civilian students in your seminar or Joseph Vallone, USAWC Civilian Vice President Class of 2006.

TRICARE release

Civilian inpatient rates increase slightly for fiscal year 2006

Falls Church, Va- Effective Oct. 1, 2005, the daily cost of inpatient care in civilian hospitals for active duty family members under TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra increased from $13.90 to $14.35 per day or $25, whichever is greater. For example, if a family member of an active duty service member is an inpatient for one day, he or she will pay $25. For inpatient stays that are two days or more, the cost will be $14.35 per day.

    The TRICARE Standard diagnosis-related group (DRG) daily rate for most civilian non-mental health hospital admissions increased to $535, from $512 last year. This rate increase applies only to retirees, their families and survivors who use TRICARE Standard. They must pay either $535 per day or a cost share of 25 percent of the hospital's billed charges, whichever is less. A 25 percent allowable charge for separately billed professional services could also apply. There is no DRG rate increase for beneficiaries who use a civilian TRICARE network facility under TRICARE Extra.

    Rates for inpatient mental health care or a substance-use disorder increased from $169 to $175 per day for retirees, their families and survivors who use TRICARE Standard. They also pay 25 percent of the allowable charge for separately billed professional services. The inpatient mental health rate is unchanged under TRICARE Prime and Extra for family members of active duty service members, military retirees, their families and survivors.

Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker

Message from the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff
    January 13, 2006 -- As the new year begins, it is fitting to reflect on the Army's significant accomplishments in 2005, thank senior Army leaders for their vital contributions, and look forward to an important 2006.

    In Iraq, our Soldiers, as part of a joint team, enabled that country to continue to progress politically, militarily and economically. Successful elections were held in January for the Transitional National Assembly; in October for the referendum on the constitution; and December 15 for the election of a permanent government. Each of these milestones reflects the Iraqi people's growing optimism about the future. Almost 11 million Iraqis voted in the most recent election.

    Read the rest of the message here

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

Lending a helping hand

Post employee helps victims of Hurricane Katrina

  January 18, 2006-Lou Anne Knisley and her friend, Michael Stamey, were discussing vacation plans when they came up with a unique idea that may have changed their lives forever.

    Instead of going on a cruise or lying on a warm, sandy beach, Knisley and Stamey decided to go to the hurricane ravaged deep south to offer comfort to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

    "We got on the internet and started researching ways that we could help," said Knisley, a dental assistant with the dental clinic.

    They decided the best way they could help would be to bring supplies to the people to help them rebuild their lives. They reached out to friends on post to see if they would help by donating supplies and many responded with boxes of things.

    "We brought cleaning supplies, toys, books, baby food, clothing, blankets, pillows, sheets, mops, sponges and first aid supplies," said Knisley.

    They rented a 15 passenger van, filled the van with boxes of supplies, and in early November they headed south. The destruction from the hurricane was increasingly more prevalent to the couple as they drove south.

    "As we drove down there we kept saying that it can't get any worse, but it did," said Knisley. "It was like seeing a neighborhood that was once full of kids playing on swings and riding bikes and people living their lives, and then seeing it destroyed with clothes hanging from the trees, houses without roofs and tons and tons of debris everywhere."

    Knisley and Stamey first went to one of the relief distribution centers in Pascagoula, Miss. They didn't just want to drop off the supplies and leave, they wanted to meet the people they would be helping.

    "The center put us in contact with a family with six special-needs foster kids who were living in two temporary trailers from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)," said Knisley.

    The family was grateful for the supplies, but the trip was beneficial to Knisley and Stamey, too.

    "The best part of the whole trip was being able to see the smiles on the faces of the people we were helping," sand Knisley. "It meant a lot to them, even though we weren't able to give much."

    After spending some time with the family, Knisley and Stamey explored other parts of the hurricane destroyed region, including New Orleans.

    "Seeing the sunshine by the ocean looked so bright and hopeful," said Knisley about their travels along the cost, "but when we crossed into New Orleans it was total destruction."

    The duo spent time talking with people and were able to see first hand the attitudes of those who lost all their worldly possessions to the natural disaster.

    "The morale of the people was wonderful," said Knisley. "Their spirit was high despite all the negativity we saw."

    Knisley and Stamey are in the process of planning another trip to the region in the spring to help people fix their homes, they said. The first trip changed their lives and they want to keep helping the victims of the disaster.

    "It changed my whole attitude about what is meaningful in life," said Knisley. "The spirit of the people was so high and you just can't help but love them."

Tom Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office

Post loudspeaker system ready for action

January 18, 2006 -- Work is now complete on a new loudspeaker system aimed at giving the post another option in emergency management.

    The tests are complete and the three-1,600 watt loudspeaker arrays designed to allow the installation to send out important information is now operational. The speakers have been installed on the two post water towers and one on a pole near the lower parking area near Collins Hall.

   "These systems will allow us to send short messages very quickly to everyone working and living on Carlisle Barracks," said Barry Farquhar, post force protection officer. The old system was only about 200 watts. "You will definitely notice a difference when this system is in use."

    The new system will be used to quickly get information to post residents.

    "The primary use of the system is to provide early warning to personnel located outdoors on the main post, such as for severe weather alerts, HAZMAT incidents, etc," said Farquhar.   

     What exactly the messages and alarm tones will sound like is still being determined.

    "TRADOC initiated these systems and they are developing standardized sounds that we will use for emergency notifications," said Farquhar. The $115,000 system is computer maintained and will have two locations where the messages can be developed and delivered.

    The system also has the capability to perform bugle calls and can be used as a public address system. 

The loudspeaker system is the second in a three-phase public awareness program.

    "Phase one was the implementation of the Communicator, the automated phone system,' said Farquhar. "The third and final phase is to retro-fit each building on post with a strobe and voice system. This system would allow the people working in each building to know exactly when to evacuate and what the problem is instead of a generic alarm that we currently have." The third phase is currently undergoing a cost analysis. 

    Each of these programs are designed with the goal of enhancing public safety on the installation according to Farquhar.

    "We working hard to make sure that in the event of an emergency on post we are able to get the information to people as quickly and efficiently as possible."  

Continuing Computer Safety - 'Blackworm'

Protect yourself from new computer virus

    Over the last week, "Blackworm" (also called Blackmal, MyWife, Tearec, Nyxem, and Kama Sutra, among other names created by antivirus companies) infected more than 700,000 systems worldwide, as measured using a counter web site used by the worm to track itself.

    This worm is different and more serious than other worms for a number of reasons.  In particular, it will overwrite a user's files on the third of every month. Specific file types which will be overwritten are: DOC, XLS, MDE, MDB, PPT, PPS, RAR, PDF, PSD, DMP, and ZIP. The worm spreads via e-mail attachments or file shares; however it can be detected by up-to-date antivirus signatures. 

    In order to protect yourself from data loss on February 3, and in future months, you should use current (Jan 23 or later) antivirus signatures. Carlisle Barracks computers are protected from this worm by several layers of defense.  The responsibility for securing home computers rests with the user.

    This is another example of the threats that affect all computers and reinforces the need for constant vigilance and awareness by computer users.

    For more information contact Sam Waldrop, Information Assurance Manager, 245-4230.

Voting assistance information

• Several states will hold state primaries and federal general elections for Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Representatives in 2006.

• Federal Post Card Applications (SF 76) to register and request an absentee ballot from your respective state are now available.  

• Registration and Absentee Ballot Requests, Federal Post Card Applications for the U.S. Army War College have been distributed to Department Chairmen and Seminar Leaders over the past several days. Carlisle Barracks will be receiving more SF 76 forms soon.

• The goal is to insure every soldier/service member of the USAWC and their adult dependents that reside with them (and are not Pennsylvania residents) are provided a Registration and Absentee Ballot Request. Military personnel deployed OCONUS should be provided SF186s. 

• For more information contact Capt. Peter Plante at peter.plante@carlisle.army.mil or Lt. Col. Karl Thoma at karl.thoma@carlisle.army.mil

• For a complete list of state primary election dates in your state go here

Free tax software available at Military One Source   

    January 18, 2005 -- The Turbo Tax Online program is available for free for all military personnel at http://www.militaryonesource.com

    The Department of Defense provides Service Members and their families access to Military OneSource. All members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force active duty, National Guard, Reserve and their families are eligible for this service.

     In order to download the program users will have to register to use the site.

New Subway and Anthonys Pizza hours

    Starting Jan. 29, Subway will be open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Anthonys Pizza will be open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Suzanne Reynolds, Public Affairs Office

Federally Employed Women sponsoring pre-retirement workshop Jan. 30

    A pre-retirement workshop for all civilian employees on Carlisle Barracks will be held on Monday, Jan. 30, in Wil Washcoe Auditorium, Root Hall.

    The Carlisle Chapter of Federally Employed Women is sponsoring the two, four-hour sessions.  Session one from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. will deal with the Civil Service Retirement System issues and information; Session two from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. will be devoted to Federal Employee Retirement System information.

  Subjects such as annuity computation, health and life insurance, long-term care, survivor benefits, TSP, how GPO/WEP can impact on the amount of your annuity, and much more will be discussed in detail.

  Approval has been given by the Chief of Staff authorizing this as official government training, therefore, employees may attend with no charge to leave.  Supervisors, however, must approve employees' attendance.

  Because of limited seating in Wil Washcoe, seats will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. 

  Contact Lisa Ecker, Carlisle FEW Program Chair, by COB Friday, Jan. 20, by e-mail or call 245-3155 to reserve a seat.

Have you checked out the community calendar?

     Looking for something to do this weekend? Want to know when the Commissary will be open next week? Then check out the Carlisle Barracks Community calendar.

    Located online at http://carlislebarracks.carlisle.army.mil/scripts/publish/webevent.pl, the calendar provides users with an easy-to-use and always up-to-date look at what's happening on and around post. Web users can find direct links to the calendar from the CBnet, the Carlisle Barracks webpage and the Banner Online.

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

From darkness to light

Carlisle Barracks remembers and honors the accomplishments of MLK

want more pictures?

  January 12, 2006-Civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was remembered for his life's work at an observance on Carlisle Barracks on Jan. 12.

    The event, organized to show the accomplishments of King, started on Indian Field where people gathered to hold a candlelight vigil. Glow sticks were held to represent candles in the darkness as Chaplain (Col.) Richard Pace, post chaplain, gave an invocation, speaking of the representation of the darkness that hung around African Americans before people like King shed light on the oppression. 

    "He spoke about the diversity and of hope for all ethnic groups," said Sgt. 1^st Class Kingsley Thomas, equal opportunity advisor, "Understanding is the key to the whole thing. We need to understand each other."

    The crowd then walked to the Letort View Community Center as the sun began to rise, providing light to guide the group in the right direction. When they arrived at the LVCC, they were treated to breakfast and a skit by post personnel. Lt. Col Henderson Baker, U.S. Army War College student, interviewed Rosa Parks, played by Staff Sgt. Arletta Gibson, admin/training NCO. Parks spoke of the accomplishments of King and of the situation when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white person. The skit moved some who watched and listened to the portrayal of Parks.

    "For me, the interview with Rosa Parks was refreshing because it emphasized why she refused to change seats," said Jacqueline Bey, chief of resources and information services for the library. "Her refusal was not because she was physically tired.  Her refusal was born of frustration at the unfair treatment and demands that were being made on African Americans at that time."

    There were also several songs performed by Diane Wilson, a Harrisburg singer, and Col. J. J. Frazier, USAWC student, which brought on applause and sparked emotions.

    "I loved the songs," said Bey. "They were so uplifting, reminding us that there is help beyond the limits of our own strength."

    For many in attendance, the event offered the opportunity to better understand the darkness that many Americans had to rise from to be recognized as equals in society.

    "We try to use these events as a learning tool not as a celebration," said Thomas. "The intent was to remember the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, but to also to pay homage Rosa Parks. The event turned out great."

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

Intramural basketball slams into action

January 9, 2006-The Carlisle Barracks intramural basketball season tipped off on Jan. 9 in Thorpe Hall as the garrison team went head to head with the U.S. Army War College staff and faculty team.

    The first match up of the season didn't disappoint the crowd. The two-time defending champion staff and faculty team came out on top 57 to 48.

    Matt Brown of the staff and faculty team led all scores with 21 points, scoring inside and outside on the smaller garrison team and solidifying the win.

    In the final minutes of the game the staff and faculty team spread the offense and went into a stall to maintain their lead and burn some time. The garrison team had to foul to stop the clock and force the staff and faculty to beat them at the free-throw line.

    "They had six fouls so we knew that we would be shooting free-throws on their next," said Jim Price, point guard for staff and faculty. "We opened up the offense and made them come to us."

    The game was tight throughout and the lead changed several times early in the second half before the more experienced team pulled ahead for the last time.

    "When we are playing younger teams, which are all we play, we have to take our time on offense, move the ball, and take open shots," said Matt Brown, team captain. "We can't run up and down the court at a fast pace with the younger players. We must be patient."

       During the opening minutes of the game, the younger garrison team took an early lead. The pace of the game seemed to be giving the staff and faculty fits. They swarmed the ball, getting steals and nearly every rebound. They jumped out to a ten point lead by the middle of the first half, but soon the pace of the game slowed, allowing the staff and faculty to take control.

    After the early scare by the garrison team, the staff and faculty controlled the tempo of the game to their advantage. They started this season in the same way they ended last season-with a win.

    "Other teams have more speed and energy than us, but our age and experience helps us come out on top," said Price. "We never worry about who is scoring our points. We just play as a team."

Tom Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office

Anne Ely to lose trees, renovation project moving forward

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January 11, 2006 - Anne Ely Hall will be getting a new look soon, and it will start next week with the removal of the two trees facing Indian Field.

    As a part of the renovations that will take place at Anne Ely, two mature trees will be removed from the area next week.

    "Unfortunately, the two trees have to come down because their roots are growing into the foundation of the building, causing extensive damage," said Tom Kelly, the head of Directorate of Public Works.    

    The trees are causing the building to become structurally unsound, and a recent Post Office flood was attributed to the trees, according to Kelly.

     "The community will notice the loss of these trees because they are beautiful and provide considerable shade," said Kelly.  "When we take trees down, we will plant trees in their place."

    Sections of Ashburn Drive that by Anne Ely may be closed during the removal of the trees.   

Tree removal part of larger project

     The removal of the trees is one part of the renovation project slated to begin in April.

     This was originally scheduled to be a fiscal year 2003 project," said Bill Tarman, DPW Engineering and Environmental Division Chief.

    Now that the funding has been received, the renovations will help bring back to life a building that was beginning to show its age.

    "The scope of the project is pretty wide," said Tarman. "These renovations will be much like the one done for Thorpe Hall Gym, we are going in and fixing everything at once." 

    As part of the $3 million dollar renovation project, all of the offices in Anne Ely will be re-configured to better use space.

    "The building will have a totally new layout," said Tarman. The walls, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, heating and electrical are just some of the things that are being replaced and upgraded.

    "The building is basically being gutted and everything is being replaced for safety, comfort, efficiency and ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliance. There will even be an elevator installed to help people get around," said Tarman.

    The renovations are scheduled to be complete in Feb. 2007.

Upton Hall renovations help prepare building for new occupants

    To make room for the renovations, many of the tenants will start to move to the second floor of Upton Hall in mid-March.

    Currently the offices are planning to move to the following locations:

• Civilian Personnel Office will move to the second floor of Upton Hall

• EEO\EO will move to the second floor of Upton Hall

• APFRI will move to 315 Lovell Ave. (currently HRD)

• HRD will move to the second floor of Upton Hall

• ASAP will move to the ACS\DCA building, 632 Wright Avenue

    "Right now there are some minor renovations going on in Upton Hall so that the offices displaced by the Anne Ely renovations can move in," said Kelly. "This includes some painting, carpeting, replacing worn ceiling tiles, new LAN and telephone hook-ups, bathroom renovations and some temporary walls."  The work is expected to be completed in early March, and the offices will start to re-locate then.

    After the renovations, CPO, EEO\EO, and HRD will move back to Anne Ely. ASAP will remain in Upton Hall and APFRI will re-locate there, too.

    More information about exact moving dates and related closures will be published in the Banner Online     

Post Office to be affected

    As part of the renovations, the Post Office located in Anne Ely will also move.

    "There will be a temporary Post Office set up on the Civilian Personnel Office side of Anne Ely," said Kelly. "The current Post Office will close at noon on a Friday, and won't re-open until the next Monday. Mail not picked up by noon that day will be transported to the Post Office downtown for pick-up." The temporary annex is expected to be open by the following Monday.

    "Once we have a firm date we will be sure to let the residents know," said Kelly. A projected date of the post office move is early April. 

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

Post tax center offers help for tax season

    January 12, 2006-Get your W-2 forms ready because on Feb. 1, the Carlisle Barracks Tax Center opens and will be ready to help with your filing needs.

    Once again the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in building 632, Army Community Services Center, will help individuals prepare tax forms at no charge.

    "We will provide free Federal and Pennsylvania state tax preparation services to active duty military, their family members and retirees in the local area," said Staff Sgt. Lolien Toombs, post tax NCO. "We also offer free electronic filing of Federal and Pennsylvania tax returns.  This service may limit the time it takes to receive a refund to between 10 to 14 days from the date of filing."

A history of success

    In the past the Tax Center has been successful preparing both simple and complex tax returns.

    "In 2005 the volunteers saved tax payers $101,000 in preparation fees and this year we are expecting it be just as successful," said Toombs.

    Another important filing note is that military spouses, family members or military personnel who work a second job in Pa. can file as nonresidents. This is a benefit to them and the tax center can help them do this.

    Tax services will be provided by appointment.  Call 245-3986 after Jan. 22 to schedule a date and time to have your taxes done.

Volunteers needed

    The center is always looking for assistants to help. For information on becoming a volunteer call 245-3986.

What you need to bring

    If you make an appointment for tax assistance, ensure that you bring the following documents the day of your appointment to ensure expeditious service.

• W-2 form (you can get these through "My Pay")

• W-2 forms for each family member who earned income

• Form 8332 or copy of divorce decree for non-custodial parent claiming a child

• Military ID card

• Social Security card for taxpayer and every family member listed on your return

• A voided check or deposit slip to ensure refund monies are dispersed properly

• 1099-INT for any taxable interest paid to you or credited to your account

• 1099-DIV for and income from stocks, mutual funds, investment companies, or a real estate trust

• If you sold stocks, bonds, or mutual funds during the tax year, you must know your cost basis. If you do not know your cost basis call your broker to obtain the information.

• A copy of last year's tax return.

Public Affairs staff report

Rate changes for POV reimbursement for TDY travel

    Effective Jan. 1 2006, the basic TDY mileage automobile rate (if no Government owned vehicle is available) is $0.445 per mile.

    "As gas prices fluctuate so do the rates for use of a POV when TDY," said Lt. Col. Lynn Snyder, resource management director at Carlisle Barracks. 

    Employees are also reminded that it is an installation policy to use a rental car instead of your POV when a government vehicle is not available. 

    "It is usually much more cost effective to use a rental car for shorter trips," said Snyder. If you have questions about which to use, contact DRM for more information.

Spouses Club hosting benefit auction March 3

    It's time again for the Carlisle Barracks Spouses' Club Benefit Auction.

   On Friday, March 3, the LeTort View Community Center will host this year's silent and live auctions, which are free and open to the adult public.

    A roast beef and baked haddock buffet dinner is available for $15.00 per person starting at 5 pm. The silent auction will start at 7 p.m.  The live auction starts at 8:15 pm, immediately following the silent auction. The entire event has open seating, so come early.

    These benefit auctions support community outreach programs and provide scholarship funds.  Checks, credit cards and cash accepted.

    For dinner reservations, contact Quin Stringham, 249-6991.  Anyone interested in making a donation to the auction should contact Kristen Christy at 975-2468.

Leave status defined for post weather delays

January 4, 2006 - Recent delayed openings due to weather conditions have generated questions about what the delay really means and what is the work hours accounting impact to the employee.

      "Future delayed openings will be announced in a manner that indicates the length of delay," said Lt. Col. Ty McPhillips, garrison commander. "For example, a two-hour delayed start for the post means that employees should report two hours from their normal start time, whenever that is. So, an employee who normally starts work at 7:30 a.m. and is given a two hour delay is not expected to report for work until 9:30 a.m."   In this example, administrative leave has been granted to cover the two hours.  "Any absence following 9:30 a.m. (excused or unexcused) is charged to leave-sick or annual---or comp time----whatever the supervisor has approved," said McPhillips. "As in any situation though, an employee has to take into account that his or her safety is paramount (reason for the delay) and coordinate with their supervisor if they need additional travel time."

Department of Defense release

DoD 'hangs-up' on unsafe cell phone use while driving

   January 4, 2006 -- The next time you're driving on post and want to call home on your cell phone to find out what's for dinner, you better use a headset.

    New federal policy restricts military and civilian motorists from speaking on hand-held cell phones while driving on Department of Defense installations unless the vehicle is parked. The policy extends to driving DoD vehicles off the installation as well.

    "Vehicle operators on DoD installation and operators of government-owned vehicles shall not use cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or unless they are using a hands-free device," according to the Code of Federation Regulations affecting installation traffic codes. "The wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones or other listening devices (except for hands-free cellular phones) while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. Use of those devices impairs driving and masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcement, the approach of vehicles, and human speech."

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that driver distraction is a contributing cause of 20 to 30 percent of all motor vehicle crashes, or 1.2 million accidents.

    "Unlike CD players or activities such as eating or drinking, communications technologies require a driver to cognitively interact with the device, often for long periods of time," according to the  Environment, Energy and Transportation Program of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

    A hands-free device, at least, can eliminate the search for a ringing phone or allow a driver to voice-dial a number instead of fumbling with a hand-set.

    Make sure to check the Banner or Banner Online for updates on this story.

    (Editor's note: Information used in this story came from Federal Regulation Title 32 Part 634 Subpart D and a previous ARNEWS story)

Lost and found property

   The post lost and found currently has a shirt and a toy pistol in the Found Property Room.  To claim ownership of lost property or to arrange for turn-in of found property contact Investigator Roy Carte, Military Police Investigator at (717) 245-4328.

Post hosting National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 1 at LVCC

    January 18, 2006 -- Carlisle Barracks will host a National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at  6:30 a.m. in the Letort View Community Center.  The guest speaker is Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Douglas Carver, U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains.

    Tickets are $8 and are available from USAWC seminar group leaders, Col. George Woods, 245-4790, Bert Tussing, 245-4516, Sgt. Gerald Scott, 245-4345, Susan Wise, 245-3520, Sgt. Frances Forand 245-4313, and Wanda Shaffer 245-3318.

Tom Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office

Junior artists artwork on display in PX

January 11, 2006 -- The Post Exchange has been transformed into the Carlisle Barracks Youth Services Art Gallery, showcasing the work of more than 20 post youths.

    "For the past several years Carlisle Barracks Youth Services Boys and Girls Club of America has been participating in this program," said Allen Campbell, YS coordinator. " For the last two years we have had more art sent to the regional competition than any other BGCA. This art contest is open to the entire Carlisle Barracks community not just the art students." The competition is open to all youth up to 18 years old who are members of Youth Services

    There are more than 120 pieces in this years contest. First, second and third place awards will be handed out in each category.

    "The youths created a wide range of art," said Campbell. "From monochromatic, pastels, water color, sculptures and more, there is a little bit of everything."

   "The winning art will be sent to the regional art contest in Buffalo, New York," said Campbell. "Carlisle Barracks does very well in this contest as a whole and two years ago we had a national winner, Sen Jen Groff with his art work of clay, "Reaching Out of the Box."

    In addition to Groff's winning work, one of the world wide winners from last years art contest, Alice Huntoon, has her art entry displayed as the January picture for the Military Child Education Coalition Calendar. 

Art classes offered at YS

    The art was done as part of the YS art program, which offers classes during the school year and the summer.

    "We offer two art classes each semester from 4:30 to 6:00 each Tuesday and Thursday," said Bob Salviano, YS director. "We also offer art classes during summer camp." 

     The classes generally use a building block approach starting with basic pencil drawing then moving on to charcoal, ink and wash, according to Salviano. The class then moves on to pastels, watercolors and acrylics. Each class usually has about 20 participants. For more information or to find out how to register call YS at 245-4555.

Art show for young artists around the country

    The competition is part of Boys and Girls Club of America's (BGCA) National Fine Arts Exhibit program. The Boys and Girls Club of America of Carlisle Barracks is one of more than 3,300 across the country joining in a search to identify talented young artists. 

   "BGCA's National Fine Arts Exhibit program is a comprehensive initiative promoting young people's creativity and encouraging artistic skills and cultural enrichment," said Campbell.

   As a participant in the National Fine Arts Exhibit program, the Boys and Girls Club of Carlisle Barracks submits artwork in four age divisions and 10 categories, including watercolor, mixed colors, acrylic and collage. Selected artwork is then screened at the regional level and a limited number are sent to BGCA's Atlanta headquarters for judging at the national level. Forty national winners are named and their artwork displayed at special events through out the year.

    The art will be on display at the PX until Jan. 20.

    For more information on the YS Art program call 245-4555.

Public Affairs staff report

DFAS reports error with FSA deductions

   January 10, 2006 -- Army civilian employees paid by the Defense Finance and Accounting System (DFAS), are advised that no Flexible Spending Account (FSA) deduction was taken for the pay period ending 12/24/06, with the payday Thursday 1/5/06. 

    DFAS is working with the FSA administrator to resolve this issue and will advise all affected customers of the final resolution. This only affects employees who have elected to contribute monies to a FSA, all other deductions were completed successfully.

    "A Flexible Spending Account is a tax-favored program offered by employers that allows you to pay for your eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars," according to the federal FSA site.  "By using pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses, an FSA gives you an immediate discount on these expenses that equals the taxes you would otherwise pay on that money. "

    For more information on FSA see https://www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/literature.asp or contact the Civilian Personnel Office at 245-3923.

Rhonda Newcomer, Civilian Personnel Office

Important time card information for post employees

    January 18, 2006 -- On Friday, Jan. 13, Carlisle Barracks was authorized by the Army - G1 to provide time off to civilian employees in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.  

    Employees who were given the opportunity to leave their worksite early were considered to be on Administrative Leave, however the DCPS System does not accept 59 minutes as an entry, which was the amount of time granted by the G-1. Therefore, when completing the Time and Attendance Sheet for Friday, Jan. 13, employees should annotate 1 hour of Administrative Leave. 

    If the employee left early, but did not receive the entire 59 minutes because of work requirements, annotate their Admin Leave in ¼ hour increments.  All employees who were already on Leave, will be charged Annual or Sick leave for the entire day. 

Public Affairs staff report

Post bowling center hosting 'bowling seminar'

    The Strike Zone Bowling Center will host a "bowling seminar," Sat. Jan. 21, from 1- 5 p.m. Several coaches will be available to help bowlers improve their games and special rates for bowling will apply to keep the cost of the session at a reasonable rate.

    There will also be a United States Bowling Congress Certified Silver Level Coach there to video tape your bowling using Bowlers Map, a video program that shows shots from several angles in slow motion and stop views. The cost of the Bowlers Map Session is $25.

    For more information call 245-4109.

Christian Family Financial Planning seminar starts Jan. 20

    There will be a Christian Family Financial Planning starting Jan. 20 at the post chapel. The seminar will take place on Friday, 20 Jan (5-9 p.m., including dinner) and Saturday, 21 Jan (8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., including lunch).  The seminar will build a family financial plan identifying cost of college, retirement, dynamics of investing, SBP, insurance, tax, diversified portfolios, risk and IRA's.

    For more information call 245-3318.

Sgt. David Hopkins, Public Affairs Office

Come ready to play

USAWC faculty member has learned life lessons from success in basketball

 January 4, 2006-In 1975 Matt Brown was playing basketball at York Catholic High School in York Pa., when he went on a recruiting trip to West Point. He had never previously considered joining the Army, but after meeting with then coach Mike Krzyzewski, he decided to apply and ultimately attend West Point. A career path of success was set.

    "It was a good visit to West Point," said Col. Matt Brown, director for the Joint Forces Land Component Commanders course. "I liked the challenges that coach K presented to me and the structure of the institution. Since he attended West Point he knew what it was all about and my decision to go there was easy."

    The 6 foot 5 inch Brown was a four-year starter for West Point and by his senior year he earned honorable mention on the All-America list.

    Brown cites his best game as being against Louisiana State University in Madison Square Garden, NY in 1979.

    "Individually I had 35 points and that was my career high," said Brown. "LSU was in the top ten in the ratings at the time we beat them." As a team, the most memorable win for Brown was when they beat Kansas State, who was rated number four in the country, in 1977.

An early start

    Brown started playing basketball at an early age and started playing organized ball when he was eight years old, following in his father's footsteps.

    "Growing up my father was a great player at Georgia Tech and was drafted into the NBA in 1950. He got me started. I also had a great grade school program and high school program that focused on the fundamentals of the game."

    His game was later developed by playing under coach Krzyzewski, current coach of the Duke University Blue Devils.

    "He demanded that you come ready for practices and games, so you can become a better player," said Brown. "You had to come ready to play every day. You can translate that into life-you need to come to work ready to do your job every day."

Learning from one of basketball's greatest coaches

    Brown feels fortunate to have played for a great basketball program and for one of the best known college basketball coaches in history. He feels that his time at West Point set him up for success in the Army and in life.

    "I was blessed to be with a coach and program that had tremendous success," said Brown. "Being part of a winning program carries over into life. The concepts of being ready to play, hard work and success are all tremendous attributes that a person uses to be a success in life, no matter what profession you are in. I was able to learn that from playing basketball for coach K."

    Today, Brown continues to play basketball competitively, in the post intramural program.

    "We just enjoy getting together. We may be slow, but we're old," Brown said, laughing. "We just try to hit our peak for the playoffs."

    Brown's teams have won numerous post championships in basketball, softball and volleyball over the three years he has been at Carlisle Barracks.

    "He is by far the best player in the league," said Jim Price, seminar sports director, about Brown's basketball ability. "He is outstanding in every sport he plays."

    The intramural program at Carlisle Barracks offers a service to post residents that Brown feels is good for the community.

    "Chuck Gentile and his staff provide a tremendous service," said Brown, "not only to students, but to the staff, faculty, Soldiers of Carlisle Barracks, and the surrounding community."

    Brown also brings his desire from the court to his job. One of his philosophies in life is plain and simple. He says the day you don't enjoy going to work is the day you need to find something else to do.

Public Affairs Office

Christine Shelly, former DCIA dies

December 21, 2005 -- Christine Shelly, 54, former Deputy Commandant for International Affairs from July 2002 to August 2004, died on Saturday, December 17, in Northern Virginia, following a long illness.    

    Shelly, a career diplomat, entered the State Department Foreign Service in 1975 after completing degrees at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

    Prior to her assignment to the United States Army War College, Shelly served as Political Adviser to the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Eric K. Shinseki, from June 1999 through June 2002.

    Shelly's prior political-military experience includes assignment with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium, from 1990-1993 where she served as an advisor to the NATO Secretary General.  From 1987-1990, Ms Shelly served in the U.S. Mission to NATO.

    In 1993, Shelly was appointed by Secretary of State Warren Christopher as his Deputy Spokesman and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Public Affairs. As Deputy and later Acting Spokesman, she regularly conducted State Department press briefings.

    Her other Foreign Service overseas assignments include the U.S. Embassies in Lisbon, Portugal, Cairo, Egypt and Ottawa, Canada.  

    Throughout her career, Shelly twice received the State Department's Superior Honor Award. She was also a 2001 recipient of the Adjunct Faculty Award in National Security Affairs, given by the State Department Foreign Service Institute. At the completion of her assignment with the Army War College Shelly was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal from the Army and the Superior Service Award from the State Department.

    A memorial service will be held on January 8, 2006 at her family's home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Tom Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office

SSI researcher wins Huntington Prize

December 21, 2005 -- Dr. Stephen Biddle, Associate Professor of National Security Studies with SSI, has won the Harvard University Olin Institute's 2004 Huntington Prize, for the 'best book published in the field of national security studies.' The prize comes with a $10,000 cash award for his book Military Power: Explaining Victory and Defeat in Modern Battle, published by the Princeton University Press.

    This is the second award for the book. Biddle previously won the silver medal in the Council on Foreign Relations 2005 Arthur Ross Book Awards. Biddle was the first member of the Armed Forces to win the Ross Award.

     Books nominated for the Huntington Prize can be a work of history or political science, or a work by a practitioner of statecraft. In the event the prize committee judges that in a given year no book meets the high standards set by Samuel P. Huntington, no prize will be awarded, according to a Harvard University website.

    Biddle is only the second recipient to receive the Huntington Prize award.

    His book, published in July 2004, was a project that began while he was on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

    "The majority of the book was the result of two years of 60-hour work week of research and writing," said Biddle. "The remaining part of the book I finished at night and on weekends when I came to the U.S. Army War College."  The book took about six years total from start to completion.    

    Biddle plans to next write a book on how private armies may shape the landscape of the military in the coming decades.

    Biddle recently accepted a position with the Council on Foreign Relations as a Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs in early 2006. Biddle said he hopes to continue a close relationship with the Army War College in the future.

Post residents, employees reminded to call 245-3700 for official post weather information   

    It's snowing outside and you need to know whether post will be open or not. You can find out fast by calling the Carlisle Barracks operations line:  245- 3700, the official source for post information.
    In addition, local TV and radio stations may announce closures and delays, but they won't provide the detail of the post operations line, which is updated daily after 5:30 a.m.  

Public Affairs Staff Report

Perspectives lecture probes generalship of Civil War's Gen. Weitzel

    January 12, 2006 -- Start a new year of exploration with a lecture about the unusual rise to corps command by Maj.  Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, who commanded the African-American 25th Army Corps during the closing months of the Civil War. From Engineer Lieutenant to Corps Commander: The Civil War Career of Godfrey Weitzel is the first 2006 Perspectives in Military History lecture - open to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7:15 p.m. at Ridgway Hall. Ridgway Hall will open at 6:45 p.m.

    Speaker Dr. Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr., will draw on a career as a Civil War historian for his comments about Weitzel's background, education, experiences and accomplishments.

If it's true that 'it takes one to know one,' Bergeron fits the bill at the Military History Institute where he is assistant chief of Patron Services. He knows that a researcher might start with nothing more than "bits and pieces" of information about a military unit, individual or operation. The MHI's strength, said Bergeron, is the ability to give customized assistance to those who come to MHI or email requests for help. Patron services specialists offer guidance to expand or focus research, and help the researcher find and piece together the facts that lead to better understand moments and people in history.

    "Bits and pieces of Weitzel's story" motivated Bergeron's study of Gen. Weitzel. He first ran across information while working in Louisiana, where Weitzel had served as a brigade and division commander. Over time, Bergeron pieced together a picture of an unlikely man who rapidly advanced from a junior engineer staff position to corps command, and then walked away from both title and command to return to his engineer profession. The fact that Weitzel had been mentored by Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, whose "notorious" reputation suffered during the occupation of New  Orleans, made more surprising Weitzel's rise in prestige and achievement. When his corps briefly held a fallen Richmond in 1865, Weitzel proved that he'd learned from the negative lessons of New  Orleans. His decisions helped create the conditions for Richmond's recovery, said Bergeron.

    Bergeron hopes to publish his conclusions about the Weitzel story in a couple of years. A veteran of the Army in Vietnam, Bergeron earned a Ph.D. in American History from Louisiana State University. The Louisiana native's career as an historian started in his home state on the staff of the Office of State Parks and the Port Hudson State Historic Site. He served as historian in the development stage of Pamplin Historical Park and for the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 1996 to 2003. Among his books and published articles are two History Book Club selections:   The Civil War Reminiscences of Major Silas T. Grisamore, CSA and Confederate Mobile, 1861-1865, published in 1993 and 1991, respectively.

   New Ridgway Hall hours:

    Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (except federal holidays)