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www.bliss.army.mil Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community February 5, 2009

Strength of our Army - Pride of the Southwest

WEEKEND OUTLOOK

FORT BLISS
Friday Saturday Sunday

Mostly sunny Partly cloudy Chance of rain

Hi 74, Lo 43 Hi 73, Lo 42 Hi 61, Lo 35

BAGHDAD, IRAQ
Friday Saturday Sunday

Partly cloudy Chance of rain Partly cloudy

Hi 72, Lo 51 Hi 40, Lo 49 Hi 69, Lo 49

STEPHEN BAACK

Canadian live-fire
The Canadian army’s Light Armored Vehicle III fires a round from its 25 mm cannon during a combined-arms
live-fire exercise Jan. 26 at Range 50 on Doña Ana Range Complex, N.M. The Canadian army has been training
Career day at Doña Ana for nearly a month and is slated to head back to Quebec this week before deploying to
Page 7 Afghanistan sometime in March or April.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Customers flock to Fort

‘ASIST program helps’

Bliss Tax Center on opening
day - Page 6
CAOC servicemembers
recognized by 32nd AAMDC
- Page 9
Servicemembers
training at McGregor come
together to donate blood -
Page 14
Medics train for brisk
operations tempo - Page 42
B-ball victory
Page 53
CONTENTS
Commentary..................2
News .............................3
Spotlight......................28
Timeline.......................32
Homefront ...................33
Healthbeat ...................42
Off Duty .......................46
Go Youth .....................52
Sports..........................53
Bliss chaplain says intervention program key to curbing rising suicide rate
VIRGINIA REZA
Monitor Staff
“If death comes to your doorstep, do you
answer or not?” asked Chaplain (Maj.) Paul
Blundell, Fort Bliss family life chaplain,
during an interview Monday.
“Obviously, somebody refused to answer
128 times last year,” he said, referring to the
recent suicide data released by the Army.
“It’s time to quit playing around and pat-
ting ourselves on the back for playing silly
little games like ACE,” said Blundell, refer-
ring to the Act, Care and Escort your Buddy
card, which is given to Soldiers at countless
Army suicide prevention classes. The train-
ing consists of lengthy presentations in
Soldier-packed auditoriums where less than
half of the servicemembers pay attention, he
said.
“Prevention is not working,” said Blun-
dell. “It doesn’t work with sexually transmit-
ted diseases, it doesn’t work with pregnan-
cies, and it’s not working with suicide. We
have to intervene. It has to be put on the
Army chief training calendar. How many
people have to die to prove that prevention
is not working?”
One of the programs Blundell says statis-
tics worldwide have proven works is the
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
program. And even though the program was
implemented here in 2003, not enough peo-
ple have gone through the training to make a
difference, he said. He would like to see the
program be mandated not only for subordi-
nates, but also for superiors.
Debra Wiggins, ASIST coordinator, said
“Many people who go through the class realize they
had attitudes about suicide they didn’t even know
they had. More focus has to be on suicide
intervention and ASIST is an excellent program.”
Debra Wiggins, ASIST coordinator
many who have taken the course leave with added. “I know what it is like to look out
wowed expressions and comments like, there and not be able to see a silver lining
“The Army should have been doing this a behind any cloud. I know what it’s like to
long time ago.” She said it was remarkable wake up and say, ‘I want to be dead. Why
to see the transition attendees go through, live?’”
even those who were skeptical of the pro- That is why Blundell is so passionate
gram and were voluntarily assigned to attend about suicide intervention instead of preven-
the training. tion. He said in the intervention program,
“The ASIST program will help you people deal with their attitude as caregivers.
understand the symptoms and small subtle For example, he said there are many who
things depressed people do,” said Blundell, think suicide is wrong, and the program
who once contemplated suicide and admit- stresses that it is not about them – it is about
ted himself to a mental institution for 21 the person who wants to take his or her life.
days. “Many people who go through the class
Blundell said he had been suicidal since realize they had attitudes about suicide they
age 15 because of his family background, didn’t even know they had,” said Wiggins.
personality and life issues. He said it got “More focus has to be on suicide interven-
worst when he completed graduate school tion and ASIST is an excellent program.”
and could not find a job. Wiggins said the 6th Air Defense
“And you will see this happening more Artillery Brigade is leading the way in sui-
often when the economy gets worse and cide intervention training for Soldiers. Army
people start losing more jobs,” said Community Service and the Chaplain’s
Blundell. “It’s going to happen with our Office offer ASIST classes.
Soldiers because their wives are going to “Suicide is an internal thing, it’s not: ‘I
lose their jobs and we will have some seri- didn’t eat the right steak today,’” Blundell
ous issues to deal with. said. “And we are so poorly trained in our
“I know what depression is like,” he See ASIST, Page 2
2 • The Monitor • February 5, 2009

Sexual assault is a crime that is adverse medical personnel and notifies the vic-
to the core values that define our Army. tim’s commanders and law enforce- Bliss on the street
This was Secretary of the Army Pete ment. With the unrestricted option, vic-
Geren’s message about sexual assault, tims can receive assistance in obtaining What does being a
when he announced that in 2009, the Army protective orders or no-contact orders if noncommissioned
is ramping up its campaign against sexual needed.
assault and sexual harassment. The plan Sexual assault is not only traumatic
officer mean to you?
includes commitment by leaders to combat to victims but also destructive to good “It means taking care of my Soldiers
sexual assault and harassment within the order and discipline. Sexual assault vio- no matter what the cost, to include
standing up for their rights and
ranks; training and teaching Soldiers how to inter- lates the trust in fellow Soldiers that every Army enforcing the Army creed.”
vene and stop assault and harassment, and protect team needs to win our nation’s wars. If a com-
their fellow troops; and the establishment of an mander learns of an assault or attempted assault, Sgt. Charles Boyles
B Company
Army culture that actively fights these crimes. he or she is legally obligated to report it. Leaders 1st Battalion
I’ll address sexual harassment in future Troop should educate troops on the risk factors for sexu- 56th Air Defense Artillery
Talks, but I will focus on sexual assault in this al assault and ensure all Soldiers receive the 6th ADA Brigade
article. Sexual assault refers to a range of crimes, mandatory sexual assault awareness and preven-
including rape and any type of non-consensual tion training annually. Leaders should ask them- “It means the ability to train Soldiers
touching or penetration of the intimate parts of selves how they can help prevent sexual assault in and ensuring they know everything
needed to keep them safe in theater.”
another person. Sexual assault includes forcing their units. Using composite risk management,
sexual acts on another person by using physical analyze the risk factors. Ensure Soldiers are Sgt. Erskin Duncan
force, violence, threat or intimidation; ignoring aware of the increased risks that occur with alco- C Company
the objections of another person; or taking advan- hol and the danger of being alone in a barracks 2nd Cavalry Regiment
Troop Talk

1st Armored Division

tage of another person’s incapacitation, intoxica- room or apartment with others. Check that bar-
tion, state of intimidation, helplessness or other racks have good security and battle buddies know
inability to consent. According to the Acting to watch out for each other. The majority of “It means to lead by example, to take
Secretary of the Army’s Task Force Report on alleged victims and perpetrators are junior enlist- care of problems and Soldiers,
Sexual Assault Policies, from 1999 to 2004, 67 ed Soldiers, according to the Army’s SAPR Web because that is what we are here for.
We are here for Soldiers to make
percent of the sexual assaults involving Army per- site. Focus extra effort on educating those in the sure they have everything they
sonnel occurred on post. The majority of those highest risk-group. need and train them so they can
reported occurred in the barracks and training For more information on preventing sexual fight today’s wars.”
areas. Off post, sexual assaults occur most fre- assault or the Army’s SAPR program, visit Sgt. John Webb
Headquarters and Headquarters
quently in residences. About two-thirds of sexual www.sexualassault.army.mil. To schedule sexual 1st Battalion
assault victims in the United States know their assault awareness and prevention training or for 36th Infantry Scout Platoon
assailant, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest more information, call the Sexual Assault “It means to take care of my
National Network. The majority of sexual assaults Response Program at 568-5658 or 568-4878. To Soldiers by providing them with
happen when one or both of the people involved report a sexual assault 24 hours a day, seven days leadership. This is what this school
are intoxicated. a week, the Sexual Assault Hotline number is is about: teaching us how to take
care of our Soldiers.”
It’s important to report an incident as soon as it 490-3896.
happens so an offender can be brought to justice, The Army will thoroughly investigate every Sgt. Lashaunda Bambaata
NCO Academy
and the victim can receive the help they need to unrestricted sexual assault allegation. Justice will
deal with the trauma of the assault. Fort Bliss’ be done in every case. Soldiers have a moral duty
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program to protect their battle buddies on and off the bat-
offers compassionate and confidential support tlefield. We are a band of brothers and sisters who “An NCO is a true leader – someone
who leads, from the front – and
programs for victims, and can help victims under- must support each other in an environment based someone that other people are proud
stand their legal options. After an assault, victims on mutual respect and support. Sexual assault is a to be around, to serve with, and are
can contact one of the more than 200 trained unit preventable crime. As Soldiers, our values going to want to follow no matter
what the scenario is just because of
victim advocates, their commander or the military demand that we protect our fellow Soldiers from the leadership that NCO provides.”
police. Sexual assault response coordinators are sexual assault, report assaults and provide support
available to help victims 24 hours a days, seven and help to victims. Just as we would never leave Sgt. Mark May
NCO Academy
days a week. a fallen comrade, we will never fail to care for a
There are two methods of reporting an assault Soldier who is a victim of sexual assault. “It means taking care of my Soldiers,
– restricted or unrestricted. Restricted reporting knowing them because I train with
them, and never asking them to do
helps a victim get access to support services, anything I could not do myself.
including care from the Fort Bliss SARC and I’m a good NCO because I
medical personnel. A victim advocate is assigned, had a good NCO.”
but neither commanders nor law enforcement are Sgt. Shaun Shearer
involved. In unrestricted reporting, the SARC Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg B Company
501st Brigade Support Battalion
coordinates support services for the victim with Fort Bliss Commanding General 1st Armored Division

FY 2009 DWIs by brigade/unit ASIST

Correction Continued from Page 1
society. We need to equip our communi-
In the article titled “4th BCT families ty with intervention tools because we
meet at DFAC for teambuilding event” already know prevention does not work.
on page 18 of the Jan. 29 issue of The One life lost is one too many.”
Monitor the first paragraph incorrectly Emotional signs to watch for with at-
identified the location of the event as risk individuals include hopelessness,
the Longknife Village dining facility. helplessness and worthlessness clus-
The name is actually the Highlander tered around a situation of loss, usually
DFAC. a relationship. Other losses include
The Monitor editorial staff apolo- financial, health, dignity and status.
gizes for this error. Other emotional factors are guilt and
anger, which are two primary compo-

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Publisher/Commanding General .....................................................................................................Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg
Garrison Commander ....................................................................................................................................Col. Edward P. Manning
Public Affairs Officer ..............................................................................................................................................................Jean Offutt
Managing Editor ...............................................................................................................................................................Jim Gonzales
Editor ....................................................................................................................................................................................Dustin Perry
Homefront Editor ...............................................................................................................................................................Virginia Reza
Healthbeat Editor.................................................................................................................................................................Julia Yubeta
Photo Editor..................................................................................................................................................................Wilson A. Rivera
Editorial Assistant...........................................................................................................................................................Stephen Baack
32nd AAMDC ..........................................................................................................................................................Sgt. Rachael Estes
........................................................................................................................................................................Spc. Cassandra Villezcas
31st ADA Bde. .................................................................................................................................................1st Lt. Rodney Johnson
11th ADA Bde.....................................................................................................................................................Sgt. Alexander Burnett
4th BCT, 1st AD ........................................................................................................................................................Sgt. Mark Miranda
...................................................................................................................................................................................Spc. Bradley Clark
WBAMC......................................................................................................................................................................Clarence Davis III
JTF-North.................................................................................................................................................................Armando Carrasco
Submit articles to monitor@conus.army.mil.
Homefront
3

News
The Monitor • February 5, 2009 •

Army farewells former SMA Bainbridge with honors

Healthbeat
ALEX MCVEIGH
The Pentagram
ARLINGTON, Va. – In life, former Sgt. Maj. of the
Army William G. Bainbridge worked to improve the
lives of noncommissioned officers under his command.
In death, he left a legacy of service to his country, his

Off Duty
family and his Soldiers.
Bainbridge is remembered by Army leaders during
this “Year of the NCO” as a pioneer proponent of the
current noncommissioned officer education system.
After Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Bainbridge said:
“World War II was won in the pre-war classrooms at the
Army War College and the Command and General Staff
College. The conflict in the Persian Gulf was won by

Sports
the NCO Education System.”
Bainbridge passed away in November, and was
buried at Arlington National Cemetery Jan. 28. In a cer-
emony attended by his colleagues from across the five
branches of the military, Bainbridge’s life and legacy
were celebrated.
As the bell signaled 9 a.m., Soldiers from The Old
Guard carried the casket into the Old Post chapel at Fort
Myer, Va., for a brief memorial service. The U.S. Army
Band “Pershing’s Own” played as mourners entered the

Timeline
building.
Bainbridge’s career began when he volunteered for
the draft in June 1943. His unit was captured in the
Battle of the Bulge, and he spent almost four months as
a prisoner of war.
Upon his discharge from the Army in 1945,
Bainbridge returned to his native Illinois to become a
farmer, though a member of the Army Reserve. When
ADAM SKOCZYLAS
Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) carry former Sgt. Maj. of the Army William G.
Bainbridge to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.
Army in July of 1975. During his tenure, Bainbridge final resting place.
visited troops all over America and the world every As the flag draping the casket was folded for Hazel,
year. Bainbridge’s wife of 63 years, the Army Band played
“Sergeant Major Bainbridge was well liked and “America the Beautiful.”
respected,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmie W. “In life, he honored the flag,” Chaplain (Lt. Col.)

Spotlight
the Korean War broke out, Bainbridge returned to active
duty in 1951, and he soon decided to become a career
Soldier.
In February of 1963, Bainbridge was promoted to
sergeant major, and was deployed to Vietnam two years
later. He was chosen to become one of the first com-
mand sergeants major in the Army in February of 1968,
serving in that position at Fort Meade, Md., Fort
Shafter, Hawaii, and Fort Benning, Ga., among other
Spencer, director of NCO and Soldier programs for the
Association of the U.S. Army. “I often heard it said that
the next person who said something bad about him
would also be the first.”
Bainbridge retired June 18, 1979, in a ceremony at
Fort Myer. After his retirement, though, he was still
active in the Association of the United States Army and
the Noncommissioned Officers Association.
After the service Wednesday, a procession of more
Harry A. Rauch III said. “In death, the flag honors him.”
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren was there as well
as Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston and sever-
al former sergeants major of the Army.
After the service, Geren, Preston and the retired ser-
geants major offered their condolences to family mem-
bers of the man who left such an enduring legacy.
“He left a lasting effect on Soldiers and noncommis-
sioned officer education; his fingerprint is all over many

On
DeploymentPoint
locations. than 20 cars made its way through Arlington National of the programs we have today,” Spencer said. “His
Then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Frederick C. Weyand Cemetery to section 59. As a fine mist fell from the sky, influence will be left for generations to come.
selected Bainbridge to be his sergeant major of the the Soldiers carried the casket over the icy ground to its

fair preps Soldiers, family members for deployment

CAPT. TAMARA GONZALES on and off-post and professional develop-
11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs ment classes. Volunteer opportunities are

Happenings
In this highly mobile Army, it is also published in The Monitor.
important for families to be prepared for “Get your kids involved and they can
when their loved ones deploy. Units from see how they can give back to the com-
11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade are munity,” said Tracy Broomfield, the vol-
taking proactive steps to ensure their unteer program assistant.
Soldiers and family members are ready The USO provides various services to
for this always-present possibility. families ranging from its recreational
Leaders from 3rd Battalion, 3rd ADA facility, its support of deploying and
and 1st Bn., 43rd ADA, invited support reunion flights, and its United Through

Back front
activities from across Fort Bliss to their Reading program. The recreational facili-
deployment fair at Milam Gym to pro- ty is free of charge to family members
vide Soldiers and their families deploy- and has computers with Internet access,
ment information. pool tables, video games and a home
Some of the organizations that came movie theater. The United Through
together included the Red Cross; Child, Reading program records deployed
Youth and School Services; Operational Soldiers reading books aloud on a DVD
Security; Army Community Service; that is then sent to the child. Pictures, let-

Go Youth
Mobilization/Deployment Family
Readiness; and United Service Organi-
zations.
“It is rare that all these organizations
get together in one location,” said Sonja
Mayon, the brigade’s family readiness
support assistant. “In one stop, families
can walk from table to table and get the
ters, e-mail or a visual recoding of the
child reading the book is then returned to
the Soldier. The child can be any child in
the Soldier’s life such as a son or daugh-
CAPT. TAMARA GONZALES
ter, a younger sibling, or a niece or
Tammi Hayes holds her son, Tathan, while getting information from the nephew.
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense “My hope with this deployment fair is
Artillery, Family Readiness Group co-leader, Ashley Dahman, Friday at to empower families by giving them all

Team
Bliss Outlook
information they need.”
The Red Cross provided information
about how to relay emergency messages,
services available in case of emergencies,
how to be prepared in case of emergen-
cies and other services the organization
provides.
“Make a kit, be prepared and be
informed,” said Pedro Herrera, the Fort
Bliss American Red Cross outward spe-
cialist.
While the Red Cross provided infor-
mation about emergencies, Child, Youth
and School Services representatives told
families of benefits available to them
the deployment fair.
while their Soldier is deployed. Discounts
are available for all Child, Youth and
School Services programs, including
school-age programs, the babysitters
course and the Schools of Knowledge,
Inspiration, Exploration and Skills pro-
gram. Families may also receive up to 16
hours a month of free hourly child care.
Children must be registered through
CYSS central enrollment and a copy of
the Soldier’s orders must be provided to
CYSS.
“The main risks, if unaware of opera-
tional security, are revealing information
about missions, posture of a unit and
compromising personal identification,”
said Ron Robertson from the Fort Bliss
Operational Security office.
Robertson also handed out pamphlets
in how to protect one’s identification and
bank cards, plus how to access free
antivirus software from the Army
Knowledge Online Web site.
Army Community Service representa-
tives discussed different volunteer oppor-
tunities available to family members both
the resources and tools available for them
to stand on their own two feet,” said
Lisette Wyno, the 3-3 ADA Family
Readiness Group leader.
Leadership from 3-3 ADA is also
coordinating a deployment fair for E
Battery, 4th Battalion, 5th ADA, one of
its units in Fort Hood, Texas.
“We made a promise that we will care
for [E Btry., 4-5 ADA’s families], and dis-
tance will not be a factor in keeping the
families together and well informed,”
said Wyno.
4 • The Monitor • February 5, 2009
 The Monitor • February 5, 2009 • 5

Story and photos by Capt. Tamara Gonzales,

11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs
gives the Soldiers an idea of weapons

M
cGREGOR RANGE, N.M. –
A battalion of Fort Bliss air
defense artillery Soldiers con-
ducted a three-day convoy live-fire exer-
cise here from Jan. 26 through 28.
It was a long, dusty road that took the
Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 43rd Air
Defense Artillery, to their destination,
the same road they traveled down in
anticipation of enemy contact.
The Soldiers began training for the
exercise last summer, completing vari-
ous warrior training tasks such as react-
ing to an improvised explosive device,
overpass drills and both mounted and
dismounted drills. They completed their
training with close-quarter marksman-
ship drills.
“They used [weapons training instruc-
tion] and all other possible training times
available, enduring long, arduous hours
and austere conditions, to prepare for
this event,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ray
Christopher, the battalion’s operations
noncommissioned officer in charge.
The Soldiers conducted one convoy
without ammunition, one with blank
rounds and a final one with live ammu-
nition.
“This is the biggest thing we see,”
said Sgt. 1st Class Scott MacFarlane, the
battalion communications chief. “It
control, situational awareness, and how
they and their team fit in the picture.”
The Soldiers encountered various sce-
narios as they moved down the winding
dirt road, ranging from enemies in the
open to abandoned and potentially dan-
gerous vehicles. Then the convoy was
stopped, took enemy fire from all sides
and couldn’t go any further. The Soldiers
were forced to dismount their vehicles
and take cover while providing 360-
degree security for the convoy. After
much firing they were given the signal to
mount up, upon which they tactically
returned to their vehicles and were on the
road again.
“What I got out of the exercise was
the importance of safety, muzzle aware-
ness and how to fire from the back of a
vehicle,” said Pfc. Leandro Moreno.
The exercise ended in an after-action
review in which Soldiers got to discuss
what happened and reveal the lessons Soldiers from D Battery, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air
Defense Artillery, mount up after reacting to a
they learned from their experience.
“This is good for the Soldiers; they breach exercise during the unit’s convoy live-fire
exercise at McGregor Range.
shoot together and provide coordinated
fires,” said Sgt. Maj. Jose Villarreal,
operations sergeant major. “Young lead-
ers are developing command and control
skills.”

“This is good for the Soldiers;

they shoot together and
provide coordinated fires.
Young leaders are Sgt. Ayinde Waverly instructs the
troops to mount up during D Battery,
1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense
developing command Artillery’s convoy live-
fire exercise at
and control skills.” McGregor
Range.
Sgt. Maj. Jose Villarreal, operations sergeant major

Pfc. Matthew Zenoni

guards his sector with his
semi-automatic weapon
during the dismounted
convoy live-fire drill.

(Right) Sgt. Bryce

Keenan radios
in the status of his
personnel and equipment during the
dismounted convoy live-fire drill.
6 • The Monitor • February 5, 2009

Customers flock to Fort Bliss

Tax Center on opening day
DUSTIN PERRY the extra questions to ask, and we’re
Editor also flexible. If [customers] have any
The Fort Bliss Tax Center opened problems, we’ll work around them and
Monday and will offer free preparation try to help them figure them out. We’re
services to active-duty servicemem- definitely more geared toward the mil-
bers, military retirees and their depend- itary.”
ents every weekday throughout the There are two goals the tax center’s
annual tax season. specialists strive for, Mathew said. The
The center is staffed by veteran vol- first is to minimize customer costs –
unteers and a dozen Soldiers from units 4,700 returns were filed there last year,
throughout the installation who were saving more than $650,000 in tax-
trained to provide customers with in- preparation fees, he said – and the sec-
depth tax knowledge and thorough ond is to keep their clients informed of
assistance in filing their returns, said any notable or applicable tax law DUSTIN PERRY

Capt. Rick Mathew, the Fort Bliss tax changes. Spc. Thomas Atchison, left, a tax preparation specialist assigned to the
officer. “That’s your money,” said Mathew. 501st Brigade Support Battalion, assists Freddie Ordones with filing his
“People really want to get their “A lot of people try to think of their annual return at the Fort Bliss Tax Center, which opened Monday.
refunds as soon as possible, and refund as some sort of a gift from the
because we’re free, it’s definitely a government, and that’s not what it is – says it is crucial to have skilled profes- and we’ll make sure that they’re done
great service to have,” said Mathew. it’s you getting your money back.” sionals who can help decipher those right.”
“Not only do you want to get your Staff Sgt. Jared Stevens, assigned to changes and ensure their customers’ The tax center opens at 7:30 a.m.
refund as soon as possible, you want to 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, returns are done accurately. every weekday. It remains open until 6
have it accurately done and pay as lit- was at the center Monday with his wife “Taxes aren’t rocket science; they’re p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, until 7
tle as possible – and that’s what you’ll Alison to file their joint return. Jared more like putting a bike together,” said p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and
get here at the tax center.” said he prefers having his taxes done Mathew. “You could do it, [but] it just until 3 p.m. Fridays. Weekend services
Aside from not charging a fee, the on the installation because “it’s easy takes a long time. Taxes are pretty are scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m.
biggest advantage of eligible cus- and convenient, and we always get [our straightforward … but you never know to 3 p.m., Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5
tomers utilizing the Fort Bliss Tax return] back pretty timely.” if you’re missing something. p.m., and April 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Center is the fact that the preparation “It’s done for the military, by the “People don’t have the time to learn Services are provided on a walk-in
specialists have a military background military, so they always know what to everything – and they really shouldn’t basis, but the center will begin taking
themselves and can relate to their cus- expect when [customers] come in,” have to, because that’s why we have appointments beginning the third week
tomers, said Mathew. said Jared. “We haven’t seen any mis- people who go out and learn it and do of February for particularly complex
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familiar with the situation of a Because tax laws change or are people need people like us to do their located at Bldg. 50 on Slater Road, and
Soldier,” he said. “We know some of updated nearly every year, Mathew taxes because we’re specialized in it the phone number is 568-4999.

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 The Monitor • February 5, 2009 • 7

PHOTOS BY SGT. 1ST CLASS LORI A. KUCZMANSKI

Sgt. Oscar Herrera poses with a group of students Friday at Presa Elementary School following a career day event there.

Soldiers teach Presa students about Army life

SGT. 1ST CLASS LORI A. KUCZMANSKI
5th Armored Bde., First Army Div. West Public Affairs
Students at an El Paso elementary school were given
a firsthand look at life in the military when a group of
Fort Bliss Soldiers visited and spoke with them during a
career day event Friday.
Lt. Col Danny C. Magpantay, commander of 2nd
Battalion, 356th Regiment, Logistical Support
Battalion, received a formal invitation from the school
principal of Presa Elementary School inviting his unit to
the event.
Magpantay said he was delighted to have the oppor-
tunity to share his military experience with the students.
It was a great chance to tell the students about the Army
and the many different career fields available, he added.
Staff Sgt. Gladis Gomez gave the students a preview
of Army life by teaching them drill and ceremony, how
to salute, and how to wear both individual body armor
and the advanced combat helmet. The students tried to
run while wearing the equipment, but several found it
difficult due to the weight.
“We let the children wear the IBA to show them how
much it weighs, so you must be physically and mental-
ly tough in order to endure what we do,” said Gomez.
Gomez said by participating in the school’s career
day, she was hoping to instill the prospect of a future in
the children and wanted to make sure they knew about
the many career options available in the Army.
“A lot of the children want to be police officers, chefs
and veterinarians, and we want them to know there are
a lot of different fields that the Army covers down on
that they can explore,” said Gomez. “They can also
serve their country and their community and be produc-
tive in society.”
Magpantay said although a few of the students
already knew what they want to be when they grow up,
some of them said they were unsure.
“A lot of the students are stuck in a crossroads and
they don’t know what they want to do, so with a little
luck [and] by bringing our Soldiers here, we’ve given
them a little glimpse of what their future career path
may be, and that’s why we’re here today,” said
Magpantay.
Magpantay explained to the students how the Army
is one career option and that the jobs the students want
are available in the Army. He told them the Army needs
teachers, computer technicians, tank drivers, doctors,
police officers and more.
“It’s just one approach – one perspective – that
there’s the Army out there and there’s a wealth of pro-
fessions within the Army that they can look into, and
that’s our chance to show them opportunities out there,”
said Magpantay.
Mabel Nevarez, a school counselor at Presa, organ-
ized a career fair so the students could be made aware of
different career choices, and so they will have a basic
understanding of what they need to accomplish their
career goals.
“The earlier the better,” said Nevarez, referring to the
point at which children begin planning their futures.
Nevarez said the children appreciate it when repre-
sentatives from the Army come to their school and talk
about their careers.
“It gives them a boost to their self-esteem,” said
Nevarez, adding that she believes the students see
Soldiers as unique because of what their careers entail.
Nevarez said she asked Soldiers to attend the career
fair because she feels the students need to know the ben-
efits that come from joining the Army.
“You have no idea what you can do with our chil-
dren, and when they grow up, I want them to see there’s
more than being in the streets,” said Nevarez.

Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Bugbee of 2nd Bn., 356th Regt., LSB, puts the advanced combat hel-
met on a student during a career day event Friday at Presa Elementary School. The unit was invited
to participate in the school’s 2009 career fair.
(Left) Sgt. Oscar Herrera, a communications noncommissioned officer assigned to 2nd Battalion,
356th Regiment, Logistical Support Battalion, teaches students at Presa Elementary School how to
operate a single-channel ground-to-air radio system during a career day event Friday.
8 • The Monitor • February 5, 2009
Volunteers ensure Soldiers
receive all tax incentives
WILSON A. RIVERA
Monitor Staff
ervicemembers, spouses, retirees and depend-
S ents may have had puzzled looks on their faces
as they received informative tax flyers from
Fort Bliss Tax Center volunteers Friday, but tax season is
once again here.
At every entrance and passageway at the Army and
Air Force Exchange Service mini-mall and food court,
military volunteers passed out reminders about taxes.
April 15 is the deadline to file taxes or file for an exten-
sion.
“Have you thought about your taxes?” a Soldier was
asked by Spc. Michael D. Kahl, a tax center volunteer.
“I volunteered to help people,” Kahl said. “Taxes can
be a lot of money if you don’t know much about it. It can
be very important depending on your situation.”
The flyers included information about the Internal
Revenue Service’s earned-income tax credit and other
military-specific information. EITC is one of many cred-
its available to Soldiers filing their claims.
“[EITC] is basically for people who work but don’t
make a lot of money, so especially people who have chil-
dren and singles also fall into this category, depending on
each individual’s basis,” said Capt. Rick B. Mathew, tax
center officer in charge.
EITC is a fully refundable credit for low-wage work-
ers and low-income working families. It is estimated that
20 percent to 25 percent of those eligible for the credit
fail to claim it on their return. This credit averages
around $2,700.
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“When they’re doing their taxes, they finally realize
they qualify for this and that’s why they aren’t getting
that money,” said Mathew. “Why? It’s a shame, because
people who need it the most are failing to get it.”
Military members benefit from the EITC, as any por-
tion of their income that is nontaxable does not count
toward pushing them out of the range for the EITC, and
many Soldiers with at least one child qualify. Soldiers
who have tax-exempt combat pay can still elect to
include that combat pay. It can be used to make them eli-
gible for money back, Mathew said.
“[EITC] is out here, so we’re just promoting that, and
also promoting the free tax service provided at the tax
center,” said Maria E. Bustamante, tax consultant.
The Fort Bliss Tax Center services are free to active-
duty servicemembers, retirees and their dependents. The
center has partnered with the IRS for 20 years to train its
staff in assisting individuals with their claims.
“Some reasons that some people don’t claim [EITC]
is because they might have somebody that is not aware
of the tax laws,” said Ricardo Soto, IRS region manager.
Items to bring when filing taxes include military iden-
tification cards, wage statements, homeowner’s interest
statements and anything that may be relevant to taxes,
said Mathew.
“The federal government has been doing a pretty
good job with keeping in step with what’s going on in the WILSON A. RIVERA
economy,” he said. “This year, taxes have a lot of breaks Spc. Michael D. Kahl, a tax center volunteer,
and incentives for homeowners because of the foreclo- hands out information about the Fort Bliss Tax
sure crisis.” Center Services and tax information in the Army
For more information regarding taxes, call 568-4999. and Air Force Exchange Service mini-mall here.
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 The Monitor • February 5, 2009 • 9

CAOC servicemembers recognized by 32nd AAMDC

SGT. ALEXANDER BURNETT
11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA – A Soldier,
two Airmen and two Marines were rec-
ognized by the senior commissioned
and noncommissioned officers of their
higher headquarters for their outstand-
ing performances in theater during a
Jan. 27 ceremony.
Spc. Monica Castaneda, Air Force
Airman 1st Class Matthew Rosenbaum
and Maj. James Nevius, and Marine 1st
Lt. Peter Prikazsky and Cpl. Ande
D’Entremont – all attached to the
Coalition Air Operations Command –
were presented with certificates of
achievement endorsed by Brig. Gen.
Robert Woods and Command Sgt. Maj.
Sidney Weatherspoon, commander and
command sergeant major of the 32nd
Army Air and Missile Defense
Command command sergeant major,
respectively.
“This is a very nice gesture,” said
Nevius. “We work hard and we have a
very important job, but it is not some-
thing we are often recognized for.” SGT. ALEXANDER BURNETT
The members of this group each have From left: Spc. Monica Castaneda, Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Rosenbaum, Marine 1st Lt. Peter
a part in maintaining and managing the Prikazsky and Air Force Maj. James Nevius display their certificates of achievement. The awards were issued to
datalink in the CAOC. Castaneda is an the servicemembers by the 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command for their outstanding work in the Coalition
air defense command control communi- Air Operations Command.
cations computer and intelligence tacti-
cal operator maintainer; Rosenbaum The datalink provides leaders with an world, said Martinez. strive to perform their tasks above and
and D’Etremont are interface control overview of the entire Central “Each member of this team has beyond the expectations of their leaders,
technicians; Nevius is a joint interface Command area of responsibility. worked hard,” said Martinez. “Because said Nevius. The assignment they are
control officer; and Prikazsky is a watch Sentinel radar provides the air picture of their work, our air picture can be given is difficult, but they make it seem
officer. The servicemembers work while Predator cameras give live video viewed not only by command groups simple, he said.
together to ensure the datalink functions feed from Iraq, Afghanistan and the here in theater, but also in the U.S. com- “If it weren’t for these servicemem-
properly, said Chief Warrant Officer Horn of Africa. The datalink allows the mands like the Pentagon and CENT- bers, the whole thing would fall apart,”
Jorge Martinez, a systems integrator at feeds from the CAOC to be viewed by COM.” said Martinez.
the CAOC. U.S. and friendly forces all over the The servicemembers continue to
10 • The Monitor • February 5, 2009

Fort Hood unit conducts first-ever TAC exercise at Tobin Wells

CAPT. TAMARA GONZALES
11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs
Soldiers from an air defense artillery
battalion assigned to Fort Hood, Texas
conducted the first-ever tactical area
command exercise for their unit from Jan.
26 through 28 at Tobin Wells Training
Center here.
Leaders from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Air
Defense Artillery, a unit formed less than
six months ago, planned and executed the
TAC exercise not only to conduct routine
activities, but also to establish “battle
rhythms” for the unit’s headquarters, unit
officials said.
TACs are common to headquarters
elements and involve establishing and
refining typical reporting procedures,
daily status reports, battle update briefs
and shift changes. Leadership and head-
quarters functions for two of 3-3 ADA’s
subordinate units – Headquarters and A
Batteries – had to be created, said Maj.
Bill Darne, the battalion’s executive offi-
cer.
The unit also consists of more than
100 Sailors who not only had to learn the
unit’s land-based Phalanx system, but
CAPT. TAMARA GONZALES
also a significant amount of other Army- From left: Lt. Col. Christopher Corbett, senior tactical area command observer-controller; Maj. Bill Darne, executive
centric training. officer; Capt. Patrick Snyder, liaison officer; and Maj. David Shank, operations officer in charge, all assigned 3rd Air
Daily activities during the TAC Defense Artillery, discuss operations during the unit’s three-day tactical area command exercise at Tobin Wells
included the commander’s update brief; Training Center.
submitting maintenance, logistical, per-
sonnel and indirect-fire activities reports day shift. “The lieutenants are always trollers analyze reports sent from the TAC more than 400 Soldiers and Sailors.
as well as reacting to rocket, artillery or talking to the observer-controllers, asking to see how closely they mirror reports “My goal during the exercise is to
mortar attacks on the unit’s defended for- questions and gaining knowledge.” from downrange, she said. learn everything I can and be able to pro-
ward operating base. The training was Some of the training was “injected” “Soldiers belong to whatever major vide support for the counter-rocket,
meant to closely simulate the procedures with scenarios similar to downrange subordinate command FOB they are on; artillery and mortar mission and to know
used by units downrange. events, such as having to react to an indi- maintaining situational awareness of that S-4 played a role in how they oper-
“We learn with everything that comes rect-fire attack, which really increased the these Soldiers and making sure they are ate,” said 1st Lt. Celina Pargo, the battal-
through here and run with it,” said Sgt. effectiveness of the training, said 1st Lt. well taken care of is the biggest challenge ion’s logistician officer in charge.
1st Class Timothy Vincent, the battle non- Amanda Parker, the battalion human that I face as a human resource manager,” “The teams have a much clearer under-
commissioned officer in charge for the resource manager. The observer-con- Parker said of the unit, which includes standing of the mission,” said Darne.

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