NTC and Fort Irwin
The National Training Center and Fort Irwin honored Vietnam Veterans during a ceremony at this active duty Army installation in the Mojave Desert, April 10.

Courtesy Photo

Larry Morris (Vietnam Veteran with Army, 1966-68), Tom Burns (Vietnam Veteran with Army, 1969-72), Bob Tolliver (Vietnam Veteran with Army, 1968-71) and Terry Wood (Vietnam Veteran with Navy, 1963-66) are all smiles at the fourth “Welcome Home” ceremony hosted by the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, April 10. Morris said that the ceremony is a type of event that allows communities to recognize Vietnam Veterans for who they are and represent.

Approximately 250 Vietnam War era Veterans came out to the “We Will Not Forget” ceremony. Families of the honorees and the Fort Irwin community attended the event, which was presided over by NTC and Fort Irwin Commander Brig. Gen. Ted Martin. Guest speaker Tom Lewis from Barstow, Calif., provided humorous and at times emotional remarks to the crowd gathered at the post helipad under a bright, blue sky.

During opening remarks, Martin thanked the Veterans for their service and for traveling to the NTC and Fort Irwin. He explained that his father served in Vietnam in 1965 and that he was never welcomed home.

“He passed away before our nation ‘stood to’ and finally paid a debt that we owe all of you – which is to welcome you home from that very hard tour or tours of duty that you performed for your country, giving selflessly of your service, time and treasure,” Martin said.

Martin also thanked Patriot Guard motorcycle riders and other motorcyclists for supporting funerals of fallen servicemembers from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Before the ceremony, some of the Veterans arrived on their motorcycles in a procession that originated at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow. Soldiers and leadership also participated in the ride that served as an escort for a bus carrying Veterans from the California Veterans Home in Barstow.

One of those motorcyclists, Larry Morris, served as an Army sergeant in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. Morris said that the ceremony is a type of event that allows communities to recognize Vietnam Veterans for who they are and represent.

“Especially for combat Veterans – a lot of people don’t understand about PTSD, and finally after all these years many of us Vietnam Veterans are finally being understood better,” Morris said. “Some of us went through pretty bad ordeals and people didn’t understand that type of thing and they started labeling you – baby killers, etc. Over the years, the decades, the population has separated the politics from the [servicemember], and I think that’s a huge thing – instead of lumping us in to the politics part of it. I’m really glad to see that.”

Gary Bell, who made the trip from his home in Utah to attend the ceremony, served four years with the Marines from 1965 to 1969, and had two tours to Vietnam. Welcome home ceremonies were not held back then, he said.

“I couldn’t even wear my uniform when I came home, because people looked down on us,” said Bell. “This [ceremony] salutes the Vets who didn’t get saluted before.”

Bell’s daughter, Dianna Ross of Barstow, wanted her father to attend the ceremony this year.

“I thought it would be a really good experience for him,” Ross said. “I’ve been to this event before, and I knew he would really enjoy it. You get to meet a lot of wonderful people, who have served our country.”

Some Vietnam Veterans continued to serve the Army after they hung up their uniform. One such Veteran, Bobby Gumz, served in Vietnam with the Army from 1968 to 1969. In 1981 he came to the NTC and Fort Irwin and began supporting the training mission as a contractor employee. He was director of Training Support Division when he passed away Dec. 12, 2012.

During the ceremony, an American flag was folded by members of the Fort Irwin Sergeant Audie Murphy Club in honor of Gumz. His wife Beverly was presented the flag by NTC and Fort Irwin Command Sgt. Maj. Lance P. Lehr. The narrator for the ceremony provided the audience with the following commentary:

“On behalf of the President of the United States, the U.S. Army, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

After the ceremony, Veterans were treated to a lunch where they got to socialize with fellow Veterans, servicemembers and civilians. Stories were swapped, laughs shared and words of wisdom imparted.

Charlie Ross, a Veteran living at the Barstow Veterans Home, enjoyed a sandwich and potato salad as he spoke about being drafted and serving one year in Vietnam, from 1969 to 1970. Originally from Baton Rouge, La., when he returned from the war he became a traveling musician, playing guitar until he retired. In 2005, hurricane Katrina forced him to leave Louisiana and he came out west. He’s been living at the Veterans Home for seven years. The cheerful, smiling gentleman appreciated that day’s events and thanked today’s servicemembers.

“A heartfelt thanks to all active duty troops stationed at Fort Irwin and overseas,” Ross said. “May God be with you.”

• Communicate regularly and consistently with employees. Regular communication minimizes the influence and need for gossip because everyone is “in-the-know.” A communication vacuum is a breeding ground for gossip.
• Discourage gossip in official office policy. Convey to your employees that such talk is injurious to morale and productivity and will not be tolerated.
• Nip it in the bud. If an employee comes to you complaining of gossip, or if you know an employee to be a gossiper, be proactive. Tell the offender that you are aware of his or her behavior. Describe how his or her behavior negatively impacts the workplace and request a new behavior.
• Incorporate employee driven group discussions and expectations about gossiping. This gives coworkers permission to hold each other mutually accountable for having a “gossip-free” workplace.
• As a supervisor or manager—do not engage in gossip yourself. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Supervisors and managers have the responsibility of creating an environment that is safe and healthy for all their employees. When an individual or individuals are allowed to create an environment that is not conducive to the workforce, those individuals need to be held accountable.

Values, attitudes and prejudices gained before enlistment or commissioning do not automatically dissolve or change when someone puts on an Army uniform. Too often these values, attitudes and prejudices can lead to the misunderstanding, frustration and suspicion of others. Knowing and accepting this will help you to understand the impact of effective EO education on command climate.

A positive, proactive EO environment helps units’ effectiveness. It promotes morale, teamwork, and results in a high degree of unit cohesion and esprit de corps. People perform most efficiently in an atmosphere free of intergroup friction and discord. Therefore, a healthy EO environment is a key factor in developing and maintaining unit readiness.

Army Regulation 600-20 (Army Command Policy) defines equal opportunity as:

“The right of all persons to participate in and benefit from programs and activities for which they are qualified. These programs and activities will be free from social, personal, or institutional barriers that prevent people from rising to the highest level of accountability possible.
Persons will be evaluated only on individual merit, fitness, capability, and potential, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, or religion, except as prescribed by statute, or other Service policy.”

This policy:

1. Applies both on and off post, during duty and non-duty hours.
2. Applies to working, living, and recreational environments (including both on and off-post housing).
3. Additionally, in some circumstances, the Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint system in AR 690–600 may provide guidance.

The Army provides EO and fair treatment for Soldiers, Family members and Civilians without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, and provides an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior.

Be on the look-out for weekly information posted about the Army’s EO and SHARP programs and initiatives specific to the NTC and Fort Irwin Community.

Questions comments or concerns pertaining to this and future articles should be directed to the 11th ACR EO Office at 380-2513 or darryl.a.avery.mil@.mail.mil.

NTC Fort Irwin Equal Opportunity Advisors:

NTC Fort Irwin Equal Employment Opportunity John Winfield: 380-4961

NTC Fort Irwin Equal Opportunity Advisor Sgt 1st Class Chad Breit: 380-4963

11th ACR EOA – Sgt 1st Class Darryl Avery: 380-2513

916th Sustainment Brigade EOA – Sgt 1st Class Octavius Jackson: 380-3087

The movie was presented for free as part of a community effort to stop bullying. The campaign, called “The Movement,” was formalized by Fort Irwin Garrison Commander Col. Kurt Pinkerton. The campaign is about recognizing bullying for what it is: a choice. It challenges people to stop, think and remember that their choices matter; it encourages all to treat everyone with respect and take a stand against all forms of bullying in their presence.

Cortney Vaughn, Middle School Teen Center assistant director, explained that the movie viewing was a great way for teens to see the benefit of anti-bullying and combating the problem.

“What’s important about sitting through and watching this movie is what they’re telling you: these are children’s lives, just like our children, who went through school and who were bullied and made decisions based on that,” Pinkerton said. Pinkerton then told the audience at the theater: “I hope, if you’re parents, you talk with your children, or if you’re children and your parents aren’t here, go home and talk to them about it.”

The 2011 documentary “Bully” follows five stories of children and families, who are affected deeply by bullying during the course of a school year. With intimate glimpses into homes, classrooms, cafeterias, and principals’ offices, the movie gives insight into the real lives of bullied, ridiculed children.

“Bully” will be shown free at the Town Center at 8 p.m., tonight. Watch the movie and join “The Movement.”

Courtesy photo

Thomas R. Williams, ex-NFL player and motivational speaker, met with Soldiers from the Warrior Transition Unit – Company A during a visit to Fort Irwin, April 11. During a presentation, Williams thanked Soldiers for fighting for his freedom. “Without you I could not have gone to college, been drafted by USC, and played in the NFL,” Williams said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do, because you are all my heroes.”

Fort Irwin hosted presentations from MADD and motivational speaker Thomas R. Williams during April to highlight individual choices about drinking

The month of April was Alcohol Awareness month – an observance started in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. According to the NCADD, the April campaign is an effort to increase public awareness and understanding aimed at reducing the stigma associated with alcoholism that may prevent individuals and families from seeking help.

Information at the NCADD Web site points out that more than 18 million individuals or 8.5 percent of Americans suffer from alcohol-use disorders.
The NCADD also states that 25 percent of children in the United States have been exposed to alcohol-use disorders in their family.

According to the NCADD, the economic cost of alcoholism and alcohol abuse has recently been estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be $223.5 billion ($746 per person) or about $1.90 per drink. Researchers found the costs largely resulted from losses in workplace productivity (72 percent), health care expenses caused by excessive drinking (11 percent), law enforcement and other criminal justice expenses related to excessive alcohol consumption (9 percent), and motor vehicle crash costs from impaired driving (6 percent).

An organization that actively campaigns about the dangers of driving while intoxicated is Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Representatives from MADD spoke to Soldiers on this installation during two presentations, April 11. The presenters had something in common with the founder of MADD – they had loved ones killed by drunk drivers. This disheartening reality made the presenters’ stories very poignant and makes their passion for the campaign strong. They told Soldiers, “We’re like bulldogs” and “We want these people put away for life.” – in reference to seeking justice in cases against drunk drivers.

Following the MADD presentation, Thomas R. Williams provided a motivational brief to the audience. He played professional football for five years, but retired in August 2012 after a career-ending injury.

The 28-year-old Williams spoke about challenges he faced when playing professionally and explained about one occasion when he turned to alcohol after being cut from the New England Patriots. He questioned himself, “Why did it have to happen to me? I’m the one who put in the time. I’m the one who sacrificed. I’m the one who was committed, dedicated. I did my prayers. It didn’t work out – why?” He said he went out and bought a “bottle of forget,” or Crown Royal liquor, and proceeded to finish the bottle in his home.

“I’ll never forget the feeling when that last drop left the bottle and I didn’t have enough to get to where I was trying to go – which was to forget completely about everything,” Williams said. “And God put in my heart: ‘What are you running from? You’re problems are still going to be there. Whatever you’re trying to escape, whatever you’re trying to leave – they’re still going to be here.’”

Williams said that from that point forward he understood that life is meant to be lived. He realized that alcohol was nothing but depression and that it takes away from life.

“What you’re fighting for, alcohol will take it away,” Williams told the Soldiers. “And I’m not trying to tell anybody how to live their life, I’m just sharing with you how I decided to live mine. I’m here today to tell you that you’re that good. You don’t have to add anything to it.”

People today like to make light of the things people do and say after they’ve had too much to drink. Most people probably laughed when Vince Vaughn’s character in the movie “Wedding Crashers” said, “let’s get drunk and make some bad decisions,” as if it was something to brag about. It’s not. Those “bad decisions” have lasting consequences. In one Soldier’s case, the consequences were life changing.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Cabrera is a Soldier in the Army Reserves. He enlisted out of high school, and deployed three times. He was a top performer in his unit. During one deployment he was personally selected by a major general to serve on his personal security detachment. In the general’s opinion, Cabrera performed at the level of some lieutenant colonels. He wanted to try out for Special Forces. Everyone agreed that he was on the fast track and had a real future in the Army.

Prior to his last deployment, Cabrera was activated to go on temporary duty to obtain an additional skill identifier for his military occupational specialty. While TDY, he was selected as the class leader. During that course, he would make a series of fateful decisions that would jeopardize his career and change his life forever.

One weekend, Cabrera took a pass with two of his female Soldiers, a specialist and a sergeant. Even though they were his subordinates, he decided to share a hotel, socialize and drink with them. After a night of drinking, dancing and barhopping, one of the Soldiers got really drunk; so drunk that Cabrera had to help carry her back to their hotel room.

Cabrera made his first mistake when he dropped his professionalism and decided to get drunk with his Soldiers. The second and most serious mistake occurred when he decided to put his own desires ahead of the welfare of his Soldier. The Army expects good non-commissioned officers to take care of their Soldiers. The staff sergeant knew his Soldier was extremely vulnerable because she was so drunk. Instead of taking her back to the hotel room and making sure nothing happened to her, he took advantage of her.

The victim’s battle buddy tried to step in. The specialist told Cabrera that it would be wrong to try to have sex with the victim while she was drunk. But he didn’t care. He waited until the specialist went to sleep, and had sex with the victim anyway.

To answer for his crimes, Carbera was involuntarily called to active duty and assigned to Fort Irwin for six months. This past February, he was tried by a General Court-Martial. Cabrera pled guilty to maltreatment of a subordinate and committing an indecent act. He was sentenced to 18 months confinement and a bad conduct discharge. The sentence also requires total forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction to the grade of E-1.

Despite his honorable service during three deployments, Cabrera is no longer eligible for most benefits, including the post-9/11 GI Bill. If he paid into the Montgomery GI Bill, he lost that. Additionally, he will most likely not receive any benefits at all from the Department of Veterans Affairs. With a bad conduct discharge on his DD214 form, and a felony conviction, finding civilian employment will probably be very hard.

Cabrera went out and made some “bad decisions.” Don’t follow in his footsteps. Take care of each other, do what’s right, and stay out of jail.

All of these rights afford Soldiers the opportunity to defend themselves. The right to be informed of the charges against you is in place because how could you possibly produce evidence to protect yourself if you don’t know what you’re being accused of? The right to be informed of your accuser was established so no one could, without consequences to themselves, anonymously ruin someone else’s life by making wild accusations. The right to be represented by counsel was established to provide you with a specifically trained legal expert to speak on your behalf at no cost to you. The right to be informed of the witnesses and evidence against you allows you to prepare an effective defense. The right against self-incrimination requires the government to prove its case against you with evidence that doesn’t come from you. The right to produce witnesses and other evidence enables you to defend yourself. The right to make a statement in any form allows you to plead your own case and explain your own actions in any way you want, including through silence.

Imagine a private takes Christmas leave for 30 days, and upon his return, his commanding officer calls him into his office. The CO informs the Soldier that he is suspected of abusing illegal substances. The CO questions the private and says that he is issuing a lawful command that requires answering the questions. The CO informs the Solider that his accuser’s name is not important, because it will have no effect on any punishment issued. The CO finishes by telling the private that he will be afforded the opportunity to speak with legal counsel only after an appointment is arranged.

What should have happened? First, if the CO suspects the private committed an act of misconduct, he should have read the rights mentioned above and then asked the Soldier to waive those rights and make a statement. Without being read his rights, the Soldier might not be aware of the fact that he does not have to answer any of the CO’s questions or make any statements, and that he can go immediately for legal advice. Though the private is generally subject to his CO’s lawful commands, the command to “spill it” in this case is unlawful. The CO also did not disclose the accuser’s identity. The CO has gained evidence that likely can’t be used in court against the Soldier.

If you have any questions about this article or your rights, visit the Trial Defense Service in building 288 or call 380-3282.

Ongoing

SKIES Unlimited encompasses instructional programs for children and youth ranging from six weeks old to adolescence. Sign up your child for Reading and Math tutoring, Piano and Vocal lessons, Karate or Dance. Call 380-7751 for schedules and pricing.

May 3

“Bully” movie showing. 8 p.m. Town Center. Free PG-13 movie presentation in support of “The Movement” to end bullying on Fort Irwin. Drinks and food sales available. 380-6880.

May 3-5

Country Fair In The Sand. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Commissary. Mini-case lot sale. Food, produce, plants/flowers, paper products, baby products and more. May 4 will have country fair themed activities. 380-3560.

May 6-8

Post-Wide Spring Clean Up. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Installation-wide clean up as part of the ongoing NTC initiative to enhance the appearance of cantonment and housing areas.

May 10

• Mothers Day Tea Party. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Middle School Teen Center. A chance for mom’s to enjoy tea and snacks with their children. Door prizes. Call 380-3732 by May 6 to reserve your spot.

• Military Spouse Appreciation Day. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Exchange (mall area). Military spouses, let us say “Thank you,” for the vital role you play in keeping our Army strong. Join Army Community Service as we celebrate you and all you do.

May 10 and 12

Seafood Roadshow. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Commissary. Purchase lobster, crab legs, shrimp, salmon and more. 380-3560.

May 11

• Wienermobile visit. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Commissary. Re-visit childhood memories and make new ones with your kids while visiting this iconic vehicle. 380-3560.

• Hike To The Hollywood Sign. Outdoor Recreation. Sign up by May 4. Adults, $25; kids up to 13 years, $18. Call 380-4327 by May 4 to register and inquire about other trips in Southern California.

May 12-18

Coupon Contest. Commissary. For every transaction with $50 or more in coupon savings, you’ll receive one raffle ticket for an opportunity to win a flat screen TV. Use your rewards card in conjunction with paper coupons to receive two tickets. 380-3560.

May 18

Start Smart class for teen drivers. 1 p.m. CHP office at 300 E. Mountain View in Barstow. Free class on driving for teenagers. Learn about responsibilities of driving and rules of the road. Sign up by May 15. (760) 255-8706.

May 19

Tour de Irwin bicycle race. 6 a.m. Outdoor Recreation. The 41-mile race: categories include ages 13-35, 36-45 (masters) and 46+ (silver). The 10.5-mile fun race: categories include ages 13-35, 36-45 and 46+. The 2.5 mile youth race: for ages 12 and younger. Team racing available for the 41-mile race. 380-4327.

May 24

Soldier Show. Freedom Fitness Center. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this fantastic, high-energy performance packed with singing, dancing, and a whole lot of HOOAH! 380-3685.

June 8

• Cali Swag Car Show III. 10 a.m-4 p.m.Town Center and Jack Rabbit Park. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration, $25; same-day registration, $30. Categories in cars, motorcycles, trucks, people’s choice and best of show. Call (760) 267-1726 or email at ftirwinboss@gmail.com

• Ludacris concert. Army Field.

May 1 Leadership Day Classes, Girl Scout book drive (May 1-15)

May 2 Paparazzi Club, Cooking Club

May 3 “The Bully Project” movie showing in the Town Center at 8 p.m.

May 8 Leadership Day classes: SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood, Torch Club, Keystone Club, Youth Resiliency Class

May 9 Paparazzi Club, Cooking Club

May 10 Mother’s Day Tea, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

May 15 Leadership Day classes, Youth Resiliency class

May 16 Paparazzi Club, Cooking Club

May 17 A Mid Summer’s Night in Paris Ball in support of the Anti-Bullying Movement campaign

May 20-22 Volleyball Tournament

May 22 Leadership Day classes

May 23 End of School Year bash

May 28 Summer Camp begins

May 28-31 Fearless Summer Camp week

May 29 Leadership Day classes

Teen Activities

May 3 Teen Night: Basketball Night

May 4 Teen Night: Basketball Night

May 10 Teen Night: Billiards Night

May 11 Teen Night: Billiards Night

May 17 Teen Night: Volleyball Night

May 31 Teen Night: Basketball Night

Captain Joseph Sahl, of Bronco Team with Operations Group, goes through the high crawl obstacle at the Fort Irwin obstacle course, March 26.

Bronco Team with Operations Group at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin held a morale building competition at this installation’s obstacle course, March 26.

The competition was designed to facilitate team building and improve unit cohesion and camaraderie among the Broncos, which serve as Brigade Trainers for rotational units. According to Capt. Shawn McNicol, Bronco 03A and director of the competition, the best part of the training was the change of pace and getting out of the office.

“It was a great event,” McNicol said. “We definitely accomplished our mission.”

The competition consisted of two parts: a team building run from Barstow Road to the obstacle course on Outer Loop Road and completion of the obstacle course. Bronco Team Soldiers competed in teams based on their brigade training specialty and the event winner was the group with the shortest completion time.

The obstacle course included walls, monkey bars and ropes – all with names that allude to their difficulty. Two of the most challenging are called the “Tough Nut,” and the “Dirty Name!” The teamwork required to complete them increased the bonding for the participants.

“My team motivated me to finish the course,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Abrams, a trainer with Bronco Team.

Brigade S3 Trainer Maj. Thomas Laybourn noted that “this was a good way to build resiliency within Bronco Team.”

“We wanted to do something fun for the team, which would emphasize fitness and cohesion,” Laybourn said.

Captain Kevin Cox assists his teammate Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Reuter at Fort Irwin’s obstacle course, March 26. Cox and Reuter are with Bronco Team of Operations Group and were participating in a team building challenge with the Broncos.

The hardest obstacle for the team appeared to be the “Weaver,” an obstacle that required everyone to weave between horizontal bars up and down a pyramidal structure.

“It was a good, physical challenge,” said Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Reuter, a Brigade Unit Ministry Team Trainer. “You definitely need a lot of upper body strength.”

The winning team was comprised of members of the Brigade Signal Trainers, who finished with a final time of just over 34 minutes. They were aided by the presence of a former drill sergeant on the team, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas Mahanke. Mahanke attributed their victory to a strong team.

“We made quick evaluations of the obstacles and communicated among each other in order to decrease our times on each obstacle,” Mahanke said.

The senior trainer for Bronco Team, Col. Chris Doneski, mentioned that it was a good event.

“Beyond some bumps and bruises, no one was hurt and we all had a great time,” Doneski said.

Team members wanted an “outside-the-box” method for developing comprehensive Soldier fitness. Within that framework, the Bronco Team started with an Engagement Skills Trainer weapons qualification scenario earlier that week. The second event for the Broncos was completing the obstacle course. Future planned events include a family get-together/picnic, Equal Opportunity/Consideration of Others Training, and Point in the Desert dedications.

“All these events are designed to keep our leaders sharp,” Laybourn said.

Captain Dominic Garritano, Sgt. 1st Class Stanley Dyke, Sgt. 1st Classn Phillip Cantrell and Lt. Col. Alex Pham cross the finish line at the Bronco Team obstacle course competition, March 26. The four are trainers with Inform and Influence Activities under the Bronco Team in Operations Group.