Bravo FEB 2012

1. 1
February 2012
Volume 1, Issue 4
Inside this Issue
1 From the Commander
2
3
4
5-10
From your FRG
Leader
HOOAH Happenings
Pictures
Around the Town
11 Motivational Picture
12 Contact Us
From the
Commander
To the Badger’s and their families,
The month of January has been
nothing short of demanding since
we’ve come back from block leave.
Our first week upon return consisted
mostly of gathering ourselves back
into the daily battle rhythm of work
and figuring out where we actually
left off last year. We also
conducted PRT twice a day in an
attempt to regain our forward
progress of physical fitness before
two weeks of vacation. It helped,
but physical fitness continues to be
an uphill battle with our organization
as a whole. Leaders in this
Company strive every day to help
and encourage our younger
Soldiers, but it isn’t always easy and
it surely isn’t a quick fix. But, it is
part of our number one priority
here, readiness to deploy. Perhaps
Gen. Dempsey, the 37th Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it
best “Upon notification to deploy I
was able to requisition nearly
everything my unit needed. What I
couldn’t requisition was trust,
discipline, and fitness. These
qualities have to exist in every unit
and in every Soldier of our Army all
the time.” Readiness also entails
quality time with family (the
vacation was long, but very needed)
and training, which we eventually
got to. After the first week we
received word that the March JRTC
training opportunity was solidified
for 2-10 MTN and we continued
right where we left off. UAS has
been supporting 2-14 (one of our
maneuver battalions) during their
Platoon level live fire exercises
throughout this month and working
long hard nights. When weather
doesn’t allow flight, they continue
their operators progression with a
simulator they requested from
Huntsville, AL in order to ensure
they have the proper crew
endurance to support the BCT’s
expectation for JRTC. SIGINT has
been ensuring there equipment is
ready to train on for March and
following up on all their pre required
training requirements. IEW has
been supporting them throughout
this process. ISR continues to be
the BDE’s think tank and is already
setting the conditions for our JRTC
rotation by providing the senior
leadership information on the
operational environment. HUMINT
has reached a culminating two week
course that the Army Operations
Group is conducting. They are
receiving training from all facets of
HUMINT from understanding the
legalities of interrogations to cultural
integration with the Afghan
populace, to interpersonal skills for
their collectors. Last to mention is
our HQ’s Soldiers, they continue to
help me keep this machine running,
and ensuring that your Soldiers
receive the resources and support
they need for successful and
effective training to accomplish our
mission.
I look forward to finishing up
January and moving into February
as our FRG leaders have put some
great events on our Calendar. Until
next write up,
V/R
.
.
.
BadgerBeacon

2. NEWSLETTER
2
CPT Barclay Keay
From Your FRG
Leader
Hello Badger Families –
Well here we are in February
already! This year is sure to go by
fast! In January we had our FRG
meeting which I thought was very
successful! We had our BDE MFLC
(Military and Family Life
Consultants) and the Financial MFLC
present and gave some great
pointers! They informed us of a
FREE website where we can go to
check our credit score. This site
differs from FreeCreditReport.com
because unlike that website,
www.quizzle.com will let you check
your credit score as many times as
you would like and not just the once
a year. We also talked about
upcoming fundraisers. Even though
it is 11 months away I would like to
start planning the holiday party now
to ensure we have an awesome
holiday party before deployment. I
am asking for suggestions on places
you would like to have our holiday
party this year. So far the
Commons and Best Western are the
front runners. I have a lot of
information from the Commons and
I haven’t heard anything from the
Best Western as of yet. The
fundraisers that are planned right
now will be a bake sale auction on 1
February at 1700 at the company. I
am looking for anyone willing to
donate baked goods (homemade or
store bought). The more we have
the more we can sell! Here is how it
will work; I will assign a prize to
each baked good so when you bid
on the baked good you are also
bidding on the prize. The prizes will
include 3 day passes; 4 day passes;
PT off; Commanders Parking Spot;
and 1SG’s Parking Spot, but it
wouldn’t be fun unless there were
gag prizes as well! Please let me
know if you are able and willing to
help us out! The other fundraiser
that is scheduled right now is on
March 14th
at Clark Hall from 1000-
1400. With 3BCT returning we
should have PLENTY of hungry folks
running around there at that time so
help is going to be GREATLY
appreciated! Stephanie and I will be
there but we could use help
manning the table. We are going to
be selling tacos (beef and pulled
chicken) with all the fixin’s as well
as baked goods and drinks for the
suggested donation of $5. If
anyone is able to help during this
fundraiser (manning the table or
with food and drinks) please let me
know! As with all fundraisers, if
there is a soldier who would like to
help (and the mission and chain of
command allows it) you will have to
be in civilian clothes. I am planning
a Pie-In-The-Face auction for the
summer time as well. On another
note, I have been involved in a FRG
in some way, shape, or form for 9
years and in that time I really
haven’t seen a lot done for the
single soldiers; I would like to fix
that. I asked the single soldiers that
were present what they thought
about getting a free lunch provided
by the FRG. We are going to do a
practice run on February 25 from
1100-1400. It will be a Mexican
themed lunch with pulled pork tacos
with all the fixin’s, baked goods and
a drink for FREE for all our single
soldiers! If anyone would like to
help please let me know. With JRTC
around the corner there is a JRTC
pre-deployment brief scheduled for
February 16 at 1500. I will try to
attend to take notes for those who
cannot make it and discuss it at our
next FRG meeting on February 23.
Again, thank you for all that you do!
Jennifer
January
Happenings
2-1
1700
Bake Sale
Company
We will have a bake sale
auction! Donations of any
homemade or store bought
baked good would be GREATLY
appreciated!
2-16
1500
Pre-Deployment Brief
MPA
The Pre-Deployment Brief will
give you the who, what, where,
when and why of our soldiers
going to JRTC. It will also give
you information on anything you
may encounter and how to deal
with the situations while they are
gone. If you haven’t had your
soldier deploy before or if you
have never gone though a pre-
deployment brief before I would
highly suggest you attend; it’s
good information!
2-22
1800
FRG Meeting
Company
We will be discussing the
upcoming JRTC schedule. For
those who couldn’t make the
JRTC Pre-Deployment brief I will
be discussing the key points. We
will also discuss upcoming
fundraisers! It is a potluck so
bring a dish to share!

3. NEWSLETTER
3
Promotions Awards
PFC Brooks NONE
Reenlistments
Congratulations SSG Carpenter and SGT Padgett for reenlisting!
Gains
Welcome to SPC Montillo, SPC Teague, SPC Bennett, PFC Bell, PFC Connely, PV2 Hooks, and PVT
Bell!
Leaving the Family
None
Special Congratulations
Special congratulations to 1SG Pasol who gained a new son-in-law!
Birthdays in February Anniversaries in February
10 Feb – Mrs. Carpenter None
13 Feb – Mrs. Limerick
21 Feb – SPC Pena
Expecting
SPC and Mrs. Lyon – 17 April 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Ellis – 16 July 2012
SPC Saint – 11 March 2012
SPC and Mrs. Eppards – 13 June 2012
Baby Badgers
Congratulations to Mr. and SGT Thomas – Taylor McKenzie was born on 23 January 2012 at
1521 weighing 6lbs 8ozs and 19.5 inches!
***If you would like to submit your special event
please contact Jennifer Limerick***
HOOAH Happenings

4. 4
Taylor McKenzie Thomas
23 January 2012 at 1521
6lbs 8ozs and 19.5 inches!

5. NEWSLETTER
5
Around Town
(Here are some of the events going on in the Fort Drum area)
2012 Women’s Conference
The Enlisted Spouses Club is holding a Women’s Conference on March
16 and 17th
at the Commons. It is $30 for both days and it includes
lunch. There are many different classes that are offered that are
geared towards women in the military (soldier and spouse alike). I
went a couple of years ago and I had a blast! Take a look below to see
the classes that are offered this year. If you would like to attend fill
out the registration form and mail it in (along with your payment) to
the address on the form. Registration is due March 1st
.
February 4, 2012 Watertown
Annual Snow Deer Festival The "Annual Snow Deer Festival" is sponsored by the New York State Old
Tyme Fiddlers' Association, Osceola, NY Saturday ~ Food Served at 5:00pm make reservations with
Caroline Camidge (315) 408-8062. Jam Session begins at 6:00pm North Side Improvement League, Mill
Street Watertown, NY
February 4, 10, 11, 14, 17 & 18 Syracuse
Valentine's in the Forest
7:00pm – 11:00pm
$85 per couple
Celebrate love and loved ones at Valentine’s in the Forest, and support the hard-working volunteers of the
Nordic Ski Patrol with a buffet dinner and live entertainment in the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest
County Park. Each evening begins with a cheese & vegetable platter and live entertainment followed by a
candle-lit dinner which features carved roast prime rib of beef, oven roasted chicken, and riggies with
vodka sauce. After dinner guest will enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides, a commemorative photograph and a
bon fire, or folks may opt to remain at the lodge and dance the night away to live music.
Location: Highland Forest Park
Website: www.onondagacountyparks.com/highland/
Phone:683-5550
Email: highland@ongov.net
February 11
Watertown
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Event Description 18th Annual "Bark and Wine" Auction and Cocktail Party. Saturday, February 11,
2012 from 6pm-10pm, Tickets: $25.00 per person or $40.00 per couple. Appetizers and Desserts. Bar
Provided by the Paddock Club. Call 782-3260 for tickets or further information

6. NEWSLETTER
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2012 Women’s Conference Workshop Descriptions
Flower Arrangements Simmons
You see beautiful flower arrangements almost everywhere you turn. You see them premade in the store and the price shocks you. Shari
will teach you how to make a simple yet beautiful arrangement yourself.
Investing In Your Future Financial MFLC
With the economic rebound, everyone is wary and cautious on where to put your money. Key Bank will teach you where it is safe and
how to invest for short and long term in this post-recession era.
Portable Businesses: How to PCS & Stay Successful Robin Stephenson
Calling all Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Scentsy consultants! Anyone that has a home based business or small business this class is
for you! Learn how to stay in touch with contacts when you PCS and build your business when you get to your new location without
losing revenue.
Car Care 101 Firestone
How many of us had to learn how to pump gas when our husbands deployed? Or how to check air pressure in the vehicle, or even know
to check the oil and transmission fluid? Don’t worry you aren’t alone. Firestone will take you through the care of your car so it doesn’t
end up in the junk yard!
Chart Your Course For Success Parent to Parent
Get your middle school/high school student on the right track. Learn what will help them prepare for college and what you can do now
to get them ready for their life!
Hidden Casualties of War Behavioral Health
Not every Soldier comes home with physical wounds. This workshop will take you through the signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and what you can do to get help for your loved one.
Home 101: Buying vs. Renting Hunt Real Estate
Let Gwyn Monnat’s team at Hunt Real Estate take you through the diverse market of Northern New York. What is so different about
here? When should I buy a house? When should I rent? Should I rent out the house I own or sell? Hunt is here to take you through
some of the concerns and what may work best in this area.
Educational Opportunities for Spouses Joe Agresti
There are so many opportunities for spouses and family members to get educational assistance. Mr. Agresti will go over all the hidden
secrets that may lie in the educational field.
Extreme Couponing Katharine Jackson
You’ve seen the shows, you’ve read the news; now it’s time to be a part of the extreme couponing movement! Katharine will take you
through the secrets and tips of the art of extreme couponing. This is not a workshop you’d want to miss.
How to Navigate the Medical Field Martin’s Point
It seems inevitable when you come to a new duty station, someone in the family gets sick before the first box is unloaded. Martin’s Point
will teach you how to move with you medical records and how to make the transition easy and fast.
Drug Abuse Awareness ASAP
It seems like every time you turn around there is a new drug infecting our community and schools. The most recent is Spice and Bath
Salts. ASAP will go into the world of this new and legal form of synthetic drugs and how to educate and protect your family.
Adoption Office of Child and Family Services
Thought about adoption? Think it may be for your family? Let OCFS talk about requirements and regulations for US and foreign
adoptions. They’ll cover topics specific to military and what DOD offers for reimbursements
Movement Through Dance Amy Earle School of Dance
Miss Amy will go through fitness dance, Latin and touch on some ballroom. Learn how to make your body move, feel good and have fine
while doing it.
Cake Decorating 101 Julie Coffman
Cake Boss & DC Cupcake fans, this is for you! Learn simple decorating tips from the pros. Even if you don’t think you have the best skills,
you can do this!

7. NEWSLETTER
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What Is That and What Does it Do? Tom Boy Tools: Amanda Jones
Most of our husbands have tools, right? Most of our husbands fix things while they are home, right? And of course, most things don’t
become broke until they are gone, right? Well that’s what Amanda is for. She has her tool bag full of all sorts of goodies! She will go
through simple tools, what they are for and some simple fixes. She’ll also tell you when it’s probably best to call a pro!
Holistic Health and Healing TapInfinity: Val Silver
Val will discuss holistic health and healing: exactly what it is and why it’s important to your well being. She’ll discuss different types of
healing and some pros and cons plus navigating the terms. Use this information to empower yourself in relation to your own health and
wellness and when partnering with your medical providers.
Educational Transitions for Children School Liaison Office
Military Families transition frequently which can add additional stress when having to make educational choices. School Liaison
Services (SLS) can help cope with the additional stressors while moving from installation to installation or even from school to school
locally. Simple tips will help you successfully transition your student and ease the stress of relocating. SLS will also provide you with
educational options in the Tri-County area.
Things You Didn’t Know About Breast Cancer Dr. Lucal
It seems like every day there is something on the news that is “breaking” about breast cancer. Samaritan Medical Center’s team will take
you through what is vital information and what you need to walk away knowing.
Repurposing Nana Rose
A shelf made out of door knobs or a chair as a planter. Let the professionals from Nana Rose teach you how to turn something ordinary
into something amazing.
Personal Organization Put it Simply Organizing
How many times has it happened to you that you’ve gotten to a new duty station, unpacked all of your belongings and realized you can’t
find anything?! Take the stress out of everyday life and any unneeded stress from PCSing by getting organized.
Bows & Pretty Things NNY Gals: Maria Runyon
How beautiful is a little girl with bows in her hair? How cute is it when she has a bow for every outfit!? NNY Gals will teach you how to
make and assemble bows to put on headbands, clips or barrettes. Come learn how to coordinate your best girl!
Tennis Shoes to Dress Blues: Formal Functions Made Easy ACS
Protocol can be an intimidating word for many. Gaining and understanding of Army spouse’s etiquette through this course will allow
you to enjoy all social functions with your spouse from those in blue jeans to a black tie affair.
Wine 101 Class 6/Aafes
The Class 6 will teach you how to pair wine, and how to properly taste it all through their wine selection from their
winery in the 1000 Islands.
Public Speaking: Tips and Tools Toast Masters
Clam up when you get put on the spot? All of a sudden do you develop a stammer that only seems to come on when you are in front of a
crowd? It happens all the time. Kathy will teach you how to speak on the spot and in front of anyone!
What Happens with the Unexpected Dawn Bauschke: Casualty Assistance Center
No one likes to think about what would happen if an incident occurred with your loved one. But being prepared for a situation and
having the knowledge and expectations of what should happen will make the transition smoother. Dauwn will talk about what happens
in the event of a casualty notification and what the roles and responsibilities are of the notification and assistance officers. She’ll also go
over basic SGLI information.

8. NEWSLETTER
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9. NEWSLETTER
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10. NEWSLETTER
10
2BSTB JRTC
Pre-Deployment Brief
Date: February 16th
Time: 1500
Location: The Multi Purpose Auditorium (MPA)
Building 10725 (Movie Theater)
North Riva Ridge Loop Fort Drum
There will not be any childcare provided for this brief; please note that children are welcome
to attend. If you need to exit the brief early in order to be home for a child getting off the
school bus please feel free to do so, but please be sure to sit near the rear of the theater.
Please contact the FRSA Decima Chiasson by phone at 772-9166 or email
decima.chiasson@us.army.mil with any questions you may have.
This event will provide you with information about the dates the Soldiers are leaving and
returning, the location they are going to, and how to be better prepared for the time that they
will be gone.
If you are unable to attend this Pre-Deployment Brief please contact the FRSA Decima
Chiasson at 772-9166 or email decima.chiasson@us.army.mil

11. NEWSLETTER
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12. NEWSLETTER
12
Contact Us:
FRG Leader/Co-Leader:
Jennifer Limerick – 315-804-0655
Stephanie Burke – 315-775-7663
Our FRG email address is badgerfrg@gmail.com
BN Family Readiness Support Assistant:
Decima Chiasson - 315-772-9166
decima.chiasson@us.army.mil
We’re on the Web!
www.armyfrg.org
** There are more pictures that can
only be seen on the vFRG so check it
out!