1. 3-6 FA “Swift & Bold”
FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Happy Valentine's Day
FEBRUARY 2012
2/12 LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY
2/14 Valentine’s Day Dinner 1700-2100 The Commons
2/15 Alpha FRG Meeting 1800 BN Classroom
2/15 Volunteer of the Month Ceremony 1030-1130 The Commons
2/16 Mrs. Merritt’s Welcome Luncheon 1045-1300 The Commons
2/16 Coffee 1800 BN Classroom
2/16 Division Mountain Salute, DCSM 1600-1700 Magrath Gym
2/17 Military Free Ski and Tubing Day 1200-1700 Dry Hill
2/18-21 DIVISION DONSA/President’s Day Weekend
2/20-24 Local Schools Winter Break
2/21 Mardi Gras Buffet 1100-1330 The Commons
2/23 African American/Black History 1100-1300 The Commons
Month
2/23 Mountain Remembrance 1630-1700 Main Post Chapel
Ceremony SPCA 18th Annual
2/24 Chili Cook-off 1700-1900 The Commissary
2/24 Retirement Ceremony 1600-1700 Multi-Purpose Auditorium Bark and Wine
2/24 Right Arm Night 1700 The Commons
2/26 Syracuse vs. Army Lacrosse
2/29 AER Campaign Kick-Off
1400
1400
Carrier Dome
Bldg. 990
Valentine’s Auction
2/29 Family Support Huddle 1000-1130 Hays Hall Eagles Nest February 11 from 6-10 pm. A fund-
MARCH 2012
raising auction to benefit the SPCA
3/2 Military Free Lift Tickets 1000-2030 Snow Ridge
3/2 3-6 Hail and Farewell TBD TBD
of Jefferson County held at the
3/3 Saturday Opening, Off the 1000-1300 OTBP Gift Store Flower Memorial Library, 229
Beatin’ Path Washington Street, Watertown,
3/5-16 Fort Drum Indoor Triathlon Various Times Monti Fitness
NY. An evening of hors d’oeuvres,
3/5-9 3-6 Field Exercise
3/7 CLIF 1000-1100 The Commons
wine and desserts with a silent
3/9 Military Free Lift Tickets 1000-2030 Snow Ridge auction followed by a live auction.
3/11 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS (SPRING FORWARD) Tickets are $25 per person/$23
3/14 Fort Drum Education 1030-1130 The Commons
with Military ID and $45 per cou-
Liaison Committee
3/15 Volunteer of the Month 1030-1130 The Commons
ple/$40 per couple with a Military
Ceremony ID. Karen Wilson 608-3007
3/15 FRG Steering Meeting 1130 BN Classroom
3/16 Military Free Lift Tickets 1000-2030 Snow Ridge
3/16-18 North Country Goes Dulles State Office Building
Green Irish Festival
Contents of this newsletter are compiled from multiple Military Family news sources. Material presented does not represent the
views or endorsement of 3-6 Field Artillery or the United States Army. This material is for personal use of the readers. All readers are
encouraged to do further research for all applicable restrictions and guidelines.
2. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Show your Centaur pride!!!
Did you know that 3-6 FA has a Facebook Page????
Check us out at http://www.facebook.com/3.6FA.1BCT.10MTN
4. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
African American/Black History Month Observance
5. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Army Community Service (ACS)
St r ess Man ag em en t :
7 Fe b r u ar y , 1 3 3 0 -
1530.
Co u p le s Co m m u n i -
cat io n : 10 Feb r u ar y,
1330-1530 .
Ke y Ca ll e r Tr a i n -
i n g : 1 4 Fe b r u ar y ,
1400-1500 o r 1700-
1800, ACS.
An g er Man ag em en t :
21 Fe b r u ar y , 1330-
1530.
CARE Te a m Tr a in -
i n g : 2 1 Fe b r u ar y ,
0900-1230, ACS.
Scr eam Fr ee Par en t -
in g : 22-23 Feb r u ar y,
0900-1500.
OPSEC Tr ain in g : 27
Feb r u ar y, 1300-1430.
6. Fort Drum Fitness
FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Magrath Gym update:
POOL WILL BE CLOSED 19 DECEMBER 2011 – 8 MAY 2012 FOR REPAIRS.
H
ealth Management Program is an assessment to get individuals into a fitness, lifestyle and nutritional program. Cost is
$10. Receive a personal exercise and nutrition report. Fitness Instruction includes equipment skill qualification, free
weights, cardio respiratory equipment, body composition, exercise prescription and programming. Call for an appoint-
ment.
Aerobics Fitness Classes are free and are Monday-Friday, morning and evening classes. Classes offered are Power Zumba, Zumba,
Zumba Toning, Cardio Fit, Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Spin, Spin Sculpt, Belly Dancing, and Core. Call 772-4936 for class schedule. Battalion
and Brigade Level Organizational and Family Days can be reserved on weekends only at the Monti Physical Fitness Center. Two Per-
sonal Trainers are now available. Initial consultation to include goal setting and basic information costs $10. After initial consultation
each one hour session will cost $25. Specials and promotions will be offered. Trainer will focus on strength training, cardio, weight
loss, pregnancy, and post pregnancy. Participants must be ID card holders and 18 years of age and older. Trainer is available Monday
-Friday, 5:30-9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-5 pm. Log your Walk to Afghanistan miles monthly at Monti Fitness Center. Pa-
vilion Rentals are $25 plus $25 cleaning deposit per pavilion rental.
Water Aerobics Classes are held Monday-Friday, 0930-1030 and Tuesday and Thursday evening at 1830-1930. consist of low-impact
classes designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, increase muscular strength, and enhance flexibility. Exercises will target those
hard to tone areas. Classes offered are Aqua Fit, Aqua Tone, Aqua Zumba and H20 Blast. Classes are Free. Free swim lessons are
offered to Solders only by appointment. Wave pool is run on weekends 1000-1100, 1200-1300, and 1400-1500.
9. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Military Parents Night Out **FREE**
Armed Services YMCA is Space is limited!
hosting Military Parents Military ID required to regis-
Night Out ter
Registration opens the 1st of
The Y will be hosting FREE each month for Parents
Childcare for all active duty Night Out. In Person Regis-
military families at the fol- trations will be taken at all 3
lowing locations and times. YMCA Front Desks. Regis-
tration will close for Parents
Fairground YMCA- Febru- Night the Wednesday before
ary 3 & 17, March 9 & 23, the event takes place.
April 13
***Military Parents Night Out
at the Fairgrounds will run
from 6-9:00pm
You may sign up for
Two Parent Nights
Carthage YMCA- January each month.
21, February 18, March 17,
April 21
***Military Parents Night Out If you have questions,
at the Carthage Y will run please call YMCA Project
from 5-8pm Strong Communities at 315-
755-2016.
Ages 6 weeks to 11 years of
age Activities will include Gymnas-
tics, Arts and Crafts, Basket-
ball, Soccer, Music, Gym
Games and FUN!!! (light
snack will be provided)
11. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Family Matters Blog: Are You Ready for a Pet?
By Navy Lt. Theresa Donnelly Force spouse and veterinarian technician. "No
Special to American Forces Press Service one wants to spend thousands of dollars on a
pet that will only live a few years. This is why
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 - Pet over- potential buyers should do their research and
population is a sad reality in the United States. select the best breeder of their future pet."
Up to 7 million animals enter U.S. shelters
every year, according to the American Society A great place to start looking for a forever pet is
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals your local animal shelter. Some of these ani-
<blockedhttp://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet mals are perfectly well-behaved and healthy;
-statistics.aspx> . they were just given up due to an irresponsible
owner or one who may have had a family emer-
Of this number, about 60 percent of dogs and gency.
70 percent of cats are euthanized, and less than
2 percent of cats and 15 to 20 percent of dogs However, if you do decide to seek a responsi-
are returned to their owners, according to the ble breeder, ask detailed questions, such as
National Council on Pet Population Study and what breed-specific health testing has been per-
Policy http://ww.petpopulation.org/ formed and what drove the decision to breed.
You also should visit the home of the breeder
Military families on the move should think to see firsthand how the puppies are raised.
carefully before taking in an animal to avoid The Humane Society of the United States has a
contributing to this problem. checklist http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/
puppy_mills/tips/
First, you should take into account your life- finding_responsible_dog_breeder.html of ques-
style and potential commitment to a pet. Are tions to ask when looking for the right animal.
you an active family, with weekend hikes and
daily runs, or do you prefer lazy weekends on As you consider your options, make sure you're
the couch? Are you home enough to ensure aware of the types of animals that can accom-
your furry friend will get the exercise, training pany you on an airplane. Many airlines are pro-
and attention they need? hibiting brachycephalic breeds, also known as
snub-nosed dogs, due to their compromised
An impending overseas move is another con- respiratory issues that have caused deaths in
sideration. You may not be able to take your flight. Just as important as deciding if you can
pet with you. Many duty stations will only allow take on a pet and seeking the right location is
shipments of cats and dogs, so a pet rabbit may making sure that animal can go where you go.
not be the wisest choice. And if you plan to
live in housing, it's important to study military While pets can be a wonderful addition to a
housing breed bans and pet limit requirements military family, the decision to have one should
so you don't end up having to give up an ani- be carefully thought out.
mal because your community doesn't allow it.
Pets depend on us to be their voice and look
As important as evaluating your family circum- out for their best interests. By following some
stances is choosing an ethical location to obtain of the tips above, we can be sure we are doing
your pet. Sadly, many pet stores in the United right by these family members.
States aren't regulated and deny you the oppor-
tunity of personally inspecting the home of a (Note: Guest blogger Navy Lt. Theresa Don-
responsible breeder. nelly, of U.S. Pacific Command, is the owner of
Hawaii Military Pets, which provides pet re-
"The biggest health consequence because of sources for military families. She's offered to
poor breeding is shortened life span and pre- share her pet-related knowledge in a series of
mature death," said Amanda Morgon, an Air blogs for Family Matters http://afps.dodlive.mil
12. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Religious Lenten/Easter Schedule
Main Post Chapel (MPC) 10785A Chapel Drive
Riva Ridge Chapel (RRC) 10030 Riva Ridge Loop
22 Feb Protestant Ash Wednesday 1630 RRC
22 Feb Catholic Ash Wednesday 1230/1730 MPC
Fridays of Lent Catholic Stations of the Cross 1730 MPC
5 April Catholic Holy Thursday 1800 MPC
5 April Protestant Maundy Thursday 1800 RRC
6 April Protestant Good Friday 1200 RRC
6 April Catholic Good Friday 1500 MPC
7 April Catholic Easter Vigil 2000 MPC
(no 1700 Mass)
8 April Community Easter Sunrise 0700 MPC
8 April Catholic Easter Mass 1100 MPC
** All Regular Services Remain
A chaplain is always as close as a phone call away. After duty hours, call 772-5647 and ask for the duty
chaplain.
Family Life, 772-5540: Daytreat 24 February 2012 0930-1500 Po Valley Chapel P4405. POC CH (MAJ) Rick
Cantrell.
St. Michael’s Catholic Congregation 772-0160: Catholic Mom’s Group meets Mondays at 1000 at the
Main Post Chapel, offering moms an opportunity to gather for adult conversation, while their children play in
a safe environment.
Military Council of Catholic Women 772-0160: MCCW meets Wednesdays at 0930 at the Main Post
Chapel. The First Friday of the month includes Adoration & Mass. Rosary for Peace meets Wednesdays
at 1130 in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Child care is available.
Protestant Women of the Chapel 772-5591: PWOC would like to invite you to join us for fellowship,
friendship, and faith. For more information on PWOC send an email to presidentftdrum@gmail.com.
Religious Education: Catholic Religious Education Program is held Sundays at 0930; RICA meets Sun-
days at 1230, and Catholic Youth meets at 1230 at the Youth Services Building. Protestant Religious Edu-
cation meets on Sundays at 1100; studies for adults and children. AWANA meets Wednesdays at 1730
and the Teens of the Chapel meet Sundays at 1730 at the Youth Services Building.
13. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Fort Drum Tax Assistance Center offers
free tax return preparation
The Fort Drum Tax Assistance Center is Birth dates for you, your spouse and
scheduled to open Tuesday. Staffed by dependents listed on the tax return.
IRS trained and certified Soldiers, the Your Army W-2, which is available at
TAC will prepare and electronically file www.mypay.dfas.mil. (Your leave and
your federal and state income tax re- earnings statement is not sufficient.)
turns free of charge. By filing your return
electronically, you can receive your re- A voided check to receive your re-
fund in as little as one week. fund by direct deposit.
To file taxes electronically on a married
Part of the Legal Assistance Office and -filing-joint tax return, both spouses
the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, must be present or have a special
the TAC staff assists active-duty Sol- power of attorney or IRS Form 2848
diers, mobilized Reservists on active authorizing you to sign the return.
duty for more than 29 days, retired ser- The following documents may be nec-
vice members and their Families. essary depending on your circum-
stances:
Under Army regulations, self-employed Individual Taxpayer Identification
taxpayers and those involved in other Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you,
private business activities are not eligible your spouse and dependents;
for tax assistance services. (Family Child Proof of foreign status, if applying for
Care providers remain eligible.) an ITIN;
Wage and earning statement(s)
The TAC staff also is equipped to pre-
Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R from all em-
pare 2010 returns for Soldiers returning
ployers of all of your Family Members;
from deployment who were not able to
file last year. Interest and dividend statements
from banks and brokers, including mort-
Located on South Post at the corner of gage interest statements (Forms 1099);
Lewis and Conway / First Street West in A copy of last year’s federal and
Bldg. T-120 (near the AAFES gas station state returns if available;
and across the street from Behavioral Divorce decrees and receipts for
Health), the TAC will be open from 9:30 alimony paid or received;
a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Child custody and support orders;
Beginning Monday, you may call 772- Receipts for IRA contributions;
6727 to schedule a next business day Total paid for day care provider and
appointment. Throughout tax season, the day care provider’s tax identifying
the appointment line will open at 1 p.m. number (the provider's Social Security
each day and will remain open until all number or business Employer Identifica-
appointments are filled for the next busi- tion Number); and Receipts and other
ness day. supporting documentation if you plan to
itemize your deductions in lieu of the
The following documents are required to standard deduction.
schedule an appointment:
Military ID (Common Access Card) Visit www.facebook.com/drumtax for the
Social Security cards for you, your most up-to-date information on the TAC.
spouse and dependents and/or a Social
Security number verification letter issued For more information, call the Fort Drum
by the Social Security Administration. Tax Assistance Center at 772-3735.
(Your military ID is not sufficient.)
14. FRSA Flash, 10 February 2012
Knowledge is power...
Jefferson-Lewis Board of Co- cur the ADSO. At 19 years of Coupon Books
operative Education Services service they incur a year, at 18,
If your son or daughter has
has begun the 2011-12 GED two year. Service members
a B average or above GPA
classes at the McEwen Center, with less than 17 years on 1
from the report card… Take
Tuesdays and Thursdays. For August will incur the full ADSO.
the report card to the PX ei-
information and registration Again, the ADSO starts the
ther at the front or the cus-
contact Tina Frederick, Super- day the request for transfer is
tomer service desk in the
visor of Adult and Continuing made. Failure to commit to or
back to redeem a coupon
Education at 779-7224. Co- complete the ADSO invali-
book!!! Lots of good dis-
lumbia College at Fort Drum is dates the transfer; any ex-
counts not only in the PX,
the sponsor for academic pended funds must be repaid
but also PX services such
credit by examination through to the VA. The Defense Man-
as items from the food court..
their National Testing Center. power Data Center (DMDC)
For information contact Co- recently changed the Transfer
lumbia College at 315-775- of Education Benefits (TEB) Family Matters
0128. website to milConnect at http://
milconnect.dmdc.mil. Blog: Military Kids
Transfer of Post 9/11 GI Bill
entitlement to spouse and/or Can Apply for
children remains a retention ESC 2012 Scholarship-
issue. Soldiers gain eligibility Looking for money to help in Scholarships,
for transfer after serving 6 paying for school? ESC can
years of creditable service in help in supplementing your The deadline is swiftly ap-
the Armed Forces; a minimum education. We will be award- proaching for the Fisher
of 3 years has to have been ing 4,500 in scholarships this House Foundation's 2012
served on Active Duty after year. Our scholarship dead- Scholarships for Military
September 11, 2001. Transfer- line is 31 March. Applications Children Program, con-
ability incurs a four year Addi- can be found on our Facebook ducted at military commis-
tional Service Obligation page, just search for Fort saries http://
(ADSO) that must be served Drum Enlisted Spouses Club. www.commissaries.com/>
either on Active Duty or in the Fort Drum Women’s Confer- worldwide.
Reserves from the date of the ence-Registration for the 2012
request. For senior non- Women’s Conference is now Applications must be com-
commissioned officers and open! Print your applications pleted and delivered not
officers this may impact on off from our facebook page: postmarked, but delivered
their retirement plans or op- www.facebook.com/ to a commissary by close of
tions. Army policy on the ftdrumwomensconference. business Feb. 24, according
ADSO waives a portion of it Registration is due before 1 to an agency release. Peo-
based on the service mem- March. ple can pick up applications
ber’s calculated creditable ser- at their local commissary or
vice on 1 August 2009. If the download it from the schol-
service member was retire- arship program's website
ment eligible, they do not in- http://
