Public Health

TAMPA, Fla. – The amber glow of the Florida sunset casts a warm light over the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida, as the Airmen of Note, the U.S. Air Force’s elite jazz ensemble, prepare for their first performance of their Florida fall tour.

From the moment the doors open, families, couples and jazz students fill the rows. The significance of the evening runs deeper than just notes on sheet music, it’s a celebration of connection, community and the transformative power of music.

The Airmen of Note tours Florida, playing 10 shows and participating in educational clinics for aspiring music professionals from Nov. 10-21, 2024. The annual Fall tour helps the band connect with the community and share the story and mission of the U.S. Air Force.

The Airmen of Note was founded in 1950 to carry on the legacy of the U.S. Army Air Force’s iconic swing band. They have since become ambassadors of American culture, using their talent to inspire, unify and honor America’s service members.

“Our main mission is to give Americans a little patriotic inspiration,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian MacDonald, the senior enlisted leader of the USAF Band ensemble. “We try to use music and the talents of the soloists and members of the band to showcase the virtuosity and excellence that all airmen have in their work life.”

The first concert on the tour began with a lively rendition of Nat Adderly’s “Fun,” and the audience was immediately swept up in the infectious rhythm. Smiles spread, heads bobbed and feet tapped in sync with the beat. For those moments, all boundaries — age, background, and experience — dissolved into the shared joy of jazz.

Senior Master Sgt. Emily Wellington’s powerful voice took center stage with “I Just Found Out About Love,” soaring over the harmonies of the band and drawing cheers from the crowd. Her presence, commanding yet warm, was a reminder of human connection through music.

Attendees William Gehweiler, an Air Force Vietnam War veteran, and his girlfriend Sally Devriend traveled only two blocks for the performance.

As the band launched into the song “Londonderry Air,” commonly known as “Danny Boy,” Sally rested her head on William’s shoulder.

“In Vietnam, I sat for nine and a half hours in the rain waiting for the Bob Hope Show,” William said afterward. “[The Airmen of Note] have all of this inspiring music, singing and dancing, which brought back memories.” Sally, who had grown up listening to jazz music, nodded in agreement.

“It is great to see the talent that America has in its people and also its service members,” she added.

The Airmen of Note have long been known for their ability to create these moments of connection. Many such connections were found among the high school and college musicians in attendance.

Tech. Sgt. Fareed Simpson-Hankins, split lead trumpet, spoke to the connection with aspiring professional musicians.

“The students get to see us play some of the music that they are playing in high school,” Simpson-Hankins said.” It is great for them to see that at a professional level and hear what that looks like, especially in the context of the Air Force because they see how it brings Americans together.”

Wellington said she loves to connect with young women musicians, particularly because she is the only female musician in the Airmen of Note. She recounts how many young women approach her after performances and share how they love seeing a woman with the ensemble.

“Representation is such a huge thing,” said Wellington. “Especially for women in the military where the percentage is fewer. Those young women see that there are also women musicians as a career, they can see that as a potential path for them.”

Young children in attendance sat wide-eyed. An elderly couple stood up and started to swing dance as soon as they heard the ensemble strum up Miller’s “In the Mood.” They appeared transported back in time to the days of big band and swing.

Their music, refined with decades of practice, invited everyone to pause, listen and reflect.

When the concert reached a crescendo with a powerful rendition of “This Land is Your Land,” Wellington’s voice carried a resonance through the air, honoring service members past and present. The applause that followed was thunderous.

“We see how music brings people together, a reminder that we’re all part of something greater than ourselves,” said MacDonald. “We are a direct reflection of the excellence that all Airmen exhibit around the world.”

As the crowd dispersed into the warm Florida night, conversations buzzed with reflections on the performance and lines formed to greet the performers.

For the Airmen of Note, the Florida fall tour is not just another series of concerts, it was a reminder of their vital role in connecting people, uplifting spirits and preserving the legacies of those who serve. Their music will continue to echo long after the stage lights dim, promising more bridges yet to be built and more hearts to touch.

CHEATHAM ANNEX, Va. (November 12, 2024) Naval Weapons Station Yorktown celebrated the completion of a nearly five-year long project to stabilize and reclaim nearly two acres of the Penniman Spit area with a ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, November 12th. The ribbon cutting occurred on an area of the spit that was previously washed out by the ebb and flow of the York River; this area was previously in danger of being lost completely. This collaborative project and efforts to reclaim the area was made possible through a cooperative collaboration with installation leadership, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary, Pew Charitable Trust and the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) among other partners.

Penniman Spit is situated on the southern side of the York River approximately five miles north of Route 17 and Coleman Bridge onboard Cheatham Annex. It is attached to Cheatham Annex and protects the entrances to both King Creek and Felgates Creek. Aerial photos show that the area itself was once a continuous spit; however, the York River’s flow over the years has caused it to split into two sections in 2011. In fact, in 1937 the spit itself was over 3,000 feet long and encompassed an area of just over 14 acres. Surveys conducted in 2019 noted that the spit’s total landmass had decreased to just over four acres. The spit almost became a remnant of the installation’s past by 2019, with just over 1.7 acres remaining due to the ebb and flow of the York River. Historic photos show the spit itself being used for training and recreation dating to the 1960s, complete with a walking trail that took visitors onto the York River itself.

Planning and execution for this first of its kind restoration project started nearly five years ago when funding from a combination of federal, state and non-profit partners were utilized to execute a concept plan to rebuild sections of the spit and protect the remaining sections from continued loss. This called for a series of permits which were needed to install a hybrid living shoreline to provide habitat restoration by rebuilding the nearly diminished marshlands and sandy beach ecosystems. This was augmented by rock structures that would shield the area from the tides. This past summer, nearly 10,000 tons of rock; 24,000 tons of sand were brought in and placed strategically along the shoreline. Oyster reefs were also strategically placed to augment these structures and add to the stabilization of the spit. Additionally, over 90,000 native plugs of native saltmarsh cordgrass were planted to stabilize the sand, capture sediment and add to the existing habitat.

Construction for this first of its kind project was completed earlier this fall. A gathering of nearly a dozen key stakeholders in this project occurred on the windswept morning of Tuesday, November 12th at low tide. Key individuals to the project donned rubber boots and slogged happily through the mud onto the newly restored spit for a brief ribbon cutting like no other.

Captain Dan Patrick expressed gratitude for the multi-year effort. “Your insights, your perseverance, your resilience is what makes this project stand out. Over time this is a step in this living shoreline project and it’s the kind of project that we can all build upon. It is a cornerstone to highlight.” As these remarks were made, several persons in the group remarked about the successful oyster growth on the series of oyster castles that were placed just two summers ago while others reveled at the newly restored land that presented a vibrant ecosystem. Additionally remarks were centered around how this small step in stabilization and restoration would eventually add to the surrounding area; and many made plans to return during the warmer months to see the gauge the success of the project.

Russ Burke, Senior Lecturer of Environmental Biology at Christopher Newport University also chimed in with some remarks. “Penniman spit is unique because it presents a wonderful opportunity to preserve and this project can be used as an example of a marriage between readiness and environmental stewardship,” said Burke. Ron Lipcius, Professor of Marine Conservation at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science remarked simple that “for me, this is an ecological dream come true, and it is an almost once in a decade type of project to be part of.” Also present during the ribbon cutting was Tom Olexa, NWS Yorktown’s Natural Resources Manager and Jeff Kissler, the installation’s Environmental Director. Both provided some brief remarks. Thereafter, the stakeholders in attendance eagerly grabbed the ends of the ribbon and applauded as Captain Patrick cut the ribbon that officially signaled a successful conclusion to this first of a kind project at the installation.

SETÚBAL, Portugal —The MV ARC Endurance made history when it pulled into the port of Setubal on Nov. 5, carrying over 750 pieces of equipment assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. Soldiers and civilians from the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the 598th Transportation Brigade (Surface Deployment and Distribution Command), the U.S. Mission to Portugal, and the Portuguese military and port authority ensured the mission was successful.

The selection of Setúbal for this operation highlights the logistical capabilities of Portugal as a key contributor to the collective readiness of the Alliance. This is the first-ever reception and staging of U.S. Army heavy equipment, including Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A4s, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, M88 Recovery Vehicles, and M1 Abram Tanks to the port of Setúbal. These vehicles play a vital role for the 3/1 AD, and their arrival represents a landmark achievement in strengthening our military partnership.

“Using this port in Portugal illustrates the U.S. Department of Defense’s unique capability to execute power projection platforms through our relationships with our allies and partners to execute any type of unit rotation, exercise, or initiative, such as Atlantic Resolve so that we can provide options at a time and place of our choosing,” said Lt. Col. Michael Harrell, 839th Transportation Battalion commander.

According to Capt. William Kim, 95th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, equipment will be transported via commercial line haul. He said he is proud to witness the critical teamwork and planning between the Portuguese and the U.S. at the port of Setúbal.

“This is a historic moment for both the Portuguese and the U.S. This is the second time this port is active. Last year was the proof of concept, and now this is the first time that track vehicles and tanks are downloaded at the Port of Setúbal, marking a significant milestone in our military collaboration,” said Kim.

The 3/1 AD, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, will replace the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the United States’ commitment to Operation Atlantic Resolve.

” The port of Setúbal, Portugal, is of strategic importance to NATO, significantly contributing to the Alliance’s ability to project power, enhance readiness, and demonstrate commitment to collective security in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” said Randi Charno Levine, U.S. Ambassador to Portugal. “Using the Port of Setúbal enhances NATO’s operational flexibility by ensuring a steady and rapid flow of vehicles and essential supplies to the frontlines of the conflict in eastern Europe, demonstrating the reach and scope of the Alliance.”

The United States and Portugal have a long-standing partnership rooted in shared history when Portugal was among the first countries to recognize the United States following the Revolutionary War. Both countries were a part of the 12 founding signatories of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and have continued to build upon that partnership.

Pawling, NY – U.S. Army Maj. Elizabeth Fish is a double vet. She is veterinarian who is also a 7-year veteran of the Army Reserve, including a deployment to Afghanistan where she was wounded by an improvised explosive device. She is presently assigned to the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, which is an Army unit principally comprised of senior soldiers and officers with particular expertise in a broad range of skills in civil-military matters.

The particular expertise Fish brings to the Army is, of course, animal care. She graduated from Cornell School of Veterinarian Medicine in 2008 and has established a successful equine-focused veterinarian practice with offices in New York as well as Florida. She resides on a farm in Pawling, New York with four horses (one of them a miniature).

On October 5, 2024, Fish volunteered her personal farm supplies, such as hay, grain and medical material, to assist the people of North Carolina who were still struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In total, she amassed four tons of supplies to donate.

“I was glued to social media and watching the videos these people were posting from North Carolina,” said Fish. “They were pleading for help. A lot of large animals did not survive the hurricane, but those that did were in random places being cared for by strangers.”

The aspect of Fish’s character that drove her to service in the U.S. Army, then compelled her to answer those pleas from North Carolina.

“What pushed me over the edge was when people started euthanizing animals to prevent them from starving,” said Fish.

To her hayloft she went to find what food could be spared.

“I will find a way to replace what I have,” explained Fish.

But loading 8,000 pounds of hay and grain into a truck is a grueling undertaking; even for a U.S. Army soldier. So Fish called upon the soldiers from her Army Reserve unit, which is the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion based in Danbury, Connecticut. Less than an hour from when she sent the group text, a team of non-commissioned officers responded. They were ready.

Sgt. 1st Class Angel Vargas, Staff Sgt. Nicolas Cadenas-Rada, and Sgt. Javier Gonzalez were the first to arrive. They neither received nor expected any pay. They were put to work tossing haybales from the hayloft to the ground and then stowing them in Fish’s horse trailer.

“Maj. Fish asked for help,” said Vargas. “She said it would help people down south.”

That was enough to convince Vargas to volunteer. He has been deliberate and intentional with his volunteering lately, an effort not lost on the local newspaper: https://www.newtownbee.com/04222024/donations-for-newtown-lions-stuff-a-truck-food-drive-help-fight-hunger/

When Cardenas-Rada arrived, he brought with him reinforcements – his fiancé, Katrina Kristoferson. Being a U.S. Army soldier has never been an isolated undertaking. As Fish found, when a soldier is in need of assistance, a team of volunteers will mobilize. As Cardenas-Rada demonstrated, family members are part of that team too.

Sgt. 1st Class John Ramirez arrived a bit later. He had a two-plus hour drive. He also has three children for whom he had to find supervision.

“I will find the time,” said Ramirez. “I will get coverage for my kids. I will get there.”

By the time Ramirez arrived, the enterprising team of soldiers (and fiancé) had cleared the hayloft. Ramirez was tasked with scrubbing feeding and veterinarian medical equipment from Fish’s own office and then loading it into the truck.

None of the sergeants had any experience with farm work, but that was no deterrent to accomplishing the mission. As trained civil affairs soldiers, they are accustomed to encountering novel situations and adapting to address them. Civil affairs soldiers, such as those of the 411th Battalion and its parent unit, the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, specialize in managing complex civil-military scenarios. These could include assisting friendly countries to transform their civilian transportation infrastructure to accommodate large-scale movement of military equipment in preparation for war or administering schools in war-ravaged territories. Packing food and medical supplies into a truck was not much of a challenge.

Getting that truck to the hurricane victims in North Carolina was a bit more problematic.

“The logistics of getting a truck to drive it all the way to North Carolina was the hardest part,” said Fish.

She was able to call upon her partners and allies in the animal-care community to assist. In particular, the manager of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary in South Kortright, New York, had coordinated with a local independent trucker to send donations of her own to North Carolina. Fish was able to co-mingle her 8,000 pounds of supplies with those of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary and they were all successfully delivered to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina and Red Bull Run in Columbus, North Carolina.

“It was therapeutic,” said Vargas. “Plus, I got to see horses.”

“I wanted to keep their animals alive,” said Fish. “I was hoping to do something to preserve some part of their family.”

“If you have the means to help, you have no excuse not to help,” said Ramirez. “It is part of our Army values.”

Story by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brett Walker, Public Affairs Officer for 353rd Civil Affairs Command.

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – The Pennsylvania National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs hosted an open house here for members of the public Nov. 16, 2024.

The event began with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general, at 11:00 a.m., closely followed by a flyover by one KC-135 Stratotanker and two MC-130J Commandos from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

“What a wonderful day to be an Airman, Soldier, Veteran, citizen of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania!” said Pippy. “We are so excited to have all of you here today with us.”

The organization “Guitars for Vets” and the enlisted band provided musical entertainment, while Miss Pennsylvania made an appearance, offering photos and autographs to visitors.

“I would like for people to understand that we’re still here, we still care, and even though we secured the post, we’re not shut off from the local community,” said Col. Kevin Potts, garrison commander.

The Pennsylvania National Guard’s 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion demonstrated aerial medical evacuations and aerial sling operations.

Lindsey Handel, who brought her two children aged 7 and 9, said they have been here before but had never seen so many assets and demonstrations in one accessible place.

“So far the Black Hawk helicopter doing a rescue was our favorite,” said Handel. “This is the first time we’ve ever seen that.”

Visitors also had the opportunity to tour Fort Indiantown Gap’s Training Support Center, a new 63,000-square-foot facility housing training aids, devices, simulators and simulations and graphic training aids for the diverse audiences and scenarios hosted here.

“This is a really good turnout, I’m glad to see the interest,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Madrigale, a transportation support specialist with Northeast Counterdrug Training Center, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Madrigale and his colleagues showed visitors the incinerators they use to destroy illegal drugs seized by law enforcement agencies at no cost to those agencies.

“People are actually asking about what we do, so I have the chance to spotlight what we’re doing for the taxpayer, for the community, for law enforcement and also talk about the broader mission of the National Guard as a whole,” said Madrigale.

Finally, the Pennsylvania National Guard’s ambassador demonstration team showed off the high level of expertise and professionalism with which all Guardsmen are expected to perform their basic Soldier skills.

“We’re not a closed post, we’re just a controlled access post,” said Pippy. “We’re more than just the military and the veterans’ services, we’re a part of this community. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of this community.”

During the fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, Fort Indiantown Gap hosted 132,150 personnel for a total of 804,714 man-days, making it the second-busiest National Guard training center.

Fort Indiantown Gap is the primary training site for the Pennsylvania National Guard and regularly hosts personnel from all branches of the military, both active-duty and reserve-component, as well as personnel from foreign militaries, law enforcement agencies and other local, state and federal agencies.

The installation is also home to several schools, including the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute, the Regional Equipment Operators Training Site, the Lightning Force Academy, the Northeast Counter Drug Training Center and the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy.

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – Each year, Soldiers from across the Pacific theater gather in Hawaii to vie for the prestigious title of Paralegal of the Year.

The U.S. Army Pacific’s 2024 Paralegal Warrior Competition, held Nov. 4-7 at Fort Shafter Flats, Schofield Barracks, and Ford Island on Oahu, 15 Soldiers competed. Among them, two emerged as winners—one noncommissioned officer and one junior enlisted Soldier.

Sgt. Ciarra Caro del Castillo, a paralegal specialist assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, and Spc. Garron Viviano, a paralegal assigned to the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, earned the title. Castillo, a two-time winner, claimed the title of Best Junior Enlisted Paralegal Warrior in 2024.

“I joined the competition to connect with other paralegals across USARPAC and gain new perspectives,” said Castillo. “It was a unique chance to push my limits and see how far I could go.”

For Castillo, the event was more than just winning the title. It was an opportunity to refine her paralegal skills and test her Army warrior ethos.

Army paralegal specialists provide legal and administrative support in multiple areas of law. They are vital assets to the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) section, Command Judge Advocate (CJA) section, Brigade Legal Section, and unit headquarters. The three-day competition not only challenged competitors’ mental fortitude but also tested their physical strength through basic soldiering skills.

Both Castillo and Viviano exemplified these qualities throughout the competition, excelling in both technical legal skills and physically demanding challenges. Viviano’s performance under pressure highlighted the resilience and adaptability required of Army paralegals, securing his spot among the competition’s top performers.

The competition featured a series of events, including a military occupational specialty (MOS) exam, the Army Physical Fitness Test, a ruck march, and an air assault obstacle course conducted across the island of Oahu. The competition culminated with a board to evaluate each competitor’s military bearing and paralegal expertise.

Viviano, who viewed the competition as more than a personal challenge, saw it as a chance to sharpen his Soldier skills and prepare for future opportunities to advance in his career.

“I approached the competition with the goal of giving my best effort because it’s a reflection of who I am, my abilities, and the skills I’ve developed,” said Viviano. “Regardless of winning or losing, I wanted to put my best foot forward and give it my all.”

Viviano, who is set to attend Jungle School in December, saw the competition as another step in his growth as a Soldier.

Castillo, expressed her hope to inspire her fellow Soldiers by pursuing the Officer Candidate School process, aiming to further her career and lead by example.

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz and Kaiserslautern High School hosted its annual “College Night,” Oct. 29 at the high school, connecting Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) students with educational and career opportunities.

Kaiserslautern High School transformed into a bustling hub of information booths as over 300 eager students explored options from U.S. and European universities, military academies and military (?) recruiters. Students explored a diverse range of post-secondary educational and life options ranging from traditional college education to military service, and learned how understanding these choices will help shape their futures.

Lynn Rice, school liaison officer for USAG Rheinland-Pfalz, emphasized the unique value of ‘College Night’ for students stationed overseas.

“Not all high school students have the chance to physically visit colleges back in the States,” said Rice, “This event brings those opportunities to them, helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.”

The event also attracted students from other garrisons, including Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, and Spangdahlem. For students considering military service, recruiters provided a wealth of information about joining the armed forces.

School Liaisons, like Lynn Rice, are located at each military installation to provide information as well as build partnerships with the civilian and military community to help address common education challenges of military families. For more information on the Department of Defense School Liaison Program, visit https://www.dodea.edu/education/partnership-and-resources/department-defense-school-liaison-program, or call USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’s local School Liaison Office at DSN: 541-9061.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz serves, supports, and secures the total force community enabling power projection for the European Theater.

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz hosted a media information day on Smith Barracks, Nov. 14, to update the local press and local leadership on the planned growth to the Baumholder military community and the investments the U.S. Army is making into the installation.

The event provided a comprehensive overview, covering population growth, current and planned construction projects, and opportunities for potential landlords in the local area. It also featured a question-and-answer session with the press, as well as a guided tour of the construction sites and on-post housing, offering a firsthand look at the developments.

“As you all know so well, the United States Army and the Baumholder community have a deep and rich history,” said Col. Jeffery Higgins, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz commander. “Since 1951, the U.S. Army has been hosted by the Baumholder Community. This immensely important relationship has enabled the U.S. Army to build military readiness and fulfill a strategic role in the defense of Europe.”

Higgins expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership, which has remained strong despite fluctuations in US troop numbers over the years.

“Today, that rich history continues to build. As you may have noticed, Baumholder has been experiencing quite a bit of construction lately,” he said. “In fact, a $1 billion investment into this installation is ongoing – an investment by the U.S. government to prepare for another period of military growth in this community.”

Higgins discussed the upcoming growth of the Baumholder Military Community, which is expected to increase by 2000 personnel between 2026-2029, reaching a total of 10,000. He highlighted the opportunities this growth presents for the local community, particularly for landlords and business owners.

“We anticipate that within the next five years, we will need between 200-300 additional off-post rentals throughout the local villages to house our Soldiers and their families,” he said. “If this opportunity appeals to our host communities, my offer is to work with potential landlords early to get their rental homes ready and aligned with Army Family Housing standards.”

The growing demand for housing presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for both Soldiers in need of homes and local homeowners seeking tenants, and the military is committed to supporting landlords by providing them with necessary housing requirements as they renovate and prepare their properties for rental, Higgins said.

Bernd Mai, host nation relations advisor for USAG Rheinland-Pfalz, provided an overview of the Baumholder Military Community focusing on its history.

“Throughout the decades Baumholder experienced ups and downs, new units would arrive while others were deactivated,” said Mai. “In 2019 the U.S. Military announced to invest $1 billion U.S. dollars into Baumholder – $500 million to improve the infrastructure and the quality of life for the U.S. population and $500 million to improve military buildings and training capabilities.”

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz has made significant progress in planning and executing various facility renovation and construction projects to improve quality of life and address operational facility deficits in the Baumholder Military Community. Key achievements and projects include:

• Multiple Army Family Housing townhome projects and rightsizing projects

• Groundbreaking for a new Army Lodge in November 2023

• Construction of a new elementary school, with a new middle/high school planned for FY28

• Planned construction of new barracks (FY25-27) and a Temporary Enlisted Personnel Management (TEMP) facility (FY26-28)

In addition to quality of life initiatives, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz is tackling a range of infrastructure projects to enhance the overall experience for the Baumholder Military Community. Current and planned renovations include the construction and renovation of playgrounds, repair of the PX roof, and upgrades to the Wetzel Child Development Center. The garrison is also exploring improvements to roads, fire and water systems, and the MWR Auto Skills repair facility.

The day proceeded with a presentation from the USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’s Housing Office, where representatives emphasized their commitment to working with local landlords, outlining their plan to conduct property inspections to ensure that each home meets the necessary standards. This would allow them to confidently add the property to their listings and match it with a waiting Army family.

The day also included a bus tour of Smith Barracks and Wetzel Kaserne

In attendance were: Miroslaw Kowalski, County Commissioner, County of Birkenfeld; Otto Rubly, County Commissioner/Landrat, County of Kusel/Kreis Kusel; Bernd Alsfasser, Mayor District of Baumholder; Dr. Stefan Spitzer, Mayor District of Kusel-Altenglan; Matthias König, Mayor District of Birkenfeld; Thorsten Schmidt (1st Delegate), Mayor District of Freisen; Günther Jung, Mayor City of Baumholder; Ulrich Ernst, 1st Delegate City of Kusel.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz serves, supports, and secures the total force community enabling power projection for the European Theater.

Dozens of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) gathered at Fort McCoy in mid-October to take part in Defender University training with the 649th Regional Support Group.

The group, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a group that consists of two movement control battalions with a host of 20 units underneath of them, consisting of transportation companies, movement control teams, quartermasters, and maintenance,” said Command Sgt. Maj. David Sayers, command sergeant major with the 649th.

“We have units all the way from Fort Sheridan, Ill., down to Mount Vernon, as well as we have units in Waterloo, Iowa, with detachments spread out across northern Iowa,” Sayers said. “It consists of about 1,183 soldiers and 20 units.”

With the Defender University training, Sayers said they came to Fort McCoy to get a variety of training accomplished.

“We came up to Fort McCoy to train on skill level 2 and skill level 3 progression in order to develop our Soldiers, specialists, and sergeants for promotion under Army Regulation 600-8-19, Paragraph 3-6, that states all Soldiers must have skill level 2 and skill level 3 proficiency in their digital job book in order to qualify for promotion.”

And that was the basis for Defender University.

“We developed an NCO professional development program called Defender University where we invite our Soldiers to come up and attend and conduct training in four areas, utilizing a round-robin format, as well as build the capability of our NCOs to teach, train, mentor, and instruct from a cadre perspective,” Sayers said.

The NCOs completing the training were from multiple units within the 649th.

“We had representation across all the 649th minus a few units that are currently deployed, but everybody sent representatives to include participants and cadre,” Sayers said. “We had 34 candidates or participants going through the training, and 22 cadre members who serve as primary instructors, support, as well as mentors.

“Our first sergeants are paired with respective platoons to provide senior NCO guidance and mentoring during any white noise training,” Sayers said.

Fort McCoy’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.” Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Fort McCoy is the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin.

The installation has provided support and facilities for the field and classroom training of more than 100,000 military personnel from all services nearly every year since 1984.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at https://home.army.mil/mccoy, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortmccoywi, and on X (formerly Twitter) by searching “usagmccoy.”

Also try downloading the My Army Post app to your smartphone and set “Fort McCoy” or another installation as your preferred base. Fort McCoy is also part of Army’s Installation Management Command where “We Are The Army’s Home.”