Round Rock leaders visit Fort Hood

By Staff Sgt. Gregory Earl Sanders (FORSCOM)December 3, 2012

Cpl. Devito assists with .50 Cal
1 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Cpl. Nate Devito, 85th Civil Affairs Brigade, assists Carlos T. Salinas, a member of the Round Rock city council, with loading and preparing an M2 .50 caliber machine gun for firing at the Electronic Skills Trainer. Members of the Round Rock city co... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mayor McGraw goes to the dogs
2 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw takes part as a volunteer during a military working dog demonstration Nov. 28. McGraw and members of the Round Rock city council took part in a visit to Fort Hood. During the visit, city council members were introduced t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mayor McGraw gets a helping hand
3 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw gets a hand putting on a protective bite suit just before volunteering during a military working dog demonstration Nov. 28. McGraw and members of the Round Rock city council took part in a visit to Fort Hood. During the ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Working dog memorial
4 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Soldier explains portions of a military working dog memorial to Members of the Round Rock city council during a visit to Fort Hood Nov. 28. During the visit, city council members were introduced to simulators, military working dogs and general Arm... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Say cheese
5 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Councilman Robert T. Salinas records the military working dog demonstration during a visit to Fort Hood Nov. 28. During the visit, Round Rock city council members were also introduced to simulators, and general Army life. (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Councilmen prepare their weapons
6 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Councilman Carlos T. Salinas and other members of the Round Rock city council familiarize themselves with M4 carbines during a visit to Fort Hood Nov. 28. During the visit the city council members were introduced to simulators, military working dogs... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Brigade commander assists with training visitors
7 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Leo J. Ruth II, commander, 85th Civil Affairs Brigade, talks through proper firing techniques as Courtney Nielson, executive assistant mayor and council, takes up a prone firing position at the EST. Members of the Round Rock city council took p... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Electronic Skills Trainer explained
8 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Council members George White and Carlos T. Salinas are explained how the Warrior Skills Trainer works during a visit to Fort Hood Nov. 28. During the visit the city council members were also introduced to military working dogs and general Army life.... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD-The city council members stoked the fires of anxiety, tossing a few playful jibes at the Mayor of Round Rock as he put on the protective bite suit just before participating in a military working dog demonstration Nov. 28 during an installation tour.

"Be sure to leave your hands tucked in Alan, the dog might get them," said a voice from the onlookers. A few nervous chuckles followed, but the group quickly quieted as the dog came out.

Mayor Alan McGraw and a group of Round Rock city council members were hosted by members of the 85th Civil Affairs Brigade during a tour that allowed the city leaders a glimpse of military life. The tour included a brief history lesson, a military working dog demonstration and a hands-on demonstration of the Electronic Skills Trainer.

Traveling by bus from location to location, city council members asked questions about equipment, quarters and aviation displays, but some were startled by the size of Fort Hood.

"When you picture a military base, you think of a few little buildings, but it's not. Fort Hood is like its own little city," said Laurie Hadley, assistant city manager. "It's huge."

An excitement could be seen in the faces of the group as they took up an M4 Carbine, M2 .50 caliber machine gun and even 9mm pistols. George White, A Vietnam veteran, was all smiles as he took a stance behind the machine gun.

"I can't believe the sophistication of this training that Soldiers get today," said White before unloading a digital barrage on a group of crazed, charging turkeys projected on the screen.

Alan McGraw quietly took it all in. Rolling up his sleeve, he showed off the battle scars of bruises won during his participation in the military working dog demonstration.

"That dog is strong," said McGraw as he pointed to the bluest spot of his arm. "You can feel it right there."