Feb 22, 2011

As Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston prepares to step down March 1 as the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on all enlisted-related matters, he attended a final bloggers roundtable Feb. 17 to reflect on the Army's changes during his tenure.

Feb 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Last week, my husband surprised me for our anniversary by signing us up for a cooking demonstration. As the chef prepared and cooked the dinner that we, and four or five other couples, would eat, he explained his techniques.

Feb 17, 2011

Members of the Fort Jackson community turned out in force last week to lend a helping hand to a fellow Soldier.

Feb 17, 2011

FORT LEE, Va (Feb. 17, 2011) -Today's Soldier is tech savvy, uses state-of-the-art equipment to quickly and safely accomplish a mission, and can multitask with efficiency. To capitalize on these talents, the Army is conducting a pilot program that could potentially change the training environment.

Feb 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Army civilians at Fort Jackson are receiving leadership education to help further their careers and gain more job fulfillment with no out-of-pocket cost.

Feb 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson takes great pride, as we do every year, in hosting a number of events to celebrate African-American/Black History month.

Feb 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- If victory starts here, then victory has a new starting line, and it's located at the corner of Kemper and Marion avenues.

Feb 16, 2011

FORT LEE, Va. (Feb. 17) -- The 36th Annual Culinary Arts Competition kicks off Feb. 26 and runs through March 11. The annual event is hosted by the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence and includes culinary teams from each of the services. Both U.S. and overseas installations will be represented. The event is sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation.

Feb 15, 2011

LOS ANGELES - Even as a race-car driver, Jennifer Jo Cobb finds it hard to fathom how fast her "Driven 2 Honor" program is coming to fruition. Cobb teamed with the Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers to create a NASCAR VIP Weekend for female troops as a salute to women in the military.

Feb 15, 2011

The Army's Fiscal Year 2012 budget request includes funding for a 1.5 percent pay raise for Soldiers, a 3.1 percent increase in housing allowance, and a 3.4 percent increase in subsistence.

Feb 14, 2011

More than 25 years after picking up his first drumsticks Staff Sgt. Chad J. Alward received the inaugural 2010 Col. Finley Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award during a Feb. 13 ceremony at the 81st Regional Support Command headquarters, here.

Feb 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As cupid takes aim for this year's Valentine's Day, Fort Jackson's Child, Youth and School Services offers military parents - or other adult caretakers - the opportunity to celebrate the holiday of love with their children during a Sweetheart Ball, 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, at the Joe E. Mann Center ballroom.

Feb 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For the fourth straight year, the Fort Jackson Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fitness Department will take a team to the annual Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk in Charleston.

Feb 10, 2011

Kids say the darndest things. That's what Bethany Johnson Storlazzi, head of Fort Jackson's home-school group, thought when her 8-year-old son, Drew, said he saw a baby in a toy vending machine as they walked by the Carolina Wings restaurant in Northeast Columbia last week.

Feb 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- When Miranda Broadus was hired to work at Fort Jackson in 2008, she had already spent months doing research about the installation and surrounding area.

Feb 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- From the battle of Lexington to the battle for Fallujah, countless African-Americans have sacrificed their lives to preserve the freedom of America.

Feb 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Every Army leader, Soldier and civilian needs to become familiar with the term "profession of arms," because you will be hearing a lot of dialogue during the course of this year on the subject as our Army revisits its doctrine and assesses itself as a profession.

Feb 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Eddie Mack has witnessed a lot of changes in the nearly half-century he has cut hair at Fort Jackson. From racial segregation to providing one last trim to a Soldier on his way to Vietnam, the legendary barber has left his impression on the installation.

Feb 8, 2011

The Army reached a major milestone last week when the millionth Soldier took the "Global Assessment Tool."

Feb 7, 2011

The longest-serving sergeant major of the Army emphasized the importance of maintaining an adaptable force during a farewell interview today at the Pentagon.

Feb 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- It has been more than seven years since I've had to turn in a homework assignment. And frankly, I was not very good at it then.

Feb 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- It may not be the NBA or even the NCAA, but intramural basketball at Fort Jackson is garnering a lot of attention from Soldiers and civilians alike.

Feb 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- An e-mail system is only as good as its byte. And Fort Jackson's byte is about to get bigger - 40 times bigger.

Feb 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson units can get cash for their trash. Through an incentive program offered by the installation's Qualified Recycling Program, units can earn funds for being environmentally conscious.

Feb 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- I know that I'm not the first to write about this, nor the hundredth or even the thousandth. But the reality of the good, bad and ugly of social media has really hit home lately; especially the ugly.

Feb 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- It's quite an honor when Fort Jackson gets a visit from the first lady. Last Thursday's appearance by First Lady Michelle Obama is only the second time that a first lady has made a special trip to Fort Jackson in the post's existence, which dates back almost a century.

Feb 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- First Lady Michelle Obama visited Fort Jackson Jan. 27 to learn from Army leaders about how childhood obesity and physical inactivity affects military readiness and what the Army does to combat these effects.

Feb 2, 2011

Ensuring the Army Reserve families' youngest members are not forgotten is the mission of the 81ST Regional Support Command's Child, Youth and School Services team here.

Feb 2, 2011

Jan 27, 2011

First Lady Michelle Obama visited Fort Jackson today to learn from Army leaders about how childhood obesity and physical inactivity affects military readiness and what the Army does to combat these effects.

Jan 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A new program for Fort Jackson spouses got a snow-delayed start Tuesday. The Fort Jackson Spouses Forum, originally scheduled for Jan. 11, had its initial meeting Tuesday at the Family Readiness Center.

Jan 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Tom Mullins, founder of Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., will be the guest speaker for the Fort Jackson observance of the National Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for 7 to 8:30 a.m., Feb. 4, at the NCO Club.

Jan 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson Soldiers volunteered a few hours of their time for those who have sacrificed a lifetime.

Jan 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the presentation of the Commander's Cup on post. In case you are unfamiliar with the sports award, the Commander's Cup is an award that is presented each year to the unit that accumulates the most points throughout a single year in intramural sports.

Jan 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson community members concerned about issues affecting the installation will have the opportunity to provide input during the next town hall meeting from the comfort of their own homes.

Jan 27, 2011

The first in a series of briefings to describe the Defense Department's progress in implementing repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law is coming soon, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.

Jan 26, 2011

As the room quickly filled with more than 110 Individual Ready Reserve Soldiers, a small army of non-commissioned officers went into action taking care of Soldiers. After weeks of preparation, the 81st Regional Support Command's Soldiers Readiness Processing team conducted the first muster for 2011 here. Their mission was to support the Army's Human Resources Command to update the readiness of IRR Soldiers.

Jan 25, 2011

Take caring of the Army Reserve family has always been a priority for senior leadership, but taking that care to the next level is the focus of a new initiative for the 81st Regional Support Command, based at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Jan 25, 2011

First Lady Michelle Obama will be the guest speaker for 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment's graduation Thursday, at 1 p.m., on Hilton Field. She will spend the morning visiting Fort Jackson for a series of events that highlight the intersection of Let's Move! and military readiness.

Jan 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Col. Kevin Shwedo, former post deputy commanding officer, has been appointed to head up the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.

Jan 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Only about one week into Basic Combat Training, Pvt. Brian Serna, Company F, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, found himself in a life-or-death situation.

Jan 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.S. -- The heat in your building has gone out, and each time you try to call the Directorate of Public Works, you get a busy signal.

Jan 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The 2011 tax season is upon us and this year, because of a Washington holiday, taxpayers have until April 18 to file their taxes. Fort Jackson's Tax Center will open Monday to assist Soldiers, family members, and eligible retirees with their tax filing. There is no fee for using the Fort Jackson Tax Center.

Jan 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Army has come a long way when it comes to dealing with sexual assault, and it's only going to get better.

Jan 19, 2011

The Army vice chief of staff reported a slight reduction this past year in suicides committed by Soldiers on active duty, from 162 in 2009 to 156 in 2010.

Jan 19, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- I am not sure if it's because of holiday bills rolling in or if it's because of the uncertain economy in general, but there seems to be a greater number of people very eager to get their tax refunds this year.

Jan 19, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- C.C. Pinckney Elementary School student Victoria Thomas can appreciate Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream for equality among people as much as any adult.

Jan 18, 2011

A commission of current and retired officers, senior noncommissioned officers and civilians charged with evaluating Defense Department policies to ensure they promote equal opportunity plans to recommend lifting the ban on women in combat.

Jan 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Finding a first job can be a daunting task for today's youth as even traditional "teen jobs" are harder to find in this economy.

Jan 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A rare Southern winter storm shut down Fort Jackson Monday and Tuesday after 3 inches of snow accumulated in the Columbia area early Monday, according to the National Weather Service website.

Jan 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Roadrunners have a new home. The battalion has moved from its old digs on Magruder Avenue to the new BCT II complex on Golden Arrow Road. Three 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment companies will begin their training cycle Jan. 24 at the new complex.

Jan 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Task Force Marshall flexed its collective muscle, taking this year's the Commander's Cup and proving that teamwork leads to victory.

Jan 13, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- It's been nearly 43 years since the tragic passing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential Americans in modern times. His dream continues into 2011 as the principles and ideals that Dr. King so eloquently and persistently advocated become incorporated into our daily lives.

Jan 13, 2011

Staff Sgt. Sal Giunta at the 2011 All-American Bowl.

Jan 13, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Today, the Fort Jackson and Columbia communities will bid farewell to retired Maj. Gen. John Renner, former Fort Jackson commanding general, who lost his fight against leukemia Jan. 6.

Jan 12, 2011

During the harrowing events that took place Saturday in Tucson, Ariz., several witnesses to Jared Lee Loughner's alleged shooting rampage intervened, possibly saving more lives. One of those who reacted quickly was retired Col. William Badger, a 74-year-old resident of Tucson who spent 38 years in the Army.

Jan 12, 2011

Plane tickets, travel orders and navigating one of the busiest airports in Florida to find the right transportation bus are just some of the obstacles for Soldiers and families attending one of the monthly Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program workshops here.

Jan 9, 2011

Fort Jackson, S.C. -- The Army Training Center and Fort Jackson will resume training operations Wednesday.

Jan 7, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Maj. Gen. John Renner, former Fort Jackson commanding general, has died. Renner served as Fort Jackson's commanding general from 1989 to 1991.

Jan 5, 2011

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center and the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program are calling all Soldiers to put their best safety stories on camera for a chance to win the Third Annual Peer to Peer Safety Video Competition.

Jan 5, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson has a new top cop. His name is David Navarro.

Jan 5, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Unlike my husband, when it comes to dental health, I tend to be somewhat lax. My dentists almost always make a remark about whether I floss regularly, though what they observe during exams makes it obvious that I don't. And because I'm almost always between dentists, I don't always keep to the recommended six-month cleaning plans.

Jan 5, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- If some Fort Jackson community members get their wishes, more resources will be made available to aid prospective military homebuyers in the decision-making processes.

Jan 5, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson leaders invited a delegation of Iraqi police leaders in December to observe and learn how the Directorate of Emergency Services operates.

Jan 5, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Before I welcome everyone back from the holidays, I would first like to acknowledge the many Victory Block Leave organizers who have made this long and complicated operation flow so effortlessly. There is nothing easy about this operation. It requires an incredible amount of planning, coordination and execution and involves practically everyone on post in some way or another. This was a job well done!

Jan 5, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For more than 7,500 Soldiers who train at Fort Jackson, the holiday season came to an end with their return from Victory Block Leave Monday. More than 8,500 Soldiers left the post Dec. 16, but about 1,000 moved on to Advanced Individual Training or other assignments.

Jan 4, 2011

Supporting dozens of Army Reserve units and ensuring hundreds of vehicles are ready to roll at a moment's notice is the job of a small group of military technicians here.

Jan 4, 2011

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Like many others this time of year, I have been reflecting on the past 12 months and looking forward to the new year. In my professional capacity, I am focusing on the future of the Installation Management Community. Specifically, what should the Installation Management Community look like a year from now'

Dec 20, 2010

For some, being the eyes and ears of any commander might be a difficult task. Although supporting more than 49,000 Soldiers, their families and a large civilian workforce may seem nearly impossible, the 81st RSC's inspector general section handles the task with confidence.

Dec 17, 2010

Army Civilian Service baby boomers will be retiring en masse over the next 10 years. To attract the "best and brightest" next generation workforce of Army civilians, a focused enterprise-wide recruitment strategy required the development of a dot com website to promote the Army as an employer of choice.

Dec 16, 2010

As basic training drill sergeants get a much needed holiday break from the rigors of shaping young men and women into warriors, two reserve-component Soldiers headed home to share a little more than gifts and festive foods with family.

Dec 16, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. --Let me begin by wishing you all a very happy and safe holiday season. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to command so many fine Soldiers, leaders, family members and civilian employees on Fort Jackson. I want to thank you for your hard work. You are all very important to our mission here and to the Army's overall mission.

Dec 16, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson is tops among TRADOC when it comes to retaining Soldiers. The installation led the command in fiscal year 2010 for Category III, re-enlisting 406 Soldiers and surpassing its mission goal of 318 to win TRADOC's Top Producer Award. Numbers were released during the Commanding General's Retention Luncheon Friday at the Officers' Club.

Dec 16, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Despite a sluggish economy, Midlands residents continued to have a charitable spirit, donating more than $1.14 million to hundreds of charities through the 2010 Midlands Area Combined Federal Campaign.

Dec 16, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- At Fort Jackson's recent Army Family Action Plan conference, delegates discussed and proposed recommendations to Col. James Love, garrison commander, and Maj. Gen. James Milano, commanding general, regarding two issues specifically affecting mothers after childbirth.

Dec 16, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Soldiers have a creed. As do Noncommissioned Officers and Army civilians. Now the installation's social services agency has developed a creed to motivate its employees and volunteers to better serve the Fort Jackson Community.

Dec 16, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Senior leaders from Fort Jackson traveled more than 300 miles up the road and almost 150 years back in time to learn an important lesson about war: Human factors often determine battlefield outcomes.

Dec 15, 2010

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Sarah and I extend our warmest greetings to each one of you and your families. The holiday season is a special time for the Lynch household and is an occasion to spend extra time with family and friends, reflect on the past year, and anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead.

Dec 11, 2010

Instead of exchanging gifts, several dozen family members at the second annual Survivor Outreach Services holiday gathering shared memories of their beloved Soldiers who have died.

Dec 9, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C.C -- More than a thousand eager Soldiers-in-training got an early glimpse of home Sunday during the 282nd Army Band's annual Fort Jackson Holiday Concert.

Dec 9, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Expanded Choice and Magnet program informational sessions for parents interested in finding out more their children's school options are scheduled throughout January.

Dec 9, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Family member Tamesha White said that she decided this summer that enough was enough; it was time for her to lose weight.

Dec 9, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Old Saint Nick made an early visit to Fort Jackson this week, providing Christmas toys for every Soldier to give to their children.

Dec 9, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- There are few things I find more gratifying than seeing our community reap the rewards of the Army Family Covenant. We recently re-signed the document, reaffirming Fort Jackson's commitment to build the strength and resilience of our families.

Dec 9, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Santa Claus came to town early, bearing gifts and holiday cheer for children of all ages.

Dec 9, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- In spring 2008, just as Staff Sgt. Bradley Good was preparing to return to the U.S. from a 15-month deployment in Iraq, he received notice that he had been selected to attend the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School. Upon completion, he would serve two years as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson.

Dec 8, 2010

The Army is evaluating a host of flexible, portable, lightweight solar-powered shades and tent-like technologies.

Dec 7, 2010

For the first time, America officially recognizes the contributions and dedication of military widows with ''Gold Star Wives Day.''

Dec 2, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Look! It's a bird. It's a plane. No, wait. It's Captain MWR and his sidekick Dot Com.

Dec 2, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- After being closed for more than a year for renovations, Knight Indoor Pool has finally reopened and is making a splash.

Dec 2, 2010

For decades, horses have charged into battle carrying cavalrymen, pulling artillerymen's caissons and serving as vehicles for mounted military police. Today, horses are helping wounded warriors by guiding them along the road to resiliency.

Dec 2, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A couple of weeks ago, important military history was being made, and I want to ensure none of you missed it.

Dec 2, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- When Tiffany Moss and her family moved to Fort Jackson in October 2008, Moss had a difficult time adjusting.

Nov 30, 2010

Following up on the issues that are so important to the members of the Army community gives momentum to the AFAP process and reinforces the promises made in the Army Family Covenant.

Nov 30, 2010

The Army expanded its MilGaming portal Monday to include a suite of PC-based virtual training applications and tools that are open to anyone with a Department of Defense Common Access Card.

Nov 30, 2010

A change in the law that bans gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military can be implemented without irreparable harm, the co-chair of a Pentagon working group that studied the matter said yesterday.

Nov 23, 2010

Nov 23, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The University of South Carolina football team capped off its annual military appreciation day with a big win over Troy.

Nov 23, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Cursha Pierce-Lunderman, a military spouse, said that her now 4-year-old daughter, Sydnee, still recalls fondly her days in Preschool Spanish. During her stint in the Bright SKIES class, Sydnee would often come home and teach her brother, and sometimes her parents, what she learned in class.

Nov 23, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Everyone has seen "that guy." The one who talks too loudly after drinking one too many beers or spills his drink on the person sitting next to him.