Archive: Jackson

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  • Army training manuals to be available on smart devices

    Mar 1, 2012

    The Soldier Support Institute is in the process of converting dozens of training modules to digital formats that can be read on smart devices, an initiative that is expected to have a profound impact on Soldier training.

  • Teens support Red Cross mission

    Mar 1, 2012

    Since its founding in 1881, the American Red Cross has responded in all types of natural disasters and emergency circumstances related to war.

  • Interval Training... necessary for change

    Mar 1, 2012

    Many people try to get rid of unwanted pounds in a hurry. Consequently, everywhere you turn magazine articles, books and exercise DVDs promise fantastic weight loss in a short amount of time

  • Defense officials urge Congress to put all federal spending on table

    Feb 29, 2012

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the the Senate Budget Committee that the responsibility to reduce the deficit cannot be borne by defense alone.

  • Odierno fleshes out Pacific strategy, Afghan advisory mission

    Feb 23, 2012

    The Army will remain strong in the Pacific to reflect the increased emphasis on the region, the Army chief of staff said Tuesday.

  • Medal of Honor recipients visit post

    Feb 23, 2012

    Fort Jackson, S.C., Soldiers received lessons in history, heroism and humility last week during the visit of five Medal of Honor recipients.

  • Sexual assault has no place in the Army

    Feb 23, 2012

    Let's talk about a very serious subject: Sexual harassment and sexual assault.

  • Women's History Month event on tap

    Feb 23, 2012

    The first African American female to be promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the Army Adjutant General Corps, Coral Jones, will be the guest speaker during next month's Women's History Month luncheon.

  • Housing starts using QR code

    Feb 23, 2012

    The Fort Jackson Housing Division has developed a QR code to offer fast, convenient service to customers and to provide assistance when housing personnel is not available, for example after business hours.

  • 92-year-old WWII veteran shares tales of valor, sacrifice at luncheon

    Feb 23, 2012

    T. Moffatt Burriss tells incredible war stories. He can tell you what it was like to shoot the lock off a door to liberate prisoners confined in a concentration camp, and how he convinced a three-star German general to surrender his entire corps to two guys in a jeep.

  • Army wants to change to keep Soldiers 'excited' about service

    Feb 22, 2012

    Army leaders are aware of the differences between field forces and garrison forces and look to minimize the differences, the Army chief of staff said today.

  • DOD leaders: Budget request supports adaptable future force

    Feb 16, 2012

    The Pentagon's fiscal year 2013 budget request follows the defense strategy in shaping an adaptable, rapidly deployable military force with key 21st-century capabilities, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told Congress today.

  • Military spouse employment report released

    Feb 16, 2012

    Alongside the nation's top defense officials, First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, unveiled a new report that spotlights military spouses' employment challenges and aims to remove barriers for the thousands of spouses with occupational licenses, Feb. 15, 2012.

  • Fort Jackson employee tops in the Army

    Feb 16, 2012

    An employee with the Fort Jackson Housing Division has been named the top housing employee in the Army at the Professional Housing Management Association's annual conference in San Diego earlier this month.

  • Managing finances a readiness issue

    Feb 16, 2012

    "Anything that we can do to raise personal savings is very much in the interest of this country." -- Alan Greenspan, economist

  • Post to celebrate Black History Month

    Feb 16, 2012

    The Fort Jackson community is invited to celebrate Black History Month with a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 24 at the Solomon Center.

  • Military Saves Week to focus on preparing for retirement

    Feb 16, 2012

    With millions of baby boomers entering their retirement years and millions more still struggling from recent economic shifts, Military Saves Week 2012 will focus on establishing a sound retirement fund.

  • Burns help manage post's forests

    Feb 16, 2012

    Late winter and spring is the time of year when the Fort Jackson Forestry Branch's prescribed burn team is in high gear.

  • Listen live as leaders discuss how TRADOC is leading the transition to the Army of the Future during

    Feb 15, 2012

    Senior leaders from U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command will discuss how TRADOC is leading the Army's transition to the Army of the Future during the upcoming Association of the U.S. Army's Institute of Land Warfare Winter Symposium Exposition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Feb. 22 through 24.

  • Medal of Honor recipients set to visit

    Feb 14, 2012

    Five Medal of Honor recipients are scheduled to visit Fort Jackson to share their stories with the post community during a round table event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 16, 2012, at the Post Theater.

  • Medal of Honor epitomizes courage

    Feb 9, 2012

    "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers." -- John F. Kennedy

  • Program provides help to civilians

    Feb 9, 2012

    When the mounting demands of our daily lives leave us feeling frazzled and stressed, it's important to know where to turn for help.

  • Family donates WWI items to museum

    Feb 9, 2012

    The Moore family has a rich history of service. Family members have served in the Civil War, the Spanish- American War, World War I and World War II. Now, some of the military-related items that have been passed on through generations have found a new permanent home at the Basic Combat Training Museum.

  • Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair

    Feb 9, 2012

    USAG will host a 2012 "Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair" at the Fort Jackson Solomon Center on March 6.

  • NPR's hit show From the Top seeks young, military-connected classical musicians

    Feb 8, 2012

    From the Top with host Christopher O'Riley, the hit NPR radio program showcasing America's best young classical musicians, is seeking young musicians with military parents who are Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves or post 9-11 Veterans for its live show recording on June 27, 2012 at The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.

  • Army looking to ensure PTSD diagnosis consistent

    Feb 8, 2012

    The Army's surgeon general told members of Congress that the service is investigating how post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed to ensure consistency at all hospitals.

  • Obama announces program to hire vets as first responders

    Feb 7, 2012

    President Barack Obama today continued his commitment to improving employment among veterans by introducing an initiative to hire them as the country's first responders.

  • Town Hall to use Facebook

    Feb 2, 2012

    The next Fort Jackson town hall meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, at the Solomon Center. Community members can post questions to the garrison's Facebook account.

  • Employees now may request estimates online

    Feb 2, 2012

    Electronic retirement estimates are now available online. Current DA employees who are eligible for a voluntary or optional retirement within the next five years can now request a retirement estimate electronically through the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS).

  • Army Nurse Corps celebrates 111 years of caring, devotion

    Feb 2, 2012

    Today is a great day for the Army Nurse Corps. One-hundred, eleven years ago, Congress passed the Army Reorganization Act, which established the Army Nurse Corps as a permanent corps of the medical department.

  • Exercise to get a grip on love handles

    Feb 2, 2012

    I have often wondered why we use the term, "love handles," to describe our waistline so affectionately. After all, we strive to reduce and eliminate love handles, not build them up to admire.

  • 2011 Year in Photos

    Feb 1, 2012

    The best photos of Soldiers and families are all in one place.

  • Post mourns Medal of Honor winner

    Feb 1, 2012

    An estimated 1,300 Soldiers lined the streets of Fort Jackson and hundreds more filed into the Post Theater for a memorial service in honor of retired Master Sgt. John Baker, a Medal of Honor recipient who died Jan. 20 at his home in Northeast Columbia.

  • Post proudly celebrates black history

    Feb 1, 2012

    Each February, Fort Jackson takes pride in its celebration of Black History Month, providing Soldiers, Family members and civilians the opportunity to learn about the many achievements and sacrifices African-Americans have made during the course of our history.

  • Post to welcome new CSM

    Feb 1, 2012

    The Army Training Center and Fort Jackson will welcome its new top enlisted Soldier with an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony at 3 p.m., Tuesday, in front of Post Headquarters.

  • SMA visit focuses on Army transition

    Jan 26, 2012

    Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler visited Fort Jackson last week to talk about training issues and to brief Soldiers and noncommissioned officers about upcoming changes and challenges.

  • Jan. 25, 2012 -- CSA remarks at AUSA Institute of Land Warfare Breakfast

    Jan 26, 2012

    Jan. 25, 2012 -- CSA remarks at AUSA Institute of Land Warfare Breakfast

  • Community tours foster partnerships

    Jan 26, 2012

    In a few weeks, we will kick off our "Come See Your Army Tours" for 2012. I am a big advocate of educating the public about what the Army does at Fort Jackson.

  • BCT Soldiers turn out to be battle buddies in time of need

    Jan 26, 2012

    Anyone who has ever conducted a Victory Block Leave training cycle understands its benefits and challenges. The benefit that every participating member receives is the ability to spend quality time with their loved ones during the holiday season.

  • Chaplain assembles 'call to purity'

    Jan 26, 2012

    Last year a group from ChapelNext, a contemporary Protestant congregation met at Bayonet Chapel to figure out how to improve spiritual resiliency at Fort Jackson.

  • Medal of Honor recipient Baker dies at 66

    Jan 26, 2012

    Medal of Honor recipient, retired Master Sgt. John F. Baker Jr., died Jan. 20, in Columbia. Baker, a Northeast Columbia resident and loyal supporter of Fort Jackson, was 66.

  • Post celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.

    Jan 26, 2012

    Post hosts Martin Luther King Jr. remembrance.

  • Odierno: Army seeks increased partnerships in Asia

    Jan 25, 2012

    The Army is looking for increased opportunities to partner with allies in Asia, including both Korea and Japan.

  • CSA's Marching Orders -- America's Force of Decisive Action

    Jan 19, 2012

    Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno issued his Marching Orders Jan. 2012, titled "America's Force of Decisive Action."

  • Tax season under way, center to open

    Jan 19, 2012

    In today's economy, if you have the opportunity to save some money, you had better take advantage of it.

  • King's dream remains alive, demands everyone's action

    Jan 19, 2012

    It has been nearly 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. This speech immortalized Dr. King.

  • Fort Jackson - What's cooking?

    Jan 19, 2012

    The Fort Jackson Thrift Shop is publishing a Fort Jackson Cookbook titled, "Fort Jackson -- What's Cooking?"

  • Factors determine eligibilty for free foreclosure review

    Jan 19, 2012

    Millions of Americans may be eligible for a free mortgage foreclosure review.

  • Interim family support tied to BAH

    Jan 19, 2012

    Because of new basic housing allowance rates for 2012 that recently took effect, service members providing interim family support pursuant should adjust their allotments accordingly.

  • Streamling: job application system to change soon

    Jan 18, 2012

    The path to government employment is about to change. This year, the Department of Defense will streamline the federal employment process by using a new software system called USA Staffing.

  • Lane change

    Jan 12, 2012

    Motorists who drive onto Fort Jackson are no longer required to have a vehicle decal.

  • Keep King's legacy of service alive

    Jan 12, 2012

    As the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday approaches, we are reminded of how successful, we as a nation and an Army can be, when we work harmoniously and respect one another.

  • Battle of New Orleans holds lessons for today's military

    Jan 12, 2012

    Mention the city of New Orleans and instantly images of Mardi Gras, the NFL's Saints or the destructive power of Hurricane Katrina come to mind. Few people think back to the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans, a battle that decisively changed the course of American history and made Andrew Jackson the most revered general since George Washington.

  • Tax center scheduled to open Jan. 23

    Jan 12, 2012

    Taxpayers have two extra days to file their income tax returns this year, and Fort Jackson is ready to help Soldiers and their families meet the April 17 deadline with free preparation and filing at the tax center.

  • MLK luncheon scheduled

    Jan 12, 2012

    In 1963, a dreamer named Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in front of thousands at the National Mall and spoke about revolutionary ideas like racial integration and equality.

  • Credit score important tool in making financial decisions

    Jan 12, 2012

    Credit scores allow creditors and lenders to assess a person's credit and determine his or her credit risk.

  • Use discretion in political activites

    Jan 12, 2012

    As a public affairs practitioner, I sat in horror last week as I watched coverage of the Iowa caucuses and saw a Soldier in uniform show up on national television at a candidate's election night celebration.

  • Weight-loss resolutions require plan to succeed

    Jan 12, 2012

    Many of us make New Year's resolutions to improve our lives. Two areas that are often targeted are losing weight and increasing physical activity.

  • On the move: Relocations to continue through 2016

    Jan 4, 2012

    Trying to keep up with current locations of units and organizations on Fort Jackson has become increasingly challenging as a number of the post's residents have changed addresses throughout the last six months.

  • Milano: Embrace changes in new year

    Jan 4, 2012

    Welcome back from the holidays and Victory Block Leave! I hope all of you had a great time and are re-energized for what will surely be a challenging year ahead.

  • New system puts patient at center of medical care

    Jan 4, 2012

    What is the new Patient Caring Touch System and why is PCTS important? Why would people care about what it is? Those are questions I was recently asked by Col. John A. Nerges, my deputy commander for nursing.

  • Playground gets green holiday gift

    Jan 4, 2012

    Fort Jackson's boundless playground became even more pretty and playful at the recent landscaping unveiling ceremony. Cheryl Jackson, the Fort Jackson ACS Exceptional Family Member Program manager, won $750 of landscaping in a raffle and donated the winnings to the playground project.

  • Soldiers celebrate holidays on post

    Jan 4, 2012

    Millions of Americans hit the busy airports and packed highways to get home for the holidays, but hundreds of Fort Jackson training Soldiers decided to stay on post for Victory Block Leave.

  • Longtime employee remembered

    Jan 4, 2012

    The Fort Jackson community lost a very important person when Jeremiah Jeffcoat died unexpectedly shortly before Christmas.

  • FMWR continues long legacy of caring for Soldiers, families

    Jan 4, 2012

    In 2007, the Army signed the Army Family Covenant, a promise to Soldiers and their Families that the Army's support would be commensurate to the sacrifices Soldiers and their Families make in their service to the nation.

  • New year offers chance for do-over

    Jan 4, 2012

    With the new year come great expectations, anticipation and challenges.

  • Victory Update Vol. 11-10

    Dec 14, 2011

    Latest newscast from Fort Jackson, SC.

  • Winter Break: Post's Victory Block Leave under way

    Dec 14, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As school children count down the final days until winter break, Fort Jackson is getting ready for its own vacation. This week, the Soldiers-in-training will be departing for Victory Block Leave from today until Jan. 2.

  • Tips help parents choose kids' furry friends

    Dec 14, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- This is a time of the year when Santa brings not only toys, but often a soft, fluffy four-legged animal as a new addition to the family. The topic of pet ownership, including the pros and cons, must be discussed with the real care providers -- the parents.

  • Milano: Make most of holiday season

    Dec 14, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- My wife, Kim, and I wish all of you a very joyous and safe holiday season. Enjoy this very special time of the year and take the opportunity to spend some well-deserved down time with your family and friends.

  • Vehicle registration to be discontinued

    Dec 14, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As of Jan.1, those entering Fort Jackson will no longer be issued vehicle decals. This policy change is aimed at eliminating the duplicated registration processes between the state and the military, post officials said.

  • Fort Jackson CFC raises $500k for charities

    Dec 14, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The 2011 Combined Federal Campaign drew to an official close Monday with a recognition luncheon at the Officers' Club. However, federal employees still can contribute to their favorite charities until the end of the day.

  • Retention goals changing

    Dec 14, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The days of an iconic Uncle Sam wanting everyone to join the U.S. Army are coming to an end. At the Commanding General's Retention Awards Luncheon Dec. 9 at the Officers' Club, there was a recurring message of retaining quality Soldiers over large quantities of Soldiers.

  • Longtime post employee retires

    Dec 14, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- After 32 years of federal service, Hazel Kelly will retire Dec. 31. She has served 24 years as Fort Jackson's executive services officer. Hazel began working for the Army in Germany as the V Corps Army community services officer and in Washington, D.C., as an alcohol and drug abuse prevention specialist.

  • Crime scene: Post tests emergency plans

    Dec 8, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The scene looked as if it could have been taken from the TV series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation -- a group of crime scene investigators, one donning a full-body protective suit and carrying a camera, most others wearing paper booties to protect the scene from contamination, entered a building as special response team members secured the perimeter. Carrying their special kits, the small team surveyed the scene; shell casings littered the floor, an assault rifle lay nearby. Blood was spattered on the floor and the walls.

  • CFC supports local, national efforts

    Dec 8, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- I am proud of the Fort Jackson community for the generosity it has shown so far this year in support of the 2011 Combined Federal Campaign, which will soon come to a close. As of this week, Fort Jackson's contribution total was roughly $510,000. These funds will go a long way in supporting a great number of charitable organizations that depend on us.

  • Stall to leave legacy of leadership

    Dec 8, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- He planned to retire after serving in the Army for 20 years and one day, but at the end of this week, Post Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall will assume another command sergeant major position with the 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Co.

  • New SSI commander named

    Dec 8, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army announced Monday that Col. David MacEwen was selected to become the next commanding officer of the Soldier Support Institute. MacEwen, who is nominated for promotion to brigadier general, currently serves as the executive officer to the vice chief of staff of the Army.

  • Spread the holiday cheer: Fort Jackson begins festive season with lights, music

    Dec 8, 2011

    Fort Jackson began the holiday season Dec. 1 with its annual Christmas Tree, Manger and Menorah ceremony, which ended with a surprise visit by Santa. Sunday, members of the post and local community were treated to a concert by the 282nd Army Band.

  • Sports season wraps up with banquet

    Dec 8, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- One day after falling short of an undefeated flag football season by losing in the championship game, the Soldier-athletes of the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) had reason to celebrate.

  • Army STARRS: Post participates in mental health study

    Dec 1, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Some of the first things new Soldiers do when they arrive at the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) have been around for generations -- getting an Army haircut, receiving uniforms and undergoing medical tests. But since last January, new Soldiers have been given the opportunity to contribute to a long-term Army-wide study that aims to enhance Soldiers' well-being.

  • Post community decks the halls

    Dec 1, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- It's that time of year. Tales of a nutcracker prince and a red-nosed reindeer fill the ears of those young and old. Shoppers rush to stores in search of perfect gifts while nativity scenes and menorahs remind us of the miracles of the season.

  • Stewardship efforts help more than post

    Dec 1, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- You don't need a math degree from MIT to understand the concept that saving energy equates to saving money. As taxpaying citizens, we always need to make sure that we scrutinize our costs so that the funding that is allocated to us is used to its maximum benefits.

  • Website provides leaders continuity, collaboration

    Dec 1, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson has initiated a leadership development Web page to promote idea sharing across the Army Training Center on Fort Jackson and across Initial Military Training. The Web page has two versions -- an open version for all military IMT installations and units to review and an AKO-access only SharePoint version with more guarded information and postings for Fort Jackson leaders.

  • TRADOC commander sends holiday wishes, urges safety

    Nov 30, 2011

    The winter holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to visit Family and friends, take much needed time off from our daily routines, and reflect on accomplishments of the past year. I extend my heartfelt appreciation and special holiday greeting to all TRADOC Soldiers, civilians, and Family members, especially those with deployed loved ones.

  • Arlington National Cemetery breaks ground for huge columbarium

    Nov 30, 2011

    Arlington National Cemetery began its first major construction project in nearly eight years with a ground-breaking ceremony Nov. 30, 2011, for a 20,000-niche columbarium, which will extend the life of the cemetery to 2024.

  • EPA partners with Army on 'Net Zero' effort

    Nov 29, 2011

    The U.S. Army and the Environmental Protection Agency are collaborating on the Army's "Net Zero" initiative to conserve energy and water while recycling waste at military installations.

  • Survey to assess interest, use and satisfaction with MWR programs

    Nov 29, 2011

    SAN ANTONIO -- The Army will survey members of its communities worldwide beginning in March as part of an effort to improve morale, welfare and recreation programs (UPDATED)

  • Veterans get boost as Obama signs tax credits into law

    Nov 22, 2011

    President Barack Obama delivered a clear message today when he signed two new tax credits into law to increase the hiring of military veterans and wounded warriors.

  • Food fight: Thanksgiving competition under way

    Nov 22, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Dining facilities are competing to bring Fort Jackson Soldiers and families the best culinary experience this Thanksgiving. The Best Decorated Dining Facility Competition benefits the Soldiers and also the dining facility staff said Robert Cook, a contest judge with Directorate of Logistics.

  • Milano: Thanks for supporting our Army

    Nov 22, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day 2011, our nation finds itself in a decade-old war. Ironically, Thanksgiving became a national holiday more than 150 years ago as our nation was embroiled in a long and grueling Civil War so that Soldiers in the field could enjoy some of the comforts of home.

  • Post honors families of the year

    Nov 22, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- In celebration of National Military Family Appreciation Month, the Fort Jackson community honored 16 families for their contributions to the community in its annual Families of the Year ceremony Friday at the Solomon Center.

  • Event celebrates Native Americans

    Nov 22, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson hosted chiefs from three different local tribes during its annual Native American Heritage Month Luncheon at the Officers' Club Friday. Representatives from the South Carolina-based Catawba, Beaver Creek and Edisto tribes came to share information about their histories and futures with the Jackson community.

  • Fair spells fun for family members

    Nov 22, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson Child, Youth and School Services treated post families to a treat with its annual Family Fun Fair at the Solomon Center Saturday. The fair was one of many actitivies scheduled throughout the month for National Military Family Appreciation Month.

  • Wildcat sax player inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club

    Nov 21, 2011

    It started with only a couple of weeks' prep time and it ended with a recitation of the NCO creed while in the front-leaning rest position. However, it is an event that will only happen once in the life of Staff Sgt. Tyler Myers: induction into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club.

  • Warrior chat: BCT Soldiers connect with recruits

    Nov 17, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Civilians got a peek into the mysterious life of a Fort Jackson Basic Combat Training Soldier Monday night, thanks to a partnership between the U.S. Army Recruiting Command and a Fort Jackson unit.

  • Thank you for serving: Columbia, post salute veterans with parade, wreath laying

    Nov 17, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson held a wreath-laying ceremony Nov. 10 in honor of Veterans Day. Post officials and units also participated in the city of Columbia's annual Veterans Day parade Nov. 11.

  • Safety important this holiday season

    Nov 17, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- With the holiday season fast approaching, we will reacquaint ourselves with the Loaded 45 Holiday Safety Campaign. Most of you are familiar with the terminology, "Loaded 45," but in case you don't recognize the phrase, it refers to the 45-day period that runs from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.

  • TRADOC holds junior leader forum as part of Unified Quest program

    Nov 17, 2011

    The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command is hosting the Army Profession Junior Leader Forum at Fort Sill, Okla., as part of TRADOC's Unified Quest program.

  • Private wish: Teen fulfills dream of being a Soldier

    Nov 10, 2011

    FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Alyssa Braden could have had any wish in the world fulfilled. But -- in lieu of meeting a celebrity or visiting a theme park -- the diminutive teen chose to get down and dirty.