Nov 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Call it optimism. Call it wishful thinking. Or call it a belief that mankind would come to its senses. When America's lawmakers more than 90 years ago created Veterans Day -- or Armistice Day, as it was known back then -- they thought that the end of World War I would be the end of all wars.

Nov 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The man who taught America "How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk," visited Fort Jackson last week to teach Soldiers, family members and civilians about resiliency.

Nov 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Holly Petraeus, director of the Office of Servicemember Affairs in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, visited Fort Jackson Friday and Saturday to assess the financial readiness training provided to Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

Nov 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Command teams from across Fort Jackson took a break from Basic Combat Training to visit two Revolutionary War battlefields to discover what lessons learned from the past apply today.

Nov 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Pfc. Tameka Harte opened a children's book and began reading her 8-year-old daughter a story about Thomas the Tank Engine. And though the ritual sounds routine, what made it unique was that the Basic Combat Training Soldier was reading to a camera set up in the corner of her chaplain's office; and her daughter was more than 200 miles away.

Nov 9, 2011

SAN ANTONIO -- An 8 percent premium increase for the Non-Appropriated Fund Employee Health Benefit Plan is one factor NAF employees should be aware of during Open Season, Oct. 31 - Nov. 30. The Jan. 1 premium increase, due to rising medical claim costs, still falls below comparable figures in private sector employment benefit plans.

Nov 9, 2011

SAN ANTONIO -- When I took command of the Installation Management Command in November 2009, we set out to validate that we were doing the right things and doing things right, and to find better ways of doing business.

Nov 3, 2011

More than 1,500 veterans and family members gathered in Washington, DC Nov. 1-3 to honor Japanese-American veterans who served during World War II.

Nov 3, 2011

Fort Jackson continues to adjust its child care fees in an effort to meet a DoD mandate that requires installations to adhere to the DoD fee scale by the beginning of school year 2013-2014.

Nov 3, 2011

Watching some of this year's World Series baseball action, I was reminded of the fact that solid fundamentals are essential to mastering skills, regardless of whether we are talking sports abilities or the profession of arms.

Nov 3, 2011

The Traumatic Injury Protection under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance is now open to service members of all components -- whether injured in war or back at home.

Nov 3, 2011

Children of all ages filled the Solomon Center Friday night for Fort Jackson's annual Fall Festival.

Oct 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The University of South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team participated in a different kind of team practice during its daylong visit to Fort Jackson Oct. 20.

Oct 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- In November, we will be recognizing the historical contributions of the original people of our land, Native Americans. As in all of our cultural observances, we seek to provide a forum for the sharing of culture, tradition, music, craft, dance and ways of life while also highlighting specific contributions to the Army in war and in peacetime.

Oct 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The culprit behind America's second leading cause of death isn't the result of too many cigarettes or driving recklessly. It's sitting in your bathroom cabinet, kitchen or bedside table, and you may use it every day.

Oct 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- You knew your baby would cry. But picture yourself up for the 10th night in a row with a crying, inconsolable infant. The baby isn't sick, wet, cold or hungry.

Oct 27, 2011

Duo Big & Rich performed a free concert at Fort Jackson last week.

Oct 26, 2011

The United States Postal Service and Military Postal Service Agency have released deadlines to ensure packages arrive to Military and State Department post offices overseas by December 25, 2011.

Oct 26, 2011

New training requirements for Army motorcyclists went into effect in fiscal year 2012, and failure to comply could lead to the loss of on-post riding privileges.

Oct 26, 2011

Block leave policies for Basic Combat Training Soldiers during the 2011 holiday season have been released.

Oct 26, 2011

In the last year, the Army has moved closer to transforming its civilian work force of more than 320,000 employees.

Oct 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Tuesday afternoon, a group of budding chefs took turns whisking a bowl full of cinnamon apple muffin batter. Once the muffins were baking in one of the double ovens in the state-of-the-art kitchen the chefs were using, they would move on to making the apple butter that would be served alongside the muffins.

Oct 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As we approach the fourth anniversary of Fort Jackson's signing of the Army Family Covenant, I ask that we all reflect on how our quality of life continues to get better as a result of this initiative and our Army's efforts to improve upon our family culture.

Oct 20, 2011

When Pvt. Jereld Vanhook, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, arrived in Basic Combat Training nine weeks ago, his "brother," Pfc. Omari Paul was by his side.

Oct 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- What do rising tuition costs, nerve-wracking school visits, waiting lists and expensive application fees have in common? No, I'm not going back to school; my son is. And so far, choosing a preschool seems a more daunting task than applying for college.

Oct 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson's Soldier Support Institute hosted its annual postwide Hispanic Heritage Month event Saturday, which included various performers and food vendors.

Oct 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Country artists Big & Rich will perform a free concert Saturday as part of Tour for the Troops. This concert is free to all DoD identification card holders and their guests.

Oct 18, 2011

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command continues to receive hundreds of reports of various scams involving persons pretending to be U.S. Soldiers serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Oct 13, 2011

As part of its drive to end homelessness among veterans by 2015, the Veterans Affairs Department has launched an outreach initiative in 28 communities across the nation.

Oct 13, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A Fort Jackson drill sergeant received the Army Achievement Medal after being credited with saving a Soldier's life in an incident last month.

Oct 13, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- During the month of October, we are observing Domestic Violence Awareness month with a number of activities that promote the prevention of domestic abuse. Here on Fort Jackson, Army Community Services' Family Advocacy Program traditionally organizes awareness events, calling attention to domestic abuse. ACS has provided this service to our community for the past seven years, and this year is no exception.

Oct 13, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As a foreign-born or American-born spouse, are you concerned about meeting new friends, available services and contact points regarding these issues? The Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program has the answers for you.

Oct 13, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For many people, the holidays being right around the corner means it is time for spending money. With buying gifts, hosting parties or traveling, holiday expenses can really start to add up. Today's economy makes the holiday season even more difficult.

Oct 13, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As the cool weather approaches our doorstep and the leaves start to turn, I would like to take a moment to stop and reflect on the difference in perspective the change in seasons provides us as we trade another long, hot summer for a much-welcomed autumn breeze here on Fort Jackson.

Oct 12, 2011

The Defense Department must preserve its essential military capabilities as it tightens its belt over the next decade, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

Oct 6, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson is getting ready for its fifth annual "Hotoberfest" and fire station open house to promote fire prevention and safety. Each year Directorate of Emergency Services and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation organize an open house and carnival that are as educational as they are entertaining.

Oct 6, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Fort Jackson community will have the opportunity to experience Hispanic culture at the installation's annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, which is scheduled for Oct. 15 at Patriot Park.

Oct 6, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson held its annual Food Expo Tuesday to give members of the post community a chance to get a "taste" of what is offered in the on-post dining facilities. Although the theme of the expo was "Victory thru nutrition," attendees were also able to sample some comfort food and occasional treats.

Oct 6, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson spouses enjoyed a day full of encouragement, education and laughter at the first Spouses Embracing Life Fully, or SELF, Symposium on Friday at the Solomon Center.

Oct 6, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- October is Security Awareness Month, and because all DA personnel are required to have some type of background check and are responsible for safeguarding information, now is a good time to remind everyone of some key points with regards to personnel and information security.

Oct 6, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- At age 50, Helen Thayer became the first woman to travel alone to the magnetic North Pole. And after a car accident that she was told would leave her unable to walk, she -- at 63 -- went on to become the first woman to walk all the way across the Mongolian Gobi Desert.

Oct 6, 2011

Prevention of Domestic Abuse Community Awareness Day will begin at Fort Jackson, S.C., with a Walk Against Domestic Abuse, followed by guest speakers from the Family Advocacy Program, the state Attorney General's Office and the Department of Social Services.

Oct 6, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Fort Jackson Fire Department Fire Prevention Kick-off Carnival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. This year's theme is "Protect your family from fire."

Sep 30, 2011

Soldiers at Fort Jackson, S.C., learn about how to promote personal growth despite the rigors of combat.

Sep 29, 2011

National Disability Employment Awareness Month tri-signed letter

Sep 29, 2011

Every year the Army observes National Suicide Prevention Week. This year, the Army extended the one-week observance to last the entire month to emphasize its commitment to the health, safety and well-being of Soldiers.

Sep 29, 2011

I was shocked how deeply it hurt me. But I guess losing a relationship after nine years will do that to you.

Sep 29, 2011

The deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command became the first-ever female U.S. Army African-American officer to obtain the rank of major general during her promotion and departure ceremony at the Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude Complex Thursday.

Sep 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For the sixth straight year, the Fort Jackson community will get a taste of the Army -- literally -- at the Fort Jackson Food Expo. About 40 vendors are scheduled to offer free samples of their food at the expo, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday at the NCO Club.

Sep 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- If you haven't had to get a background check recently, or have one updated, it is very likely that you have never had to venture inside the Installation Security Office, a small building that sits catty-corner from Post Headquarters.

Sep 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson children will step into the spotlight Friday at the second annual Exceptional Family Member Program talent and fashion show 6 p.m. at the Joe E. Mann Center.

Sep 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Looking for a job can be a daunting and disappointing experience. Even after sending out numerous resumes, job seekers may not receive a single invitation for an interview.

Sep 22, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Perez Fitness Center will reopen its doors Monday at 5:30 a.m. with $2.4 million in upgrades.

Sep 22, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- This past weekend, several of us had the honor and privilege of attending a reunion of Vietnam veterans from Company C, 3rd Battalion 60th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Charging Charlies." The fact that we are currently members of the same company more than 40 years later and share similar combat experiences was an added and humbling bonus.

Sep 21, 2011

Budget cuts create more risk for the military in a time of war, but the risk can be reduced by making decisions strategically and protecting core national security interests, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today.

Sep 21, 2011

The Office of The Judge Advocate General is now accepting applications for the Army's Funded Legal Education Program. Under this program, the Army projects sending up to 25 active duty commissioned officers to law school at government expense.

Sep 21, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson spouses will be treated to a full day of sharing ideas, learning about new topics and gaining insight into how to strengthen their families. The SELF Symposium -- SELF stands for "Spouses Embracing Life Fully" -- is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 30 at the Solomon Center.

Sep 21, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Hispanic Heritage Month officially began Sept. 15 to coincide with the anniversaries of seven Latin American countries: Mexico, Chile, Cost Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua gaining their independence.

Sep 21, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Nearly 200 Soldiers, civilians, family members and retirees did it in pink Saturday -- "it" meaning exercise, of course.

Sep 19, 2011

No one has matched the United States' time, resources and commitment to accounting for its missing military members and honoring its prisoners of war, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today.

Sep 16, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ga. - Today's Army faces challenges on several fronts, from hybrid threats to budget cuts, and change at the doctrinal level is necessary to meet the demands of the future, the commander of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command said Tuesday.

Sep 15, 2011

A group of veterans who fought in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 with the 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment visited with cadre and Soldiers-in-training of the current 2-39th as part of their three-day reunion at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Sep 15, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- One of the most sweeping changes in U.S. law that directly affects the military is about to take place in a few days, though I expect its implementation to come and go without incident or fanfare. I am referring to the repeal of the law known as "Don't Ask Don't Tell," which will occur Sept. 20, barring any last-minute legal obstacles.

Sep 15, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Commanders and command sergeants major of the Army Training Center battalions and brigades came together Friday for a virtual staff ride to analyze and discuss the Battle of Wanat.

Sep 15, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Service members who have deployed or traveled far from home know when they see the patriotic banner with "USO" on it, there's surely musical entertainment, food, a feel of home and appreciation nearby.

Sep 15, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Sunday is the start of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs through Sept. 24.

Sep 15, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Fort Jackson community joined the rest of the nation in remembering the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a Wreath-laying Ceremony in front of Post Headquarters Friday.

Sep 15, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Country artist Kellie Pickler performed Saturday during a Patriot Day concert at Hilton Field.

Sep 8, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Friday, Fort Jackson will take time to remember first responders and service members who gave their lives in Sept. 11 rescue efforts during a wreath-laying ceremony at Post Headquarters.

Sep 8, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The U.S. Army Adjutant General School will host a Maude Leadership Lecture, 2 p.m., Tuesday at the Solomon Center. The guest speaker will be Lt. Gen. David H. Huntoon, Jr., Superintendent of the United States Military Academy.

Sep 8, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Everywhere I look, women are wearing toning sneakers in hopes of a getting a great rear view. Can a sneaker really deliver a more sculpted lower body without weights, aerobic classes or the tried and true squat? Take a closer look at today's hottest fitness gear and see if you too should give toning sneakers a try.

Sep 8, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For the first time in six years, where I live -- and how we pay for it -- won't be taken care of by the Army. And when I make a phone call about health insurance, child care or, anything really, the person on the other line won't care about my sponsor's Social Security number. Because come this fall, I will no longer be a dependent; I'll just be a civilian.

Sep 8, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Many Americans will always remember where they were Sept.11, 2001, but there is a small part of the Fort Jackson community who will never know what life was like before that terrorist attack on home soil. Children at Fort Jackson's schools will rely on history lessons and recounted stories instead of their own memories on this 10th anniversary.

Sep 8, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- When Mark Mallach, then a master sergeant stationed at Fort Jackson, drove to work on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, he was waved through the gate by Military Police without having his ID card checked, as was the custom at the time.

Sep 7, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- This week, we will remember the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation. With those memories will come images, words and names. We will also remember the sequence of events and where we were as they unfolded.

Sep 1, 2011

President Barack Obama yesterday called on Congress to move quickly on an initiative to offer tax credits to employers who hire unemployed veterans, including those with disabilities.

Sep 1, 2011

As the Army nears its 10th year in the War on Terrorism, Soldier suicide rates have reached a historic high.

Sep 1, 2011

We celebrate Labor Day weekend beginning tomorrow. Labor Day honors the American worker and the unofficial end to summer, and as such, there will be no shortage of social gatherings and well deserved get-togethers.

Sep 1, 2011

U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, Commander, International Security Assistant force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A), who also served as the Multi-National Forces-Iraq Commander, retired from the Army Aug. 31 and will assume his position as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Sept. 6.

Sep 1, 2011

The Fort Jackson Combined Federal Campaign got under way Monday with an opening event at the Officers' Club that brought together CFC partner organizations, CFC coordinators and installation leadership.

Sep 1, 2011

Jesus RosaVelez, director of the Fort Jackson's Network Enterprise Center, was recognized Thursday by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce with the Palmetto Pillar Award for his outstanding leadership in the field of technology.

Sep 1, 2011

At the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School, next to the director for the Center for Spiritual Leadership resides Chaplain (Col.) Dan Ames, the director of the Center for World Religions.

Sep 1, 2011

In 2007, a then 16-year-old Saw Blut was a refugee in Malaysia, having fled his home in Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, a country in Southeast Asia.

Aug 25, 2011

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Statistics often tell only part of a story, but when it comes to raw numbers, the tale of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command lingers as one of precision and triumph over adversity.

Aug 25, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A sign above the foyer doorway greets visitors to Julia Rodes' new on-post home with the words, 'Every day holds the possibility of a miracle.' For Rodes, those possibilities have been realized in many ways since a near-fatal motorcycle accident left her paralyzed and brought out the best in the Fort Jackson community.

Aug 25, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Combined Federal Campaign. Federal workers have been supporting CFC since 1961, and during this time have donated more than $6 billion, making the CFC one of the largest charitable organizations in the world. As many of you know, CFC's mission is to provide all federal employees the opportunity to donate to a worthy charity.

Aug 25, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson celebrated Women's Equality Day by recognizing one of the Army's female pioneers at an Officers' Club luncheon Tuesday afternoon. Col. Priscilla Hamilton, the first woman to command Army Dental Command, was the event's keynote speaker. Hamilton is responsible for five regions and more than 200 Army dental clinics worldwide.

Aug 25, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Family members whose loved ones attend Basic Combat Training with the 193rd Infantry Brigade now have a new way to communicate with the unit. The brigade started using an online chat room to answer questions about Family Day and graduation.

Aug 25, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- At the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School, amid student-filled halls and breezeways, a quiet office with a few military personnel and one civilian serves as the Chaplain Corps' foundation for spiritual mentoring.

Aug 25, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- More than 1,000 participants came out to race in memory of service members for Fort Jackson's first Run for the Fallen Saturday morning at the Hilton Softball Complex.

Aug 22, 2011

Family members, whether a spouse, child or dependent adult, with a chronic medical condition or special educational requirement are eligible to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Conditions run the gamut of everything from asthma and allergies to autism and Alzheimer's disease.

Aug 22, 2011

In his clearest statement on the subject to date, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today that if the military retirement system changes, it will not affect serving servicemembers.

Aug 18, 2011

A memorial service was held Wednesday for Medal of Honor recipient Charles Murray, who died of congestive heart failure at his home in Columbia Friday, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday.

Aug 18, 2011

Every Aug. 26, the Nation celebrates Women's Equality Day to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment which gave women full voting rights in 1920.

Aug 18, 2011

Fort Jackson trains thousands of Soldiers each year and for many, basic training is the hardest physical training their bodies have ever endured.

Aug 18, 2011

Smart phones give users the capabilities to do anything from video chats to voting for the next American Idol. Now your phone can serve as a direct line to the Fort Jackson garrison commander.

Aug 18, 2011

Staff Sgt. Ashten Richardson joined the Army looking for some college money, but he found a career instead.

Aug 18, 2011

It didn't really hit me until Friday night. Nearly two weeks, ago, I headed to Fort Meade, Md. to attend the tail end of a 5 1/2 month course.

Aug 18, 2011

The loss of a child is a parent's worst nightmare. Suzy Shealy experienced that loss when her first-born son, Sgt. Joseph Shealy, was killed in Iraq in 2005.

Aug 17, 2011

For those Army family members who put off completing the Global Assessment Tool survey due to the sheer number of questions, the folks who run the program listened and brought the number of questions from 260 down to 80.