The in-processing and orientation given to new permanent party Soldiers at Fort Sill has changed in the last few months, but the intent is the same -- to provide information about resources, activities and facilities on post and in the community to make their family's tour of duty a good one.

While the every-Wednesday Start Right portion held by Family and Morale, Recreation and Welfare is mandatory for most enlisted Soldiers and junior officers, their families are invited to attend. However, few do. Cynthia Phillips-Lewis, Army Relocation Assistance Manager for Army Community Services, said only one spouse was at the Sept. 14 class. While Soldiers concentrate on Soldier things, she said, "spouses think about family stuff. There IS life after work."

The welcome packet provided to attendees is detailed enough that spouses can look through it later and decide which services and opportunities they will participate in.

The orientation was formerly held all day Tuesday, but now the activities are spread out over nine days in smaller increments. Phillips-Lewis said 60 participants is the usual number, but during the "summer surge" they can fill the room with up to 100 attendees.

The morning began with Natira Mcgee, relocation assistant for ACS, saying, "You are literally located in the middle of the U.S. Think of all the travel opportunities you have."

Because of training holidays that coincide with federal holidays, Soldiers and their families can visit many locations within a day's drive for a mini-vacation, she said.

"It's also possible to travel on a dime if you do your research," she said.

Phillips-Lewis echoed that sentiment. "There are lots of free and low-cost activities here. Why would you want to stay in your room and not go anywhere? Don't be a barracks rat." For single Soldiers, or those geographically separated from their families, there is the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program which sponsors many activities and trips.

"Fort Sill has beautiful weather most of the time," she said. "Sometimes you get all four seasons in one day." She also warned them that snow removal from neighborhood streets may be nonexistent so they may have to wait it out in winter. "Stock up on food" when snow is in the forecast, she emphasized.

She also played a Jeopardy-style game with clues about places or activities, and gave the winners certificates for such things as a free oil change at the Auto Craft Center, and a free burger basket at the Patriot Club. Adventure Travel at the Welcome Center also has discounted amusement park tickets. "Every once in awhile we get free Dallas Cowboys tickets," she said.

The class was broken down into three groups of 20 to make the rounds of various offices. They visited the Staff Judge Advocate Center on the 4th floor and learned they could get free legal assistance for certain matters, as well as free tax preparation.

Downstairs in the Army Community Services office, they were told a lot of research for activities and services has already been done for them, so they should take advantage of the resources offered. ACS can help with enrolling their children in school, finding free activities, providing household items from the Loan Closet, obtain a free credit score, assist with resume preparation for spouses, and help them with a loan or grant through Army Emergency Relief.

They also visited the Survivor Outreach Services office. Cheryl Wehner, SOS Support Coordinator, said the SOS program is congressionally mandated but funding must come from donations. Her office works with Gold Star families and sponsors several events and fundraisers, such as the Run for the Fallen in November.

The Hall of Remembrance is part of her office, and the walls are lined with photographs of fallen service members of all branches with ties to Fort Sill, Oklahoma or Arkansas. Wehner said when one of the Start Right groups came through a major saw the photograph of someone he knew on the wall. "He didn't know he'd been killed," said Wehner. "He started to cry."

Even with the services and assistance in making a Soldier and his family feel welcome at Fort Sill, the Hall of Remembrance is a reminder that, above all else, a Soldier's duty may require the ultimate sacrifice.

The Start Right program is held in Room 216 of the Welcome Center (Building 4700) every Wednesday from 10:40 a.m. to noon. For information call: 580-442-4916/3095.