Alpha Co. Newsletter
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Transcript of Alpha Co. Newsletter
sibilities of Platoon Leader
alongside the new Platoon Ser-
geant SFC Henderson for 2nd
Platoon; and CW2 Kinsey be-
came the Platoon Leader with
SFC Moore as Platoon Ser-
geant for 3rd Platoon. Con-
gratulations to all of them, and
I am convinced that they will
steer their platoons successfully
through the challenges of tran-
sition in the coming weeks.
Finally, I want to express my
pride in every Archangel that
participated in the Sports Day
event that closed out the month
of July: you all looked great,
and next year we will bring
the cup back to this office.
Death From Above...Burn In
Hell!
By CPT Christopher Carbone
July was a very successful
month for Alpha Company.
We started off the month with
Warrior Day, where the Arch-
angels validated their warrior
skills and gained some valu-
able leadership experience on
the STX lanes; a big thank you
to all the Family members who
came out to support your Sol-
diers at the end of that day.
We also transferred the re-
sponsibilities of the Company's
top NCO from First Sergeant
Ward Thorp to our new First
Sergeant Frank Fortin, and
while we will miss 1SG Thorp
and everything he has done
for this Company, we look for-
ward to what 1SG Fortin will
bring to the Company's corps
of NCOs.
July also saw the change in
leadership at the platoon level,
as we restructured the Com-
pany and welcomed in Mr.
DeJesus as the new Platoon
Leader for 1st Platoon; CW3
Blanchard assumed the respon-
Commander’s Corner...
Rumor Mill
MyCAA or My Career Advancement Accounts, the spouse financial assistance program, will be re-
sumed on 25 October with some significant changes:
Available to spouses of active duty members in the grades of E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2.
Maximum benefit of $4000, with a yearly cap of $2000.
Requirement to finish program of study within 3 years from the start date of first course
Limited to associates degree, certifications, and licensures
See the MyCAA website for full details.
Mid-term elections are just around the corner (November 2nd). If you haven’t already, ensure you
register for an absentee ballot with your respective state (some states have earlier registration dead-
lines than others). Contact the BN Voting Assistance Officer, CW2 DeJesus, or visit Federal Voting
Assistance Program to register or complete your absentee ballot and make your voice heard!
FAMILY READINESS GROUP NEWSLETTER, A COMPANY 709TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATALLION August 2010 VOLUME I, ISSUE I
Inside this issue:
COMMANDER’S CORNER 1
RUMOR MILL 1
FAMILY READINESS 2
SUMMER SAFETY 2
COMMUNITY EVENTS 3
Base Weather Line - 01423 777789 24-hr Emergency - 01423 846700 MHS Police - 01423 846800 Harrogate Hospital - 01423 885959 BN CDR - 01423 777185 BN CSM - 01423 777183 BN Chaplain - 01423 777112 A Co CDR - 01423 777944 A Co 1SG - 01423 774053
Important Numbers
Alpha
Archangels
Page 1
Page 2
FAMILY READINESS GROUP NEWSLETTER, A COMPANY 709TH MILITARY
August at the Family Support Center.
Day 1 (12 August) will run from 0930-
1630 and include the following topics:
Expectations and Impact of the Mis-
sion on Family Life
Military Acronyms and Terms
The Chain of Command
Introduction to Military Customs and
Courtesies
Basic Military Benefits and Entitle-
ments
Introduction to Military and Civilian
Community Resources
Introduction to Family Readiness
Groups
Day 2 (13 August) will run from 0930-
1200 and include the following topics:
Supporting Your Child’s Education
Introduction to Family Financial
Readiness
Basic Problem Solving
CARE Team Training will be held on 13
August from 1330-1630 at the Family
Support Center.
What is a CARE Team or CARE Training?
In the event a casualty occurs within your
unit, the battalion commander may acti-
vate a Care Team based on the af-
fected family’s needs and request for
support. Caring for one of your unit
families following the unexpected death
or injury of a loved one is a difficult task.
The support you will provide to a Soldier
and family during their time of need is
invaluable.
Care Team volunteers provide assistance
that complements the assistance provided
by the CAO, Chaplain, and Rear Detach-
ment Commander. The focus of Care
Team volunteers’ efforts is on providing
practical assistance and emotional sup-
port to the family on a short-term basis
so that the family can continue to function
while dealing with a traumatic event. The
actual support provided depends on
family needs and command guidance,
but can include:
• Call support
• Home care assistance
• Childcare support
• Meal support
• Transportation
• Assistance to visiting family
• Other family support
As the PCS season winds down, we have
welcomed many new Soldiers and their
families. New Army spouses that have
just arrived or even those that may have
a little more experience might just bene-
fit from some upcoming fantastic training
opportunities.
Army Family Team Building (AFTB) is a
series of training modules taught through
your local Army Community Service or
Family Program’s office that cover topics
such as basic information about the
Army, personal growth skills, and leader-
ship skills. AFTB improves personal and
Family preparedness which enhances
overall Army readiness and helps Amer-
ica’s Army adapt to a changing world.
Why should you attend AFTB? AFTB
helps you to not just cope with, but enjoy
the military lifestyle. Many of the
courses can be applied toward resume’
and career building, self-development
and leadership skills. Active duty Sol-
diers can earn promotion points for par-
ticipating in the training. AFTB provides
the knowledge and self-confidence to
take responsibility for yourself and your
Family. The training is available to Sol-
diers, Family members of all Soldiers,
Department of Defense civilians and vol-
unteers.
AFTB training will be held from 12-13
common sense and be aware of your
surroundings to avoid possible alterca-
tions with local nationals.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to
enjoy in the Yorkshire Dales including
hiking, bike riding, camping, and sight-
seeing. Planning is essential for any
travel or outdoor activities! This is Eng-
land and the weather is unreliable, so
dress in layers and prepare for rain. If
it is sunny, wear sunscreen and drink
plenty of hydrating fluids. Don’t rely on
mobile phones, but if you do, at least
ensure the battery is fully charged. Tell
someone where you are going and when
While the English summer weather ap-
pears to be over, the days are still long,
and there are still plenty of summer ac-
tivities to take advantage of.
As you enjoy all that Harrogate and the
surrounding community has to offer, re-
member to be safe and responsible in
any activity you may take part in!
If you choose to stay local and visit the
plentiful assortment of pubs in and
around Harrogate, make sure you travel
in buddy teams and plan on how to get
back home when the night is through
(taxi, friend, squad leader, etc.) Practice
you expect to be back. Bring a map
and familiarize yourself with your sur-
roundings to avoid getting lost. If you
are unfortunate enough to need emer-
gency assistance and have cell phone
reception - dial 999.
Finally, POVs continue to be one of the
top causes of off-duty Army accidents
and casualties. Practice defensive driv-
ing when you are traveling and ensure
you obey the local traffic regulations.
Continue to be aware of pedestrians,
bicyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists,
allowing them the right away. Above
all—BE SAFE!!
Summer Safety
Family Readiness Opportunities
A Co Ice Cream Social/FRG Meeting -
23 August, @ 1800 at the Pavilions
Lightwater Valley Trip - 26/28 August
Only 40 tickets available to Soldiers
and their families - First come, first
serve! Contact CPT Carbone, 1SG
Fortin, or Raven Adye to sign-up.
Family Day at the Hydro - 29 August,
1600-1800; contact the Chapel to sign-
up 262-7850
Marine Corps Endurance Challenge -
18 September; events include 3.5 mile
run, 100 pull-ups/team, litter carry,
eight-count body builders, movement
under fire; register your team by 18
August ($90/team of 5-6 people) by
contacting Sgt. Kenneth Catledge, 262-
7979
Youth Sports Fitness Camp - 9-10 &
12-13 August; call 262-7805/7838 for
details and sign-up
Science & Math Day Camp - 9 August,
0900-1500; Math & Science mini-day
camp hosted by the Cub Scouts, Boy
Scouts, and Girl Scouts of Menwith Hill
at the Community Club, featuring guest
speakers, food, and fun
AFTB (See pg 2) - 12-13 August
CARE Team Training (See pg 2) - 13
August
Scafell Pike Outdoor Rec Camping Trip
- 14-15 August; cost $50 - includes eve-
ning meal, breakfast, transport, all hik-
ing and camping equipment; contact
Steve Gratton for details 262-7320
MHS Upcoming Items of Interest
A Co, 709TH MI BN
PSC 45
APO, AE 09468
ALPHA ARCHANGELS
A C O F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P , 7 0 9 T H M I B N , 6 6 T H M I B D E
This newsletter is intended to relay information from the com-
pany commander, highlight military and community resources,
advertise upcoming FRG events, address issues of concern, and
build camaraderie. It contains both official and unofficial infor-
mation. Websites referenced in this newsletter does not imply
U.S. Government endorsement. If you have any suggestions for
content to be included in the newsletter, please feel free to con-
tact the newsletter editor, FRG Leader, or company com-
mander. Submissions are required by 27 August 2010, if you
would like them to be included in the next month’s issue.
The Inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG newslet-
ter has not increased the costs of the Government, in accor-
dance with DoD 4525.8-M, Official Mail Management Manual.
Local sights - Bolton Abbey BD23 6EX
Come see us online:
ArmyFRG.org 1. Login or register
2. Click on ‘Find an FRG’ in the left-
hand corner
3. Click on UK on the bottom of the
page.
4. Select 709th MI BN (A Company
coming soon)
5. Choose Family Member or Active
Duty
6. Enter your info!
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