The “Strike First.”The “Strike First.” Newsletter of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston Newsletter of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston May 2011May 2011

On the Stinger: On the Stinger: Meet Station Commanders

and NCOs who excel Page 2, 12, 13 Future Soldier drops

pounds, attends basic at 38 Page 5 Recruiters help Wounded

Warrior receive self-propelled chair

Page 7 Schools link seniors to

NHRA for Y.E.S. program Page 8 Houston Livestock

Show and Rodeo photos Page 17 Future Soldiers strut their

stuff alongside Army Re-serve aviation

Page 19 Education News Page 21 Administrators from South

and Beaumont Companies Page 22

On June 3, 2011, Lieutenant Colonel David Nguyen took over as Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston. Handing Nguyen the battalion colors, signifying the assumption of command, is U.S. Army’s 5th Recruiting Brigade Commander Colonel Christopher Himsl. (Photo by John L. Thompson III. Additional photos on page 15.)

2

U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston

Battalion Leadership Team

Lt. Col. Michael Bottiglieri Houston Battalion Commander

Command Sgt. Maj. John Kessler Houston Battalion Command Sergeant Major

HOUSTON – Klein U.S. Army Recruiting Station Commander Sergeant 1st Class Reginald Gee says armed with U.S. Army training and experience, and through his education and commitment to God, he was able to help a fellow Soldier and his family.

Selected as January’s Battalion Station Com-mander for the Month, Gee recalls this pivotal call for help. He and the Soldier were stationed in Huntsville, Texas. Gee was working as a recruiter with “Specialist Jones,” who was attached to the recruiting station because Houston area medical facilities met the requirements to care for the Sol-dier’s special needs child. When the child’s health took a turn for the worse, the Soldier turned to Gee for spiritual help. “He called me one night when I was supposed to go to a company gathering and said he was at the hospital. ‘Can you come here to pray for me and my child?’” Gee recalls the conver-sation. “I told the company commander that I would not be going to the gathering because I needed to go to the hospital to pray for a Soldier and his child.”

Of course, his company commander granted his

Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Gee and wife Bernice Sgt. Richard Disney

HOUSTON – This particular ‘Disney’ may not have inspired a world-famous theme park, but if you sign on with him, he may take you for the ride of your life.

With 27 months in Iraq as an infantryman, Sergeant Richard Disney is a Soldier with whom young men and women searching for a mixture of adventure and self-development can relate. Disney, who looks much younger than his 24 years, works as an Army Recruiter in the Katy Recruiting Station. Just complet-ing his sixth year as a Soldier, his last two years of bookwork advanced him halfway to a bachelor’s degree. Following two deploy-ments to Iraq, he was selected and trained to teach Soldiers how to operate unmanned ae-rial vehicles, commonly called drones. After completing his tour of duty as a recruiter, he hopes to fly drones or to teach this unique skill to others.

What influences one to join the Army? With some, it’s family. Disney’s father is an

Station Commander of the Month January 2011

NCO of the Month January 2011

Gee cont. on page 4 Disney cont. on page 4

3

Note from the Editor: By John L. Thompson III

It is good to be good neighbors: The US rushes to help tsunami victims in one country and earthquake victims in another country and flood victims in yet another country, but who comes forward to help out in the good old

USA? “Charity," after all, "begins at home.” What comes to mind is a devastating swath of April torna-

dos that brought death and destruction to a dozen states. Moreover, as this pen is put to paper, the death toll stands at 330 men, women and children. Entire towns in Georgia and Alabama, once teeming with life and people, completely lev-eled. A million people were without power for days. Thou-sands of neighbors, husbands, wives lost loved ones; lost eve-rything. And in May, the mighty Mississippi River swelled to flood whole towns, displacing thousands; leaving most with no means of rebuilding their lives.

Our response? We do nothing. There is no outcry to rush to the aid of our fellow Americans. And if you expect other coun-tries to come to our aid, best to take off those “rose colored glasses.”

We need to open our wallets, ALL of us, and donate to the American Red Cross. No matter the emergency, the Red Cross is there. You don’t have to worry the Red Cross will dis-appear in the middle of the night. Most of what you give is used for what it is meant. You can earmark where you want your donation to go.

We need to roll up our respective sleeves and give blood. Do you have 20 minutes to save a life? How about six lives? Disasters make the need for blood a life and death circum-stance. Every pint serves several. Once a disaster occurs, blood supplies are compromised. Every injured person is at greater risk for his or her life. Your time will help!

Another thing we can do is donate to organizations like the Goodwill or The Salvation Army; everyone can give gently worn clothing, appliances and furniture which may be the difference to giving a person hope, or helping people rebuild their lives.

You could be in a similar circumstance some day; you lose everything. What would YOU do?

We help the world in time of crisis. The world is watching to see if we will help when our own families, neighbors and friends trust in someone to give a helping hand.

Army Values:

Submission Requirements for “Strike First.”

All submissions must be in elec-tronic format. Documents are to be written and submitted in a Microsoft Word document, dou-ble spaced. All submitted pho-tographs must be at least 300 dpi in jpeg format. Subjects in photos are to be identified by first name, middle initial if avail-able, last name and proper rank if applicable. Narration as to what action is occurring in pho-tographs is encouraged. Name of photographer is requested for photo credit. Author of article will be identified by same infor-mation as above. Editor retains the right to edit stories for con-tent and to conform to Associated Press print style.

Loyalty Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers. Duty Fulfill your obligations. Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care. Respect Rely upon the golden rule. How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and as a professional organization. Selfless Service Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own. Honor Live up to all the Army values Importance of Character. Integrity Do what is right, legally and morally. Personal Courage Our ability to face fear, danger, or ad-versity, both physical and moral cour-age.

4

request. Over the years, others have had him min-ister to spiritual needs, including having Gee interpret and better understand the Bible.

In the office however, Gee separates his military obligations from his pastoral duties, but sometimes he finds he is still maintaining values mirrored in both. With strong core values as his foundation, he sup-ports and mentors Soldiers in the station. By helping them succeed, they help to hone his leadership skills.

He said the value of discipline he learned through Army service set him on the path to self-improvement, and clarified his desire to enter the ministry.

“I wasn’t disciplined before I joined the Army,” Gee admitted. “I was hard headed, running loose in the Houston streets. The Army changed me as far as discipline, integrity and loyalty. When they say be loyal to your chain-of-command, I’m not going to do anything to put my chain-of-command in jeopardy.”

Gee is fascinated by the reaction when people learn he is both Soldier and a minister. Suddenly, they believe he has all the answers. But that’s okay, said Gee, and it is common for parents and relatives of young men and women to bring them to talk with Gee about the Army and life choices.

Gee grew up in Houston and his early memories include a life of poverty. He was adopted as an older child by a pastor and his wife. This change in his early life, he feels, gives him a closeness — an affinity with teens at risk of going down the wrong path. He em-braces helping them explore an Army career, if they qualify or other options.

In the four years as a recruiter, Gee earned the Recruiter Ring and the Glen E. Morrell Award for Re-cruiting Excellence. For most of his career, including two deployments to Iraq, his job was to help save lives as a combat medic flying into hazardous situa-tions aboard helicopters. In 18 months in Iraq, he racked up 70 critical care missions, earning seven Army Air Medals. Army Air Medals are presented to aviation personnel for merit or heroism in the line of duty. Gee said the missions showed him how fragile and how precious life is. That epiphany caused him to reflect on the values of the pastor and the pastor’s wife who raised him.

“If God is first in my life, I will be able to take care of my family and my job,” Gee said. “I give Him what I owe Him and He gives me the means to take care of my family and to be successful in my job.”

Air Force veteran. His maternal uncle and grandfather were Sailors and his paternal grandfather was a Soldier. He was always a good kid who did his chores and made his bed, but never did he dream of becoming a Soldier…that is until a desire for something different that encompassed his “corny val-ues” caused him to take a second look.

Tough living and working conditions in Iraq matured the young man. As a teen and a young Soldier in his first year, he said there were conditions where he may have grumbled, but said years of living in a com-bat area opened his eyes to what is impor-tant and what is not in life.

“When I came back everything seemed easier,” Disney observed. “I knew what I wanted to do; I developed a better way to focus (on goals) and improved on my self-discipline. Before then, I took everything for granted.”

Focus and self-discipline were traits that helped Disney obtain 60 college credits in the last two years. As a recruiter, his ap-proach to finding prospects is low key, al-most nonchalant. Proud of his uniform, it is common for him wear it while shopping.

Once shy teaching classes in the past, has broadened his confidence, enabling him to open up to others, freely speaking to strangers at stores or at the mall. For him, most dialogs are often followed by a recruit-ing station appointment for longer discus-sions about the benefits of joining the Army. He loves to dispel myths on how the Army limits individuals in their personal growth; he knows better. And one of the best perks is the Army’s stance on education.

He’s yet to decide whether to continue an Army career or seek a job in the pri-vate sector after his recruiting stint. However, this is one Disney who does not envision a ‘Mickey Mouse’ fu-ture.

Gee cont. from page 2 Disney cont. from page 2

5

HOUSTON – When odds were against her and life looked grim, Pri-vate 1st Class Margaret Maag never fully gave up her dream as she joined the Army at 37, losing 80 pounds to do it.

Maag graduated high school in 1991, married and took a job in the banking business. In 2000, she be-came a stay at home mom until two years ago when she, her husband and children moved to Texas. She searched for work. None of the many banks she applied at took interest in her.

What started as a suggestion caused her to make changes in her life.

It was Maag’s husband David who said, “Why don’t you join the military. It is something you always wanted to do.” At the time, Maag was 36 years old and weighed 250 pounds. After think-ing about it, Margaret Maag said, “Why not.”

“My mother-in-law is a nurse practi-tioner and she said to me if you really want to do this I will help,” Maag said. “I said let me see if I can get the weight off first. That was in January 2010. In April, I went to the rodeo and the Army had a table there. I talked with them, but I don’t think they thought I was serious because I only lost 40 pounds.”

She was serious. Her next stop was the Bear Creek Recruiting Station where she met Sgt. 1st Class Leland Cannon. He advised her if she could continue to lose weight and show she was serious about join-ing the Army, he would be more than glad to work with her.

After 10 months of supervised diet and ex-ercise, Maag achieved military height and weight standards, enlisting during December 2010.

In mid-May, before Margaret Maag left for basic training, the five-foot-8 1/2 inch tall Fu-ture Soldier weighed 171 pounds, down from 250 pounds 17 months ago.

For serving as a Satellite Communications Specialist, the Army provides healthcare for her, her diabetic husband and her children.

Houston woman sheds 80 pounds, starts basic training at 38 Story and Photo by John L. Thompson III

Sergeant First Class Leland Cannon worked with Private 1st Class Margaret Maag and her family to help her launch an improbable military career. Maag began her journey toward Army enlistment two years ago. She took the oath of enlistment in December 2010 and departed for basic training May 2011. (Photo by John L. Thompson III)

Maag cont. on Page 6

6

She plans to transfer the educational benefits she earns to her children. Maag’s husband, a former Navy Corpsman, is working toward a nursing degree. He will enter the clinical phase of his training once Maag completes her initial training and assigned to her first duty station.

What did her family say when they learned Maag chose to become a Soldier?

“When my brother who is a sergeant in the Air Force found out he said he thought I was crazy,” Maag said chuckling. “But he did say for me to “go for it” as it was something I al-ways wanted to do. I talked to my God-Mother and she told me how proud she was of me.”

Her immediate family stepped up to the plate. When the subject turned to the physi-cality of being a Soldier, Maag said since she lost the weight she has more energy. Her children encourage her by exercising with her, doing sit-ups and push-ups. When it comes to running, she says it is no problem. She hits the track on a regular schedule.

Then there is the age “issue,” which most Future Soldiers in the Bear Creek Recruiting Station are 18 to 20 years Maag’s junior, which Cannon said the difference is not a bad thing.

“For a lot of them, Private Maag gets them motivated,” Cannon indicated. “Sergeant Dobbs, one of our new recruiters, came in during one of our Future Soldier events and all the Future Soldiers were weighing in. She climbed on the scale and he told her, no ma’am you don’t have to weigh in. And I told him you better leave my Future Soldier alone.”

He said Dobbs thought she a mother or re-lated to a Future Soldier, not one of the Future Soldiers.

Cannon said Maag motivates him. She is the reason Soldiers like him are in communi-ties looking for motivated candidates to be-come Soldiers. Her determination and drive showed Future Soldiers if Private Maag can do it at her age, there is no reason Future Sol-diers half her age cannot be successful.

Cannon summed up Maag’s enlistment in a few words.

“She is joining truly for service of country,”

Cannon said. “It is for the legacy of the Army, her community and her family. That spirit is hard to find. Some prospects say if they don’t get a certain job or benefit they won’t join. Nothing like that came out of her mouth. It is a beautiful thing.”

Maag said her family supported her weight reduction, encouraged her getting in shape and her decision to enlist in the Army. Maag may not be the youngest new Soldier in the Army, but with her motivation and self-discipline, Sgt. 1st Cannon said he bets she will be a sergeant in a few years.

Two years ago the 250 pounds Margaret Maag was looking for a job in the banking industry. A wife and mother, she and her husband moved to Texas from Louisiana in hopes of securing employment. Her road to Texas ulti-mately allowed her to realize a desire she had as a teen. She became a Soldier. (Photo pro-vided by Margaret Maag)

7

HOUSTON – When retired physi-cian Alan Ulert learned Wounded Warrior Army Sgt. Javier Negriti’s self-propelled wheelchair con-stantly broke down, the 98-year-old took his own self-propelled wheelchair and do-nated it to Negriti.

Negriti, who served in Iraq, is wheelchair bound due to Traumatic Brain Injury and severe spinal cord injuries, and suf-fers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A working dog named Cash assists Negriti in retrieving items in his home and helps him move in and out of bed and his chair. Because Negriti has lately been using a manually-propelled wheelchair, Cash used to do double-duty as “sled dog,” towing his master from Point A to Point B in the home.

“Having a new chair means the world to me,” Negriti replied. “My life depends on it. I can walk a little bit but I still have to be in a wheelchair; this new chair couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Negriti said he is grateful to Dr. Ulert, as with-out the chair he couldn't be self-sufficient and en-joying the home he received through Helpinga-Hero.org.

“I commend you folks for thinking of us,” re-tired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Holland said. “I have to tell you this new chair is like find-ing a diamond in the rough.”

Holland works closely with HelpingaHero.org. He and his wife Kim, a retired Army master ser-geant, have made it their mission to help wounded warriors in the Houston area.

For a three-week period Sgt. 1st Class Manaleto Clay, an Army Recruiter in Baybrook Recruiting Station worked with Michael Ward, a private in-vestigator working on behalf of Dr. Ulert. With Clay’s assistance, Holland provide the name of Sgt. Negriti. Negriti only retains the use of one hand and one leg. Using a manual wheelchair fatigues him.

Dr. Ulert invented a number of medical de-vices including a heart pump called the “Ulert-UT Circular Heart." The left ventricular assist device focuses on the left ventricle, which does about 80 percent of the heart's work.

According to Clay, donating a self-propelled chair with only a few hours of use is one way Ul-ert could recognize the sacrifices of those who sacrificed for their country.

Wounded Warrior gets gift of self-propelled chair from “inventive” doctor Story and Photos by John L. Thompson III

(Above) Sergeant Javier Negriti sits in his new self-propelled wheel chair next to his manual chair at the U.S. Army Baybrook Recruiting Sta-tion. (Far Left) Sgt. 1st Class Manaleto Clay greets the young Wounded Warrior prior to Negriti being pre-sented with his new mode of transportation. (Left) Negriti listens to the tale of how an area doctor provided a help-ing hand to make his life a bit easier.

8

(The Call cont. on page 7)

Will Area Youth Become the Driving Force of Their Futures? The Answer is a Resounding ‘YES!’ Story by John L. Thompson III

(Right) Teamwork is what makes the U.S. Army successful and these high school seniors experi-ence what it means to work to-gether as a team to accomplish an objective, i.e. mobbing through an obstacle course. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruiting Battalion) (Below) Cedric Melcher, Automo-tive Instructor from Eisenhower Senior High School shows part of life is being physically fit easily surpassing 20 pull-ups as stu-dents watch. (Photo by John L. Thompson III, Houston Recruiting Battalion)

BAYTOWN, TEXAS – The object of drag racing is to

hurtle yourself in a car 1,000 feet down a track, as fast as you to finish first. But to get there safely, you have to have a plan. Twelve hundred high school teens experienced an Army-sponsored educational program, learning you can’t be a winner in life unless you plan for the future.

The Youth Education Services Program (YES) is a Na-tional Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) sponsored-effort and motorsports’ first and only full-time event dedicated to edu-cational programming. YES provides high school students with real-world lessons about career options and positive goal setting. Y.E.S. cont Page 9

9

Upon arriving at the Royal Purple Raceway in Bay-

town ,students examine a state-of-the-art fire truck be-longing to the 463rd Engineer Detachment (Fire Fight-ers) and a mobile/mechanical workshop capable of supporting any type of vehicle repairs belonging to 1-158th Aviation Regiment. Both are local U.S. Army Reserve units. From there, prospects had an opportu-nity to view and trek down the same path many Sol-diers traverse every day: seeing what it is to be an in-tegral member of a team.

The first step in the “Strength in Action Tour: a rolling exhibit designed to promote understanding of the Army, student teams maneuver across boards to get from one point to another without touching the ground with their feet or any item. After successfully maneuvering over the obstacle using the boards, competing groups next solved map questions as a team. The final leg of the competition consisted of push-ups with each person’s legs resting on someone else’s back. While waiting for the speaker portion of the program, several students were excited to fly in helicopter simulators.

When students entered a building next to the track, they encountered two mentor Soldiers, different types of heroes, who provided a unique perspective about the U.S. Army. “Fast Jack” Beckman, funny car driver for Don Schumacher Racing, and Sgt.1st Class Jeffrey Ac-kerman, a highly decorated Soldier serving as a recruiter in The Woodlands, shared their life and philosophy with students.

At 37, Beckman was diagnosed with cancer, which upon diagnosis, had already riddled his body. Doctors

said a massive amount of chemotherapy would either cure him or kill him.

Beckman explains that discovering drag racing al-lowed him a positive attitude, despite his dire situation. “I also taught full time at a drag racing school in Pomona. In other words, I had things that kept my mind off my illness and [allowed me to think] toward the future.”

Beckman credits proper diet and exercise as his bed-rock keeping him from succumbing to the range of ef-fects of chemotherapy. It was the ‘never quit’ attitude that contributed to success in all aspects of his life, he said.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Ackerman, assigned to the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in The Woodlands, served 18 years of service including serving in the war-torn streets of Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Haiti. Among his awards and honors are three Bronze Star Medals, one of which is embellished with the “V” for valor.

“While I have been on active duty, I have almost fin-ished working on a bachelor’s degree at no cost to me,” Ackerman marveled. “When I retire from the military, I

Staff Sergeant Ackerman talked about what prompted him to join the Army, the benefits he received and reasons why he continues to make the Army a career. “Fast Jack” Beckman, funny car driver and team member of top fuel racer Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher and member of the Don Schumacher Racing Team explains how the combination of physical fitness, preparation and determination are essential to achieve success on and off the track. (Photo by John L. Thomp-son III, Houston Recruiting Battalion)

Y.E.S. cont Page 10

10

will go to work as a police officer in Hous-ton. I have to get certified by the state and the Army will pay for me to be certified as a police officer.”

Another benefit Ackerman boasted the military will pay for his education. After leaving the Army he will be able to transfer some of those benefits to his children. It is a recent change and an attraction for men and women considering the costs of send-ing children to college.

For the teachers accompanying stu-dents, speakers reinforced what teachers say and do everywhere in classrooms each day; teachers influence and motivate stu-dents as much as their parents.

Cedric Melcher, automotive instructor from Eisenhower Senior High School, experienced a posi-tive involvement with the YES program for the past six years. Teachers assist parents to provide the right tools to help teens plan for the future, he said.

“Think about it,” Melcher said. “if you were living … and you never get a chance to look over the fence to see what else is out there. We have inner city kids. Some of these kids do not have any hope. We have to start from scratch just to get them motivated to want to work, to

come to class on time, and stay out of trouble. I teach them more than mechanics. I teach them a value sys-tem.”

For motivated teachers like Melcher, the YES Pro-gram validates that regardless of the road a student chooses – be it an Army career path, school or civilian job, it takes discipline, motivation and the desire to breathe life into their futures. But first, you have to have a plan and a roadmap on how to get there.

(Airborne Cont. from Page 2) (Left) Staff Sgt. Bowman provides students with in-sight on how to find a location on a map. Traversing an ob-stacle, reading a map and doing push-ups with feet suspended on the back of another team member were ways to show team-work equals suc-cess. (Below) When it comes to working on vehicles the 1st Battalion,158th Aviation Regiment in the U.S. Army Reserve uses this portable mechanic’s garage with all the tools. (Photos by John L. Thompson III)

11

The “Strike First” is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army produced quarterly by the Houston Recruiting Battalion personnel under AR 360-1. Contents of the “First Strike” are not necessarily official views of or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the Houston Recruiting Battalion. Circulation: 1000. The “First Strike” wel-comes editorial submissions but reserves the right to edit submitted material to ensure it complies with Army policy and Associated Press journalistic standards. All submitted copy should be typed and submitted prior to the 1st day of each calendar quarter unless otherwise arranged with the editor. Mailing address: Advertising and Public Affairs Office; U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston, 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1529, Houston, TX 77002-1529, Telephone: 713-588-4059 Fax: 713-588-4041. Electronic mail sub-missions are encouraged: JOHN.THOMPSON@usarec.army.mil

Commander.... Lt. Col. David Nguyen Chief A & PA … William C. Grimes Editor………....John L. Thompson III PA Admin … Christa Thomas

LONGVIEW, TEXAS – Like many Soldiers, Staff Sgt. Angel Villegas has a

story to tell that inspires others to seek an Army career. Villegas joined the Army on September 11, at the beginning of his senior year

of high school. His goal: support the war against global terrorism. In his years of service, he deployed twice to Iraq. His first deployment his mission began as one of surveillance and protection. He moved into the position of training the Iraqi Po-lice Force. As a result of his experience, during Villegas’ second deployment he again trained Iraqi policemen. His total time in Iraq is 28 months.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, when Villegas found himself entering re-cruiting, he looked up his recruiter who was still in the 5th brigade.

“We initially didn’t talk about recruiting,” Villegas admitted. “He told me he was very proud I made staff sergeant so quickly and he gave me some advice about recruiting: The “do’s and don’ts” out in the field.

“The best advice he gave me was to get out into the community, get into the schools and stay motivated.”

In his eight months as a recruiter, he enlisted 12 Future Soldiers. To them he is their source of information about the Army and they rely upon him as leader and mentor. Through his years of service, he addressed many concerns the youth have about what daily life will be like when they become Soldiers.

“I tell them they need to work hard as Soldiers,” Villegas commented. “Everything is about how badly you want some-thing like promotion or responsibility and how hard you want to work for it.”

Villegas said being a Soldier that not only is about your job and being a leader but it influences personal growth. An ac-complished guitar player of 13 years, Villegas is completing an associated degree while in uniform. Villegas encourages Fu-ture Soldiers to earn a college degree as the Army pays the tuition while Soldiers better them-selves.

Like with his missions training Iraqi policemen, teaching Future Soldiers Army Values and how to apply them in their lives Villegas finds rewarding. He also stresses to Future Soldiers the importance of never giving up on what they want in life and working toward success in their per-sonal and professional lives.

For this Texan, being involved in the Longview community is his responsibility as a Soldier and a leader (NCO) and a contributing member of a community.

Longview Soldier’s story encourages Army careers

12

HOUSTON – Sergeant Christopher Buys

spent seven years as an airborne qualified Mili-tary Policeman and now in his new mission of Army Recruiting, he continues to put into play his “arresting personality” to find the right man or woman.

“As a military police officer, you are used to encountering the public on a daily basis in a va-riety of situations,” Buys explained. “Any com-munications barrier must be overcome when you are talking with a person you have never met before.”

Buys said when he approaches individuals he is prepared to listen to their life story. The art of the interview, according to Buys, is to have a goal in mind or to gain desired information. His recruiter’s goal is to learn about an individual’s personality and motivation for seeking an Army career. To be effective you build rapport and find a common ground with that person he said.

Buys experience overseas benefits him as a recruiter. He spent 15 months near Basra, Iraq training Iraqi police. He was excited of spend-ing the time in another country, expanding his cultural horizons. He embraced the challenge of teaching Iraqi policemen about being proud of the job, pride in uniform, pride in safeguarding one’s community.

Now, after enlisting seven Soldiers in just two months, Buys teaches them what it means to be a Soldier. Since a drill sergeant has not edu-cated Future Soldiers, Buys starts at ground level and starts building military bearing much as he did in Iraq.

“Future Soldiers do not understand Army Val-ues and the Warrior Ethos yet,” he said. “So the challenge we have is to train them on those val-ues as much as possible.

“Discipline. I find that motivating Future Sol-diers is more challenging to me than motivating Soldiers and I have led Soldiers for more than six years. It is important to motivate Future Sol-diers to go do physical training and learn skills before going to basic training.”

As a noncommissioned officer (NCO), Buys said he embraces the mission of enlisting and

training Future Soldiers and successfully pass-ing along skills to Future Soldiers.

Buys joined the Army at 18 after completing high school. His dream was to be a police offi-cer but he knew he could not do that in the civil-ian sector until age 21. After a conversation with a friend’s father who served as an Army Special Forces Medic, he thought there is noth-ing more honorable than serving in the Army serving and being able to do that as a military police officer at 18.

Buys said finding the right people to be Sol-diers takes integrity. It is doing the right thing, whether it is a traffic stop or ensuring a candi-date’s qualification. “Integrity, one of seven Army Values,” Buys said, “once it is gone, you can never get it back. That is why it is so impor-tant.”

Military Policeman “books” Houston youth into the Army

13

At a minimum have basic supplies. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry At a minimum have basic supplies. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.case you must evacuate.

•• WaterWater——one gallon per person per day one gallon per person per day •• FoodFood——non-perishable easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for non-perishable easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for

evacuation 2-week supply for home)evacuation 2-week supply for home) •• Basic Supplies to include: Basic Supplies to include: •• Flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio Flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio

(NOAA Weather Radio if possible), first aid kit, medications (7-day (NOAA Weather Radio if possible), first aid kit, medications (7-day supply) and medical items, multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal supply) and medical items, multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene itemshygiene items

•• copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information proof of address deed/lease to home passports birth cer-information proof of address deed/lease to home passports birth cer-tificates insurance policies), cell phone with chargers, family and tificates insurance policies), cell phone with chargers, family and emergency contact information, extra cash, emergency blanket, mapemergency contact information, extra cash, emergency blanket, map(s) of the area(s) of the area

•• Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are: kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

•• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries glasses contact Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries glasses contact lenses syringes cane) lenses syringes cane)

•• baby supplies (bottles formula baby food diapers), games and activi-baby supplies (bottles formula baby food diapers), games and activi-ties for children, pet supplies (collar leash ID food carrier bowl), two-ties for children, pet supplies (collar leash ID food carrier bowl), two-way radios, extra set of car keys and house keys, manual can opener.way radios, extra set of car keys and house keys, manual can opener.

•• Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:of disasters common to your area:

•• Whistle, N95 or surgical masks, matches, rain gear, Whistle, N95 or surgical masks, matches, rain gear, •• towels, work gloves, tools/supplies for securing your home, extra towels, work gloves, tools/supplies for securing your home, extra

clothing hat and sturdy shoes, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, clothing hat and sturdy shoes, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, household liquid bleach, blankets or sleeping bagshousehold liquid bleach, blankets or sleeping bags

Ready or not Storms are on the Horizon ARE YOU PREPARED???

14

(Clockwise) A color guard of Houston Recruiting Battalion Soldiers move the colors in place for the battalion change of command. Sgt. 1st Class Leland Cannon leads the singing of the National Anthem. Lt. Col. Michael Bottiglieri (right) relinquishes the battalion colors to (left) 5th Brigade Commander Col. Christopher Himsl. Reserve Ambassador Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Larry Holland engages in conversation with 5th Recruiting Bri-gade Command Sgt. Maj. Rhodie (center) and (left) USAREC Deputy Com-mander Brig. Gen. Roberts. (Photos by John L. Thompson III)

15

Master Recruiter Badge OK’d for officers, NCOs

By Jim Tice

FORT KNOX, Ky. — A special skill badge has been approved for award to high-performing officers and noncommissioned officers assigned to Army Recruiting Command.

Called the Master Recruiter Badge, the new decoration replaces the Gold Badge, Recruiter Ring and the Glenn E. Morrell Medallion, which have not been awarded since December.

The badge is expected to be available for award and distribution by September.

The Silver Recruiter Identification Badge continues to be awarded to Regular Army and Army Reserve soldiers upon graduation from recruiting school and assignment to Recruiting Command.

Recruiters assigned to the Army National Guard continue to be eligible for a distinctive skill badge depicting a minuteman that is awarded in three levels — basic, senior and master.

Award of the new Master Recruiter Badge is based on meeting specific tasks, conditions and standards, rather than recruiting production.

The new badge is seen as being consistent with USAREC’s transition to the Pinnacle “team re-cruiting” strategy, which focuses on the separate recruiting functions of prospecting, recruit adminis-trative processing and training regimens for applicants in the Future Soldier Program, rather than individual missions and monthly production numbers.

To qualify for the Master Recruiter Badge, Regular Army and Army Reserve soldiers must have served with USAREC for at least two years as detailed recruiters or officers, or hold enlisted MOS 79R (recruiter). Officers qualify, but only if they are involved in actual recruiting duties.

Soldiers must pass the Critical Skills Assessment Test Stage 1 written evaluation, the live-fire examination and the Stage 2 hands-on evaluation, and be recommended by their leadership.

Award policy also requires that soldiers pass the Live Fire Evaluation Stage 2 with a score of 100 percent.

Rank-specific requirements include: • Sergeants first class and below must score 85 percent or higher on skill levels 3 and 4 of the

Stage 1 Critical Skills Assessment Test. • First sergeants, master sergeants, sergeants major and officers must score 85 percent or

higher on skill levels 3, 4 and 5 of the CSAT.

Thoughts to recruit by … “There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot.” Plato, Ancient Greek Philosopher “It is wise to direct your anger towards problems -- not people; to focus your energies on answers -- not ex-cuses.” William Arthur Ward, American author, editor, pastor and teacher “Anger always comes from frustrated expectations” Elliott Larson “Anger is a great force. If you control it, it can be transmuted into a power which can move the whole world.” William Shenstone, Scottish Writer “Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.” James Thurber, American Writer

16

Photos by John L. Thompson III

A day for the military at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2011

Sergeant 1st Class Rene Reyna enjoys the conversation and the company of his children in the hospi-tality tent set aside to welcome ser-vice men and women who attend the military appreciation day at the Hous-ton Livestock Show and Rodeo. Reyna serves as an Army Recruiter in North Company’s Willowbrook Re-cruiting Station.

Captain David Jackson, commander of the 1st Cavalry Horse Detachment of the 1st Cavalry Division (left) confers with Sgt. 1st Class Filberto Fernandez (center) to determine the readiness of the Soldiers to perform in the afternoon’s demonstration.

17

Crowd stirring renditions of the National Anthem and God Bless America were deliv-ered form Staff Sgt. Tracey Labreque, a member of the U.S. Army Field Band based near Washington D.C. Lebreque would later repeat her performance of the National Anthem in the main venue where those attending would render her a three minute long standing ovation.

Photos by John L. Thompson III

18

Always a favorite with the crowd, the 1st Cavalry Horse Detachment of the 1st Cavalry Division was part of the grand procession during the evening rodeo program and earlier in the day put on a riding demon-stration. During lunch at the hospitality tent of service men and women of all services, a few were “cheered up” by the NFL Houston Texans Cheer-leaders.

Photos by John L. Thompson III

19

Future Soldiers Compete, Learn and Build Esprit de Corps

“Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a soci-ety work, a civilization work.” Vince Lombardi (American Football Coach

“Fit no stereotypes. Don't chase the latest manage-ment fads. The situation dictates which approach best accomplishes the team's mission.” Colin Powell (Former Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State)

Teamwork is as much of the Army as Army Values and the Warrior Ethos. Houston area Future Soldiers took time in Conroe, Texas to engage in team building sports and to spend a few moments with the combat tested U.S. Army Reserve 1st Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment as they learned about equipment such as the Apache Attack helicopter and what it means to be a Soldier.

Photos by Bill Grimes

20

Photos by Bill Grimes

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Henry Ford (American industrialist)

“If you are going to achieve excel-lence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” Colin Powell (Former Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs and U.S. Secre-tary of State)

“Life's like a play; it's not the length but the excellence of the acting that matters” Seneca (Roman philosopher)

21

Webster’s Dictionary defines education as the act

or process of acquiring general knowledge, the devel-opment of powers for reasoning and judgment. Acu-men is defined as the ability to judge well. Thus, there is a constant need for individuals to immerse them-selves in information that prepares them to employ sound judgment, reasoning and keen insight. As these days become more tumultuous and uncertainty cas-cades across all ethnicities and socio-economic groups, the pursuit of an increasing level of education may provide the greatest safeguard during these times.

The value of an education has been the mainstay of American culture since its inception. Horace Mann, the primary establisher of our public education system, stated, “a human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.” This notion was the cornerstone of my father’s educational philosophy.

My father viewed education as a catalyst designed to propel one beyond individual or group perceptions; an idea that would establish personal pride and self-esteem. It was common to hear him tell me “people can take everything away from you but your self-esteem and your intellect. Pursue and attain the high-est education attainable.”

It is this idea of pursuing and attaining the highest education possible that establishes my educational philosophy for all that, I am blessed to engage. Educa-tion is not how much you can regurgitate from some form of literature, but rather the ability to apply what you have learned in your life.

A biblical proverb states it in this fashion: “get knowledge, but in all of your getting, get an under-standing.” Pursue life lessons by being a lifelong learner in a variety of disciplines. Regardless to where you are in life today, seek to familiarize yourself with as much of this human existence as possible.

Our children are in dire need of role models who treasure the educational process – everyday people who do not simply hypothesize about the value of edu-cation, but rather see it truly as that bridge over de-spair and disdain. As a mentor, parent, recruiter or whatever descriptor you identify with, I encourage all to be that one who cherishes education and compels other to do likewise.

Ponder this thought; the only thing that hangs in the balance is your future and the future of this great na-tion.

Education is not preparation for life, education

is life itself. ~ John Dewey

Education Corner

make their transition to Army Recruiting easier. She sometimes copy ed-its reports to hone their communication skills between them and leaders. Often, she feels one of her most necessary skills is to provide a sympa-thetic ear.

“It’s fun,” Colbert said. “You have to adjust yourself to the Soldier. If [he/she] is emotionally down over the phone, or not having a good day, you have to ‘chipper’ them up. That’s what I try to do.”

The two Colberts work well in tandem, always professional on the job. Another Colbert who has driven unit moral up is 1st Sergeant Colbert. Jodie often hears him meet and coach Soldiers in his office. Behind- closed-door discussions often provide inspiration a person needs, leaving Soldiers in a better frame of mind than when they entered.

Around the office, Jodie Colbert said she focuses on her duties, as does her husband. There is no discussion about work outside the office.

In late May, when the last box is loaded aboard the moving truck and the last goodbye said to South Company’s recruiters and commander, the two will roll down the highway to their next mission; a mission kept straight by an administrative assistant and a company first sergeant who worked in tandem as professionals during the day and in the evening returning to each other as husband and wife.

and providing status on personnel evaluations. Constant change in the office requires Kathy to be flexible and keeps her intellectu-ally challenged and engaged. Carroll, the fourth commander she has worked for, provides her with updated information about the Army and current recruiting opera-tions.

Simon is like a one-woman “Welcome Wagon” for Soldiers and their families relocating to Beaumont; she makes them com-fortable in their new home while helping her company commander and first sergeant prepare Sol-diers to help residents in and around Beaumont join the Army team.

The Necessity for Education Acumen Dr. Dywaine Robinson – Battalion Education Services Specialist

Colbert cont. From Page 22 Simon Cont. From Page 22

22

Admin professional, Soldier husband move to new mission

HOUSTON – As Jodie Colbert’s sixth year as an ad-ministrative assistant for the U.S. Army Recruiting South Company draws to a close, she and the company’s first sergeant prepare to relocate, in fact, their destination is the same location.

It’s not a coincidence she and 1st Sgt. Charles Colbert share the last name of Colbert. When the workday ends, these two professionals assume their other role: that of husband and wife.

Jodie said what motivates her to come to work every day is more personal than simply moving around paper-work. “Soldiers and their families always have been a big influence in my life;” Colbert explained, “just to help them and be here for them is important. Life is tough because they don’t have their families around.”

As a military spouse, Colbert experiences the chal-lenges of being away from all the programs, medical care facilities and other benefits available on a military post. Her husband Charles served as a recruiter in the Tyler area before becoming the South Company’s first sergeant. Jodie said she works side-by-side with Soldiers on docu-ments that affect their health care, pay and housing status. She provides new Soldiers and families arriving in the U.S. Army South Recruiting Company area with information about health care, shopping locations and housing.

Once they’re assigned and working, Colbert sends templates of documents and work-related materials to

Admin Specialist welcomes Soldiers to her home town, their new duty station BEAUMONT, TEXAS – Kathy Simon knows Beaumont and the surrounding communities like the “back of her hand.” When new Army Recruiters and their families arrive, Kathy takes it upon herself to make them feel at home.

Working as administrative assistant in the U.S. Army Recruiting Company in Beaumont for the past six years, Kathy provides com-manders and first sergeants continuity and insight to area communities. Her connection to Soldiers makes her job feel special.

“I have a daughter who is 30 and I feel like a mother to all my new Soldiers coming into Beaumont Company,” she said. “They are such fine young men. They are always so respectful of me.”

Spending most of her life in Beaumont, the graduate of South Park High School takes it upon herself to suggest restaurants; good neighborhoods to find homes, reputable medical practices and well-attended houses of worship.

Kathy works alongside Company Com-mander Capt. Charles Carroll and 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Warren taking care of administrative responsibilities, compiling reports for review,

Simon cont Page 21 Colbert cont Page 21