It's a depressing trend...
The US Army said the number of soldiers who committed suicide last year has increased for a fourth straight year. That's very troubling news to this editor. Army officials said despite an increase in funding for programs to help soldiers, they are having a hard time fighting the stigma attached to seeking professional help. That, my friends, needs to STOP -- NOW.

In reviewing the Army's figures, 128 Soldiers committed suicide in 2008, an increase from 2007 when a total of 115 suicides among active duty, and those in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The number may go even higher pending the examination by officials of 15 additional cases that could be self-inflicted. This is the first time since the Vietnam War that the rate of suicide in the Army -- about 20 deaths per 100,000 soldiers -- has surpassed the civilian suicide rate. If that doesn't disturb you, read further...

Before leaving office Army Secretary Pete Geren could not offer a reason on why the Army's suicides are at an all-time high, but he did promise that the service was "committed to doing everything we can to address the problem. Green and other Army officials recently announced a handful of prevention programs that will be rolled-out or enhanced. One such plan is a day-long "stand-down" in which all active duty Soldiers will receive suicide prevention education, with an emphasis on escorting someone who might be in trouble to seek help. The Army is also entering into an unprecedented five-year, $50 million partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health, in an effort to better understand what causes soldiers to commit suicide.

I realize there is no quick fix, but I believe more must be done to help Soldiers -- or any service member -- deal with the additional stresses that have developed in an age of persistent conflict. As always, I welcome your thoughts...

How will YOU make a difference this summer?
If you receive a monthly benefit from the Veterans Administration, you should also be receiving (have already received) a one-time payment of $250 in July. This one-time payment is part of the economic recovery legislation signed into law by President Obama on February 17. This $250 payment is above and beyond the normal payment you receive from the VA.  You can read more about this on the Veterans Administration link, http://www.va.gov/recovery/ If you also receive a Social Security check, you will recieve your payment from the Social Security Administration, not the VA.

Our challenge to you -- A CALL TO ARMS!!  If your life circumstances allow, we challenge you to send your $250 to one of the great organizations listed at www.vetsgive250.org. You may think “my small contribution will not make much of a difference to an organization”, but do you know you are merely ONE PERSON that is part of a HUGE NETWORK of veterans that can help in a HUGE way? 

Remember, there is strength in numbers.

Last minute item of note...
The 8th Air Force Historical Society will be hosting an Air Corps POW Roundtable” as part of their August 21 Cincinnati reunion. The Roundtable will be comprised of authors, curators, Pentagon investigators, academics, film makers and at least one former POW of note. Discussions will include a review of available source material for research. As the pool of World War II vets dwindles, fewer direct interviews will be possible. According to their press release, Roundtable participants have had the good fortune to meet many former Air Corps POWs. Also, issues of reliability and vetting will be discussed. The Eighth Air Force Historical Society’s Agenda and reservation forms are available for download from their website, www.8thafhs.org/reunions.htm/. Until next time...

Jon Yim
Editor

Featured Updates

Unit Pages
To complement the new pages per Association featured last month we also now have a profile page for each Unit in our database. You can reach these Unit pages either from the quicksearch box top right of the binder, or by clicking through from any of your Unit Assignments.

The profile highlights photos, videos and history as well as serving members for the unit in question:


As you can see, members can apply to be Unit Profile administrator for units they are affiliated with - let us know if you would like to adopt a Unit Profile page.

Tributes
Remembrance profiles now feature a section called Tributes from Members where you can leave messages honoring the heroes that are no longer with us:


The latest tributes are highlighted on the Home Tab as well, to remind us all of their sacrifices:


Cross Site Messages
If you visit one of the sister sites as a Guest (full members only) you can now leave messages for your Brothers on those sites in your own name, linked to your own profile and they can reply directly to your profile.

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Defense Leaders Bid Farewell to Army Secretary
Story by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

FORT MYER, VA -- Defense leaders bestowed honors on Army Secretary Pete Geren at his farewell ceremony and Geren turned the event into a paean of praise for soldiers and their families.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Army Chief of Staff GEN George Casey co-hosted the farewell review here, and praising Geren for his leadership during a difficult time.

Gates praised Geren for his long and accomplished career of serving things larger than himself.

Geren became acting Army secretary in March 2007 after Francis Harvey resigned in the wake of revelations of poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He became secretary four months later.

“The surge had just gotten under way in Iraq, casualties were high and combat tours were being extended,” Gates said. “The Army family was under tremendous stress and strain.”

But Geren’s leadership and care for soldiers guided the Army and the service has emerged

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates bestows honors upon Secretary of the Army Pete Geren during a farewell ceremony in his honor at Conmy Hall at Fort Myer, VA on July 17. Standing beside SA Geren is his wife, Becky. - DoD photo by PO1 Molly A. Burgess, USN

stronger, the defense secretary said.

Gates praised Geren’s efforts to improve medical care across the Army. He spoke of Geren establishing a warrior care and transition program. “Pete made himself the Army’s tireless spokesman, advocate and guide,” he said.

Geren understood, as secretary, all that the country has asked of soldiers and their families, “but he also understood we are a nation at war, whose outcome will affect the security of the United States for decades,” Gates said.

Casey spoke of the Geren’s leadership as the Army transitioned and modernized even as the service was involved in combat. He also reiterated that Geren put soldiers and their families at the center of every decision.

Geren, in turn, reflected on “the privilege” to serve.

“It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime for me to work with soldiers, to work with Army families during this time of war,” Geren said. “Today, this nation numbers over 300 million people and only 1.1 million wear the uniform of the United States Army in this time of war. There are only 2.4 million in all the services combined – less than 1 percent of our population.”

Geren quoted British World War II Prime Minister Winston Churchill: “Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many, to so few.”

Churchill’s remarks were true in 1940 when the Royal Air Force staved off attacks by the German Luftwaffe, Geren said, and it is equally true today. “Three hundred million Americans and much of the free world depend on the courage and valor of 2.4 million men and women who wear the uniform of the United States,” he said. “Tonight, I want to say thank you to those few.”

Geren noted that he was in the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001 when terrorists flew a plane full of people into the building. “That day, I watched soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines go to the sound of the explosion,” he said. “And for eight years, I’ve watched them go off to war -- I’ve watched many of you go off to war. And I have watched your families stand by you. I have been inspired by your service and humbled by your sacrifice.”

Geren spoke of the service and the family of Army PFC Ross A. McGinnis. McGinnis, 19, was serving in Iraq in December 2006 when an insurgent threw a hand grenade into the Humvee he was riding in. He shouted a warning and then smothered the grenade with his own body. When it went off, he was killed instantly, but the four soldiers with him survived. The nation awarded him the Medal of Honor.

During a Pentagon ceremony enshrining PFC McGinnis in the Hall of Heroes, Tom McGinnis, Ross’s father, turned to the four soldiers that his son had saved. His son, he said, did not impose a debt on them, but gave them a gift, Geren recalled. The secretary quoted the father: “A debt is something you can repay. A gift is something you can enjoy. So live your lives, enjoy your lives, for it was a gift. Ross gave you a gift.”

It was an illustration of the Army family at work, Geren said. “Ross saved the lives of those four soldiers, and his father continues to look after them,” he said.

Gates presented the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Geren. Casey presented the Outstanding Public Service Award to Geren. He also presented the Commander’s Award for Public Service to Geren’s wife, Becky.

Researcher 'Dream Team' Seeks Ways to Combat Army Suicides
Story by Grafton Pritchartt
Special to The BAYONET

WASHINGTON -- A ground-breaking study of behavioral health in the Army may provide answers soon on what causes suicide and what programs can best prevent it.

A media roundtable at the Pentagon this month provided an update on a five-year, $50-million study of suicide and behavioral health among military personnel, launched in October 2008 in partnership with the National Institute on Mental Health.

Army Vice Chief of Staff GEN Peter W. Chiarelli, Army Secretary Pete Geren and other top medical officials participated in the roundtable.

"We are working at all levels currently to do everything we can to reverse this trend, and we are excited about this partnership, this collaboration, with the National Institute of Mental Health, the Uniformed Services University [of the Health Sciences], and Harvard, Columbia and University of Michigan," Geren said at the roundtable.

While the Army is implementing many initiatives and programs to reduce suicide, Geren said, officials aren?t yet sure which ones are the most effective.

"We hope at the end of this study, we'll be able to make a better connection between 'this worked, this didn't work,'" he said.

Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, presented what he described as his "dream team" of researchers. The project director is Dr. Robert Ursano, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md.

The research team also includes Dr. Ronald Kessler, professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School; Dr. Steven Heeringa, director of the Statistical Design Group at the University of Michigan; and Dr. John Mann, vice chair for research at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and scientific director of the Kreitchman PET Center at Columbia University.

The idea of the study is to eventually understand pre-existing behaviors and factors that make soldiers vulnerable to suicide, in addition to forming "actionable" results, officials said.

Chiarelli described the Army's efforts to prevent suicide and promote wellness as "assess, educate, train and intervene early," and provided an update on the Army Campaign Plan for Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention, published in April 2009.

Although the suicide rate among soldiers traditionally has been lower than among their civilian peers, last year the two rates became nearly the same.

No confirmed soldier suicides occurred in June, although 11 deaths are still under investigation. Geren noted that while the number of Army suicides has dropped since March, it was too early to tell which factors, if any, could be credited.

"We're not here to tell you we think we have turned the corner; next month could be another tragic month. We are putting tremendous effort into this and perhaps the intervention that we have taught has helped avoid a suicide forever, or it may have postponed it; we don't know," Geren said.

The Army required that every soldier complete interactive suicide-prevention training earlier this year, followed by suicide-prevention chain teaching that units had until July 15 to complete.

"Although suicide can impact anyone, we're finding that male soldiers in combat-arms occupational specialties, between ages 18 and 27, are more vulnerable," said BG Colleen McGuire, director of the Army's Suicide Prevention Task Force, in a released statement.

Kessler described the work ahead as both an experiment and a study, because the demographics of the Army population will change over the next five years. Army officials simultaneously are implementing a range of programs to mitigate risk and improve soldier resiliency.

The researchers plan to collect data from about 500,000 soldiers over time, with about half of that number drawn from the ranks of the Army's 80,000 new recruits each year. The researchers will continue to study these soldiers through the early stages of their career in hopes of determining which individuals are more predisposed to suicide and other mental-health issues.

"Eventually, we want to see what we could have learned the first week they were in the Army that could predict how they would have responded when they got into a complicated situation," Kessler said.

Researchers will collect blood and saliva samples, hold psychological exams, and conduct interviews with families and unit leaders. They also will analyze archival data on soldiers who have committed suicide, new cases of suicide, and surveys.

One critical aspect of the study is privacy. The researchers will use on-site data collection during training studies and confidential survey techniques. The Army will not be testing recruits prior to enlistment.

"We will maximize the research utility, but protect the identity of the individual soldier and their family," Heeringa said.

Updated results of the study will be released roughly every six months, beginning in November.

"This is a matter of the highest urgency for the United States Army," Geren stressed. "We are doing everything we know to do now [to reduce the number of suicides], and as a result of this effort, in six months we'll be better, a year from now we'll be better, and five years from now we'll be better."

New Discounts added this month to our new links section on the TWS Home page highlighting Free and Deeply Discounted services for Soldiers.

The providers listed below have agreed to offer their services for free or at deep discounts to members of Army TWS - please take a look at what they have to offer.

If you or someone you know provide a product or service that you are willing to offer for free or at a deep discount to fellow Soldiers on TWS, please us know so that we can add your link to the TWS home page and possibly feature it in a future newsletter.  Please email the link(s) to  wtprater@togetherweserved.com

These are Free listings and not paid advertisements.

Free Music Download for TWS Members!

Army Freedom Team Honors Wounded Solider
Story & photo by Don O'Connell
Ambassador, Army Freedom Team Salute
Special to The BAYONET

1LT Brian Brennan was in Afghanistan for only two months when an IED exploded under the

Army Freedom Team Salute Ambassador Ralph Moranz (left) presents an Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation and Letter of Appreciation to 1LT Brian Brennan, at the Lakewood Blue Claw Stadium, in front of some 6,500 fans.

Humvee that he and four others were in. Brian was found in cardiac arrest, had sustained an acute brain injury, a collapsed lung, internal bleeding, a ruptured spleen, multiple fractures of his left arm, and a shattered femur. In addition, both of Brian's legs had to be amputated.
    
He was transferred from a field hospital and flown to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC. For several weeks, Brian remained semi-conscious and underwent multiple surgeries to keep infection away from his legs and to repair his broken bones.

Once Brian regained consciousness, he was transferred to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL, which specializes in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Brian was fitted with prosthetics and is currently learning how to walk again with his new artificial limbs. He has since returned home to Howell, NJ.

The Army Freedom Team Salute program is a totally Army-funded project, and honors Army Veterans, Active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard members, along with their spouses and parents. Army Supporters are also recognized, including schools and their students who send packages and letters to our Soldiers.

More information can be obtained by calling (732) 859-8149; by email: freedomdon1@aol.com, or fax at (732) 833-6146.

Colorado Army NG Father, Son Serve in Iraq

Colorado Army NG Father, Son Serve in Iraq
Story & photo by SGT Robert Jordan
30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD -- A son might be expected to follow in dad's footsteps, but, for at least one family, those footsteps led to Iraq.

SSG Brian Prunty and his son, SPC Josiah Prunty, are both members of the 86th Military Intelligence Company of the Colorado Army National Guard, and deployed to Iraq with the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina National Guard in May 2009.

Both speak with pride about the others' desire to join the National Guard and eventual deployment to Iraq.

"He was out of the military for 18 years and he rejoined in October 2006," said the younger Prunty about his father. "He stepped up."

The elder Prunty served in the Army from 1983 to 1989 and now serves as a linguist at Forward Operating Base Falcon.

By enlisting in January 2007, the younger Prunty impressed his father.

"I am so proud. You raise them to be adults and his joining showed he could make good decisions," said the elder Prunty.

The younger Prunty serves as an unmanned aerial system operator at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad.

Service together -- although apart -- has strengthened their bond.

"I have to admit it was hard when he went to basic; heart pulling," said Brian.

While in Denver on Guard related training, Brian traveled to see his son depart for basic training.

"I tried to see him when he took the bus to basic, and I missed him by 10 minutes; that is a page in a parent's life," he said.

The son returned and began to train in the same unit, impressing his father.

"I will sound like a baby, it touches my heart," said Brian. "He works with great guys and does well with them."

The longest SPC Prunty had spent from home was basic training and his UAV school. While he followed his dad into the Guard, he didn't follow the same career path.

"I wanted to do something a little different. He was in linguistics and I wanted to do UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles)," said the younger Prunty.

UAVs are remote-controlled aircraft that patrol the battlefield providing up-to-date information for leaders on the ground.

While their work relationship is professional, the bonds of family do manage to break through.

"At high altitude training on Pikes Peak in Colorado everyone was saying 'goodnight;' jokingly, so I said, 'Good night, Sergeant Dad' and he replied, 'Good night, Private Son,'" said Josiah before he was promoted.

Training and deployment have kept them separated most of the time but recently they met at Taji.

"My dad, in June, came to our UAV site at Taji and saw me on the job," said the younger Prunty. "It was good to hang out with my Dad. It was my best moment in Iraq."

"Having not seen him during the deployment, it brought tears to my eyes," said the elder Prunty. "I thank God for the opportunity."

- What was your best duty station or assignment and why?
- What is the recipe for that good chow you know how to make out of an MRE?
- Where's the coldest beer in Korea?
- Do you have any tips about keeping healthy, or things to watch out for if you have a disease?

These are just a few of the topics that are covered by the many Forums on Army TWS. Our forums provide you, the members, a variety of places to discuss with other members the many topics we have in common. Those members still on active duty would probably like to know about good assignments when they make out their "dream sheets" or talk to their Retention NCOs.

Those who have worked as Retention NCOs or served on a selection board might want to provide a few tips for members in preparing to talk about their next assignment.

If you have a disease like diabetes, what tips can you give others about the disease and things to watch out for with diabetes? Encourage a fellow Soldier to keep on top of a health problem so he stays with us for a long time.

These are but a couple of topics that are available for you to offer advice, warn others about, discuss with other Soldiers...or just vent your frustrations.

So pull up a foot-locker and start shooting the breeze, the forums are for YOU!

Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and US forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations in order to improve ADF/US combat readiness and interoperability.  This exercise is a major undertaking that reflects the closeness of our alliance and the strength of the ongoing military-military relationship.

SIGHTING-IN - PFC Shane Keno, 21 from San Jose, with the California Army National Guard playing Red Force, waits in-position to execute an ambush against Blue Forces at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Central Queensland.

PLANNING THE ASSAULT - MG William ‘Bill’ H. Wade (seated), Adjutant General for the California Army National Guard, listens to a brief being given by CPT James Jones (standing background center) at Shoalwater Bay's Sam Hill Airfield.

HEAT OF "BATTLE" - SGT David Joliffe, 37 with 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), crawls through smoke to seek out and close with the Red Force enemy.

CHECKING-IN - California Army National Guardsman, SPC Jeffery Lou, 23, from Bay City, keeps in touch before moving off to set up for an ambush against Blue Forces in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

WE'RE WATCHING YOU - Spotter PTE Adam Tanner, 27; and Sniper LCPL Clancy Roberts, 31, of 3RAR look for targets as they scan the Sam Hill Airfield in Shoalwater Bay.

EATING GOOD IN THE FIELD - Australian Defence Force LCPL Chase Loizeau (right) and other members from Combat Service Support Brigade (CSSB), and 5/7 Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) prepare fresh food ration packs for delivery to units in the field. Caterers at Camp Growl, part of the Shoalwater Bay training facility, feed up to 1,000 Australian and US forces troops each day.

LETTING OFF STEAM - American Soldiers and Marines demonstrate the fine points of the game of American gridiron to Australian soldiers during a break in the exercise. 

G'DAY! WELCOME TO OZ - Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry, have their luggage inspected by Australian Customs inspectors before entering the country. To protect the health of its citizens and domestic agriculture industries, Australia has strict quarantine regulations.

SENDING OUT STEEL RAIN - Australian Army gunners fire a 105mm L119 Hamel Gun on Townshend Island.

-Photos courtesy Australian Defence Force Combat Camera

Stop-in to our online TWS Army Store for all your Army-themed needs -- Shirts, Jackets, Hats, Jewelry, Footwear, Medals, Patches and much, much more!

Thank you for your support of the TWS Army Store. All Store proceeds go towards advertising the TWS website, bringing more Soldiers to the TWS Community.

Think Safety When Grilling This Summer
Story by PO1(E6) Simah Bropleh, USN
Special to The BAYONET

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan -- My day started like any other one at Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) Atsugi. I inventoried my tools and ran through my morning checklist like I do every day, not realizing that something very dangerous had already settled in.

I could tell that the flight line would be operating at a fairly high tempo today because of how early they’d sent sailors to my shop for oxygen and nitrogen services.

Knowing that we’d be busy this day, I decided that my shop would barbeque a few burgers for lunch as opposed to sending folks to the galley, this way we’d be able to keep up with our flight line obligations.

One of my sailors started the grill while I was at my workstation researching parts. Everything was going smoothly, he brought in the burgers and I decided to go out and have a smoke. When I walked outside I noticed that the grass and golf safety netting behind my shop were on fire.

To paint this picture a little bit better for you, you should know where I work: I'm at AIMD Atsugi’s liquid oxygen (LOX) farm. I had over 2,000 gallons of LOX on-station at the time of this fire, and if I had walked outside some 30 seconds later than I did, I fear that the fire would have been out of my control and that lives most certainly would’ve been lost.

Now, earlier I mentioned that I didn’t realize that something very dangerous had settled in. Well, Shipmates, that something was complacency. The reason I didn’t inspect that faulty grill prior to lighting it up, the reason that operational risk management (ORM) didn’t even cross my mind -- all because we had barbequed many times before and nothing bad ever happened.

So since I’ve learned my lesson, I’d like to ensure no one else has to learn the hard way, as we were very lucky not to have lost any lives or property when this happened.

Please practice ORM every day, all day. It’s there to prevent things like this from happening. And always have someone that can be an outside pair of eyes to help you defeat your complacency.

Barbeque season is finally here!
There are a few things to watch out for when cooking outdoors so that you enjoy yourself and stay safe!

When barbequing, make sure that the barbeque is in good working order, on a flat surface away from dead grass, shrubs and buildings. Ensure that children and pets are not playing near the grill. Never leave it unattended and make sure to have a bucket of water near the grill in case of emergency.

Safety for Gas Grills:
It is important to take precautions when operating propane tanks and gas grills.

First, inspect the propane tank for any dents, bulges or extensive rusting. The hoses also need to be inspected for any wear, holes or cracks. Never use any source of fire around a propane tank, which includes cigarettes, lighters and matches.

NEVER bring a propane tank inside a building; the difference in weather pressure can cause an explosion.

NEVER dispose of your propane tank by throwing it in the trash. Check to see if there are municipal programs for collection in your area.

Charcoal Grill Safety:
When cooking with charcoal grills you need to be aware of carbon monoxide. As burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide, which is highly toxic, you should never use your charcoal grill inside your home, a tent, a vehicle, or any other enclosed area.

NEVER use any flammable liquid other than barbeque starter fluid to start a charcoal grill. Never add fire starter after you have started your barbeque to speed a slow fire or rekindle a dying one. The flames can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands. Always soak coals with water after cooking, as they retain heat for a long time.

After you are done cooking, insure that the grill is completely extinguished and cleaned before you use it again.

 

OFF DUTY:
Def Leppard, Raven Drum Foundation Offer Free Concert Tickets to GIs, Vets & Families
Story by Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON -- To honor the military and provide a little fun and excitement over the summer months, the rock group Def Leppard and Raven Drum Foundation have started giving away 100 free concert tickets to military members and veterans with military ID for each show in the 2009 Def Leppard summer concert tour.

Military members and veterans with military ID can get free tickets for rock band Def Leppard’s summer concert tour. From left to right: Rick Savage, Phil Collen, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen and Vivian Campbell. - Courtesy photo by Andrew MacPherson

Classic 80s rockers Poison and Cheap Trick also will perform with Def Leppard on the entire tour.

“Def Leppard’s involvement came through a desire to give something back, and what better way to honor these heroes than with a night of music?” said Rick Allen, Def Leppard’s drummer and Raven Drum Foundation founder. “We wanted to thank these heroes in a meaningful way for their service.”

The summer tour kicked off last month in Camden, NJ, and is scheduled to run through Sept. 12, with concerts in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Washington.

“To date, there have been nine US shows,” said Jennifer Buzza, director of the Raven Drum Foundation. “About 100 tickets have been given to military families and veterans for these shows. There are around 100 tickets for each of the remaining 33 shows. Nearly half have already been claimed.”

Military personnel and veterans with a military ID are eligible to receive two tickets to one Def Leppard show. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at Raven Drum Foundation.org to be placed on the guest list, then show military ID to a representative near the box office before the show. In addition to checking ID, the representative will ensure the person picking up the tickets is registered and on the guest list.

“We are working closely with the Wounded Warrior Project,” Buzza said. “For many shows, one of their volunteers or staff people will be the representative handing out tickets.” The Salute America's Heroes troop-support group also is helping with ticket distribution.

The free concert tickets are directly related to the Raven Drum Foundation’s mission.

“Music is just one of the tools we use to promote healing -- to serve, educate and empower veterans and people in crisis through the power of the drum,” Allen said. “It is so exciting to have my band, family and so many others contributing to this effort. I thank everyone involved, especially the veterans.”

Buzza said the band and the foundation want to brighten some lives. “We wanted to offer an evening of pure entertainment, an evening free of normal troubles,” she said. “This venture allows Raven Drum and Def Leppard to do just that.”

Concert dates and venues are listed on the registration Web site.

 

Stay Connected -- Keep Your E-mail Address Current!

There are two ways in which old friends and fellow Soldiers can contact you via the Army TWS website:

The first is via your "public" e-mail address, displayed in your Personal Details on your Profile Page; and the other is by leaving a message in your Message Center Inbox. The latter triggers an advisory e-mail, sent to your "private" e-mail address to inform you that you have received a message and who it's from.

Your "private" e-mail address, which is the one that TWS uses, is contained in your Account Details at the top of your Profile Page which you can modify at any time. TWS Members' "private" and "public" e-mail addresses are usually the same. So, please regularly log-in and update any changes to your e-mail addresses both in the Account Detail and Personal Detail sections of your Profile.

AT EASE!
Army's 'Grill Sergeant' matches skills against culinary hero
Story & photo by Kimberly Fritz
Fort Lee Public Affairs

FORT LEE, VA -- For SFC Brad Turner, his work is his passion. The culinary artist, currently working in the Executive Dining Facility inside the Pentagon, is also well-known by the moniker of "The Grill Sergeant." Turner is the host and TV chef on the Pentagon Channel's "The Grill Sergeants."

Turner recently returned to Fort Lee, where he was once an instructor at the Army Center of Excellence, Subsistence, to tape a special segment for the Food Network...or so he thought.

With food service training students watching and learning, Turner began entertaining and engaging the Soldiers gathered for a special day of culinary training.

Turner, who is known for singing while he cooks, shared his cooking philosophy and culinary tips, as well as his unique lexicon. Words like "marinipulating," "'splaining" and ingredients dubbed "ooh, wee and wow" roll off his tongue as he cooks. Salt, otherwise known as "ooh," "wee," known as pepper, and "wow," representing garlic are staples in most Turner original recipes. The sergeant asked the audience to help him by shouting "ooh, wee, wow" when he used these ingredients.

The students happily engaged as he prepared the mustard-based marinade for his special "Sunshine Barbecue Chicken." The origin of his marinade came early in his career when a fellow Soldier asked Turner to concoct a milder sauce that wouldn't aggravate his fierce heartburn.

As the culinary students watched his every move, Turner didn't miss an opportunity to educate and inspire. He told the students how they are learning the same methods during their training as any other culinary student in the world.

With his chicken on the grill, Turner began preparations for his baby red potato salad when famed Chef Bobby Flay jumped from the back of a tactical vehicle at the field services training area and challenged Turner to a competitive cook-off for an episode of "Throwdown with Bobby Flay."

Turner, astonished at the appearance of one of the world's premiere grill chefs, immediately rose to the challenge set before him. Claiming to always be the professional, Turner cited some of the NCO Creed.

"No one is more professional than I," he said.

The set originally configured for one chef was quickly transformed into dueling work stations where Flay's team worked to catch up with Turner's progress.

As the two chefs worked over the hot coals of the charcoal grills, culinary students soaked up the delicious aromas and the cooking tips emanating from the two successful chefs.

When the cooking was completed, the dishes were served up and each Soldier sampled the dueling chefs' creations.

Brigadier General Jesse R. Cross, commanding general of the Army's Quartermaster Center and School, and Frances Daniel, owner of a local off-post eatery, served as judges in a blind taste test to determine the winner of the cook-off.

The results are a well-guarded secret which viewers will learn when the show airs later this year on the Food Network.

No matter which recipe and chef won the lighthearted and entertaining battle of the barbecue, the young culinary Soldiers walked away winners.

Cross said the students would remember this day for years to come.

"These guys will be cooking their corn bread and their barbecue recipes and they'll remember they saw Bobby Flay at work," he said.

For Turner, the events of the day didn't quite hit him until he walked away from the set. He was overcome with emotion and overwhelmed at the events.

"When one of your heroes steps around the corner and you're doing what you love to do and they do what you love to do, and then to inspire 100 new Soldiers that are going to be in all parts of the world, it's just overwhelming," Turner said. "They saw something today that let them know that anything is possible. Nineteen years ago I was sitting right where they were sitting and someone inspired me."

For a moment he was at a loss for words thinking about the gravity of the event.

"I love what I do," Turner said. "The greatest part of today came when we were cooking and Chef Flay came to the back where I had set my chicken and potato salad down and he ate three more pieces of chicken and dug into the potato salad. "There is no greater compliment than for someone to genuinely like your food. And he ate it genuinely," he continued. "For me that was the greatest compliment."

When asked what he thought of Turner's unique recipe, Flay said he loved it.

"I was eating throughout the competition. I kept thinking there was curry or something in it," Flay said. "It had natural heat from the mustard and the brown sugar for the sweet, it was a great balance."

Flay wasn't able to pinpoint the spice he tasted in the marinade, until Turner told him.

"Brad told me it was ginger," Flay said. "He shared his secret underlying ingredient."

The consensus of all who gathered to watch the memorable event was that both chefs' dishes and the event were a treat.

Sincerely,
The ATWS Administration Team
http://army.togetherweserved.com