23 NOVEMBER 2004

ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

*Every Wednesday, Channel 11 (KTVF, NBC) airs the Military Report on the Fairbanks Evening News.  This 2-3 minute segment is aired about 6:10-6:12 p.m. , just before the sports portion of the news program. 

            The Military Report alternates between Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base.  The segment highlights our Soldiers, units, exercises, agencies, families, and civilian employees.  Past segments have included ACAP, FRG s, the Fox vehicle, Brigade Winter Games, recreation in the Tanana Flats Training Area, CACTF, Soldier of the Month board, fire department, and many other topics.  We are looking for topics for upcoming months.  If your unit or agency has a special event or exercise coming up - if you would like your activity highlighted - if you have a Soldier, family member or civilian employee who deserves recognition - call SSG Sipp at 353-6700 or me at 353-6701.  We will consider all suggestions.  The reporter comes out (normally Tuesday morning) and the entire thing usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the subject.  This is a great way to highlight all the good things your activity is doing, and see your Soldiers on TV telling all of Fairbanks about it. 

Linda Douglass

Post Public Affairs Officer  

353-6701

353-6711 (fax)

*Per CG guidance, U.S. Army Alaska motto is "Arctic Tough.”  Please get the word out to all leaders and Soldiers.

* COMPUTER ISSUES

1.  Effective immediately, Users are required to leave computer systems on at all times.  This is to ensure system availability for Active Directory migration, DHCP migration, Network Changes for WINS and DNS and future centralized management.  (The change is noted in para 3.f. of DOIM Policy Statement #6, link attached below.)

2.  All users will leave their computers turned on and will restart computers at the end of every duty day.

3. The following instructions are for restarting Windows 2000/Windows XP systems. 

        a)  Remove any disks from the floppy drive, cds from the cdrom drives, and/or any memory sticks
        b)  Select the start button on the taskbar
        c)  Select Shutdown
        d)  Select Restart from the pull down menu
        e)  Select OK

4.  The revised policy letter is located at:

http://www.usarak.army.mil/policies/PUBS-ACROBAT/USARAK_Policies/DOIM_6_Anti_Virus_UsageRev.pdf

WARNING  WARNING  WARNING  WARNING  WARNING  WARNING  WARNING  WARNING  WARNING

This advisory warns USARPAC users of malicious activity.  Previous attacks targeted users by sending emails enticing users to open PowerPoint and excel attachments which compromised the system.  Previous attachments include "Remembrance of 911" and "New Federal Pay Schedules".  Likely attachments may be dealing with the present elections or Iraqi war.  All users are directed to maintain secure computing practices.  These guidelines are designed to defend against social engineering, destructive viruses, prevent disruptive network congestions, and keep our computer assets operational. 

1.      Beware of emails which include patriotic messages, including slide shows and chain mails - DELETE WITHOUT OPENING.

2.      Do not open attachments from unfamiliar senders (even if military).
3.      Do not give out any sensitive information (username, password) over email, web or phone.
4.      If your computer acts strangely, or you suspect you have a virus, report it to your System Administrator immediately.

5.      Do not forward chain mail.
6.      Turn off the preview pane in Outlook (View - Preview Pane) 
7.      Set your Microsoft Office Macro Setting to High by following the following steps:

1.                  Open program
2.                  Go to Tools
3.                  Go to Macro
4.                  Select Security Level
5.                  Select High
6.                  Repeat for each MS Office program

IG CORNER

There were some issues/concerns during the Town Hall Meeting regarding marking of trails for authorized ORV (ATVs and snow machines) usage on and around the post.  Please ensure dissemination of the following information.  However, Soldiers that possess a valid Army Recreation Safety Permit (a pre-requisite to operating an ORV on Army lands) should already know these things.

 Recently there has been an increase of ORV usage in and around housing areas and main post.  One incident that could have caused serious injury to a child resulted from a parent and child riding an ATV in a well publicized off limits area.  Some leaders within the command have requested signs be emplaced to identify authorized areas on the south side of the river where Soldiers and dependants can ride.  Bottomline..there are no areas for recreational use on the south side of the river.

The Post Hunting trapping, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation Regulation Supplement clearly states that the only recognized area to operate ATVs/snow machines/motorized ORVs south of the river is on the trail that departs the RV lot and continues parallel past the ASP to the golf course (golf course proper is off limits) until you cross the bridge.  This, in order to gain access to the north side of the river – the authorized playground for ORVs.  The above regulation is required reading prior to being issued an Army Recreation Safety Permit and does have a map of authorized areas.  Additionally, all users of recreational land are required to call the US Army Alaska Recreation hotline (353-3181) prior to using authorized areas.

Issue is not a lack of caution signs or “authorized ORV usage area signs”.  It is adherence to standing policy that individuals seeking registration of ORVs must read and heed. 

SAFETY

The long weekend ahead affords us the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor winter activities.  We need to remember that crossing a river or lake can be extremely dangerous this early in the winter.  It is far too early in the winter to be crossing any frozen body of water.  Ice at this time of year varies greatly in thickness and while it may support a person at the shoreline it can be very thin just a short distance from the shore.  This is especially true of rivers and streams.  Portions of the Chena will remain thin and impassable throughout the winter

At your next opportunity, please talk to your soldiers and employees about the dangers of thin ice. You probably have new soldiers in your units who are new to Alaska and are not aware of the dangers. Please take a moment to review the safety tips below, 

SAFETY TIPS FOR CROSSING ICE

Here are a few general guidelines for use by winter recreation enthusiasts to lessen their chances for an icy dip or worse. It's impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength is actually dependent on five factors; water depth under the ice, the size of the water and water chemistry, currents, and distribution of the load on the ice.

• Wait to walk out on the ice until there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Thinner ice will support one person, but since ice thickness can vary considerably, especially at the beginning and end of the season, 4 inches will provide a margin of safety.

• Go out with a buddy and keep a good distance apart as you walk out. If one of you goes in the other can call for help (it's amazing how many people carry cellular phones these days). The companion can also attempt a rescue if one of you is carrying rope or other survival gear.

• Snowmobiles and ATV's need at least 5 inches, and cars and light trucks need at least 8-12 inches of good clear ice.

• Carry a pair of homemade ice picks or even a pair of screwdrivers tied together with a few yards of strong cord that can be used to pull yourself up and onto the ice if you do fall in. Be sure they have wooden handles so if you drop them in the struggle to get out of the water, they won't go straight to the bottom!

• Avoid driving on the ice whenever possible. Traveling in a vehicle, especially early or late in the season is simply "an accident waiting to happen."

• Above all, avoid alcoholic beverages. Beer and booze increases your chances for hypothermia and increases the likelihood that you'll make a stupid mistake that will cost you or a companion their life.. Walking out on the ice, you hear a crack and break through. Suddenly you find yourself immersed up to your neck in water so cold it takes your breath away. If you think that's no big deal, try holding your hands in a bucket of ice water for more than a couple of minutes. If you can do it without extreme pain, you are tougher than the average person.

Try not to panic. Of course that's easier said than done, but if you decide on a plan before you actually fall in, survival chances are greatly improved

EDUCATION

*EARMYU – The prioritization for EARMYU slots now goes to the retention officer.  Also, there are limitations on who gets laptops (soldiers in units of action).  There is money (tuition) available.  The criteria have also changed slightly.  See SGT Lamont Robinson, USAG retention NCO for more details!   

* FORT LEE , Va. – The fifth year of Scholarships for Military Children is now underway. Administered by Fisher House Foundation and funded by the manufacturers and industry supporting commissaries, the program has awarded over $3 million through nearly 2,000 scholarships to the sons and daughters of active duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and military retirees.

“The Scholarships for Military Children program has become a major community event for commissaries since its inception five years ago,” said Patrick B. Nixon, chief executive officer for the Defense Commissary Agency. “The program awarded 500 scholarships in 2004 and ceremonies were held in commissaries worldwide in honor of these outstanding students. The industry members who support this program should be proud – and we hope the fifth anniversary year will be the best yet!”

Applications for the 2005 program are available at commissaries or online at http://www.militaryscholar.org. A link to the program will be on http://www.commissaries.com, the DeCA Web site. Eligibility and other information are also available at the program Web site. Applications, which must include an essay on how the heightened awareness of terrorism has impacted the student's life, are due at commissaries Feb. 16, 2005 . At least one $1,500 scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants.

The scholarship program is open to unmarried children under the age of 21 (23 if enrolled in school) of active duty personnel, Reserve, Guard and retired military. Eligibility will be determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are currently enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current ID card.

The applicant must be planning to attend, or already attending, an accredited college or university full-time in the fall term of 2005, or enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program.  The scholarship program can also accept public donations at http://www.militaryscholar.org.  

KUDOS

CONGRATULATIONS to the Halloween 10 Mile Run participants on a “howling” good job.  MSG Torres, SSG Wicks, and LTC Theodore!  

SECURITY

*For those that are overdue on your security clearances, and you know who you are J, pleases get with LT Landry to get the necessary paperwork in.  Remember, a SECRET clearance is good for 10 years from THE DATE OF INVESTIGATION, and a TOP SECRET is good for 5 years from the DATE OF INVESTIGATION.  If you are no longer in a position requiring a TS, then your clearance should automatically be administratively downgraded to a SECRET.  Also, just because your ERB/ORB shows that you have a clearance that does not mean that you have a clearance access.  In USARAK, your security officer must do local background check to get you valid on put on the USARAK SCAR.  If you do not show up on this list, you will not get access (regardless of rank) to classified meetings or locations.  If you are in doubt of your status, see 1LT Landry.  For those that have been told that they do have a clearance, and your data is not showing up on your ERB/ORB, the only persons that can update this portion is CCF in Maryland .  If your records do not reflect within a month of your receiving confirmation through USARAK form 846, then see the security officer and he will see that a query is done to make sure the necessary documents are put into the database.   

FINANCES  

COLA VERIFICATION

All soldiers assigned to USARAK are entitled to receive additional COLA for winterization expenses, referred to as COLA unique.  Soldiers need to apply for this allowance within 6 months of arrival to Alaska .  Solider in USARAK are currently entitled to take a one time advance of COLA unique.  The rate is $772 with dependents and $442 without dependents.  The advance will be collected over a 12-month period and will be submitted through the Unit PAC on a DD Form 2560. 

The entitlement to Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is based on Soldiers' rank, time in service, permanent duty station, and number of dependents in Alaska .  The COLA column on the UCFR will reflect the following information to assist you in determining whether or not your Soldiers are receiving the correct amount of COLA:

B/C-Barracks Rate -Soldier resides in barracks

W/0- Soldier has no dependents in Alaska

WD# - Reflects number of dependents in Alaska  

Note that a Soldier may draw COLA at the without dependents rate (W/O) if he lives in the barracks and is receiving separate rations because eating in the dining facility has been determined by the command to be impractical for that Soldier.  If the command desires to grant COLA at the W/O rate in this case, the DA From 4187 requesting COLA must state that eating in the dining facility is “impractical” for the Soldier.  

*myPay ENHANCEMENTS  

Allotment changes via myPay begin in October.  Changes to savings bond and addresses will begin during the last week of September.   A myPay PIN is now available through AKO e-mail.  Soldiers can view, print, and save leave and earnings statements, view student loan repayments, make adjustments to federal and state tax withholdings, update bank account and electronic transfers and change address information.  Soldiers can create a “view only” PIN for spouses or primary family members. Instructions are located on “Personal Settings Page” of myPay.  NOTE:  a family member may have “view only” capability of leave and earnings statements and W2s - they will not be allowed to change their sponsor's military pay account.  

SPORTS  

*The next round of sports for Commander's Cup is upon us.  We will be participating in broomball and holiday sporting events.  Civilian personnel are invited to participate under USAG .  If you would like to participate, or inquire on upcoming sports, get with SPC A. Rayburn USAG, Sports Representative.  Go out and support the team!!!  

GOOD TO KNOW  

*DEPLOYED SOLDIERS CPT SHUCK, USAG's TDS Lawyer, returned home in Oct.  Glad to have you home!!!,  Also, a new addition to our USAG team is CSM Mellinger who will be spending two years in Iraq .  SGT Mitsie Smith is serving in Afghanistan until Jul 05.  SPC James Martinez is TDY to Seward until 1 APR 05.  We would like to them a goodie box for Christmas.  If you would like to donate any items, please drop them off to the CO's or 1SG's office NLT 6 DEC.  Requested items:  Baby wipes, hard candy, NOTHING THAT MELTS, IE CHOCOLATE, gum, trail mix, granola bars, reading material, powered drinks, beef jerky, trial size hygiene items, whatever you wish to donate.  The soldiers routinely share their goodies with the local children.  If you have any small, gently used or new stuffed animals, this is always a big hit.   

*DoD Announces Recommended Holiday Mail Dates            

            The Department of Defense announced today the recommended mailing dates for ensuring that your holiday cards and packages for service members arrive overseas in time for the holiday season.  

            "To ensure delivery … to military APO/FPO addresses overseas and to international addresses, we suggest mail be sent by the recommended dates provided by the U.S. Postal Service," said Mark DeDomenic, the assistant deputy director and chief of operations for the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) in Washington, D.C. "Beat the last minute rush by bringing your mail to your post office by these suggested dates.”  

¹ PAL: A special service providing air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis, PAL is available for Parcel Post® not exceeding 30 lbs. in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.
² SAM: Parcels paid at Parcel Post® postage rates are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space-available basis. The maximum weight and size limits are 15 lbs. and 60 inches in length and girth combined.

            Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, DoD no longer accepts items to be mailed to "Any Service Member." Some people have tried to avoid this prohibition by sending large numbers of packages to an individual service member's overseas address, which clog the mail system and cause unnecessary delays in delivery. 

            DoD requests that those who send mail use the service member's full name (with or without rank or rating), unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP code (if one is assigned) and a return address. For packages, mailers are asked to print on one side only with the recipient's address in the lower right portion.  

            Packages must not be mailed in boxes that have markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by the U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. Instead, they will be handled as non-mailable matter - regardless of the contents or what is listed on the U.S. Customs form.   

            While there are specific restrictions for each five-digit military post office ZIP code (APO/FPO), it is prohibited to mail the following items to the CENTCOM region: obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.); pork or pork by-products; alcoholic beverages; any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or unauthorized political materials. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.  

            There may be size restrictions and customs declaration form requirements to some locations as mail going through the MPSA can be subject to the host country customs requirements. The time to deliver varies depending on the category of mail and the country of destination. Delivery may also take longer when armed forces are on the move during periods of heightened activity.  

*Nugget Lanes gives away door prizes on Tuesday Nights to bowlers from 6-8pm !

Winter Hours of Operation   Mon-Thurs 11am -10pm ; Fri 11am -11pm ; Sat Noon-11pm; & Sun 3-9pm  

**The commissary has been granted approval to close on Thursday Nov 25 and Friday Nov 26. The day after Thanksgiving is usually the slowest day of the year and should have minimum impact.  For Christmas, the commissary will be closed Dec 25 and 26th. Dec 26 is another very slow day and should have minimum impact.

*Nominations are being accepted for performers and technicians (instrumentalists & singers) in the Army's premiere touring show, USA Express. USA Express (UE) is a high energy, six to seven person, top 40 variety show band, produced by the US Army Entertainment Division. They perform in both CONUS and OCONUS locations, including remote installations, training sites, and combat contingency areas.  UE-05-1 will perform for about two and a half months, beginning around 10 March 2005.

Current USA Express members. Check out their bios at:

http://www.armymwr.com/portal/recreation/entertainment/usaexpress/  

Selectees will report for rehearsal and in processing at Fort Belvoir , VA around 21 January 2005 . Interested Soldiers should submit a completed packet by 30 December (info in paragraph 4 of the attached pdf) to:

Army Entertainment Division

Attn: USA Express

PO Box 439

Fort Belvoir , VA 22060  

Fort Belvoir contact info: Mr. Cordell Hall, DSN 656-3220, (703)806-3220, email: cordell.hall@cfsc.army.mil  

*AAFES CUSTOMER WORK GROUP

8 - 9 am , PX Food court

Tuesday, November 23rd

Open to all!  

This is an opportunity for us to meet with our customers and address past and current concerns, suggestions, and positive feedback our customers may want to provide. Open to all.  

*The PX is looking for someone to be Santa Claus for the Holiday Season.  

Each Session is 3 hours, pay is $45

Each additional hour $10

We provide the costume

Must be cheerful and love kids!  

If they are interested they need to come contact Anna Vanhoveln @ 356-1357 for an interview After all....Not just anyone can be Santa!  

*Want another chance to get on stage?  Well we have one for you! DA Stars of Tomorrow contest is now accepting applications for their individual talent contest for active duty Soldiers, to be held at the Wallace Theatre , Fort Belvoir , 22 January.  Here is some more info on the Stars of Tomorrow program:

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/army/a/arstarsoftom.htm  

Maximum group size is four participants and the nine competition categories are male vocal solo, female vocal solo, vocal duet, vocal solo self accompanied, vocal group, instrumental solo, instrumental Group, specialty solo & specialty group. Deadline for submission is 17 December.   Bring your application packets (pdf is attached with specific instructions) to MWR Marketing, 3401 Santiago Ave ( Welcome Center ), Rm 327. POC for the contest is BOSS: 353-9452.  

FREE STUFF  

*Free Respite Hourly Child Care in support of soldiers deployed to IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN (IEF/OEF) and provides hourly care on a space available basis.  Each child may have eight hours of free care every other week at the CDC and SAS on Mondays @ 0900 or 1300 OR Tuesdays at 1300 or 1700.  CALL 353-7713  for details. 

*The United States Postal Service is offering free packing materials to spouses and families of military members who are deployed overseas. To take advantage of this service call: 1-800-610-8734 and press 1 (for English & then 3 for an operator) and they will send you free boxes, packing materials, tape, and mailing labels. These products are to be used to mail care packages to service members.  

RECURRING EVENTS  

*If you do drink and need a ride, call 353-BADD (BOSS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING) Do not prank call the number.  They treat an incident as a 911 call and will respond.  If you inundate them with false calls, then you jeopardize a soldier that may be in true need.   

Per the acting Secretary of the Army, all Soldiers and DA civilians will receive in person ethics training, taught by a Judge Advocate or DA civilian attorney.  At FWA, CPT Tom Bartleson or MAJ Ryan will conduct the training.  They are happy to schedule individual sessions with directorates/units/agencies and will have a monthly make up session, the first Thursday of each month in the brigade theater (building 1555) from 0800-0900.  In actuality, the training should to last 45 minutes, but will allow an additional 15 minutes for questions.  THE 2^ND OF DECEMBER IS THE LAST DAY TO GO.  MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE!  

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES  

*If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, they would love to have you!!  If you can spare 1 hour a week, then you can be BIG.  They have two programs community based and school based.  School based is meeting with your LITTLE during school hours (usually lunch hour).  If you can handle eating lunch and then maybe a rousing game of soccer , volleyball, and running around the playground with a bunch of elementary kids or just sitting and talking about whatever floats your boat, then this maybe for you.  If you have more time to devote, then you can do the Community based program where you meet with your LITTLE outside of school and take them anywhere our heart desires and your fun meter can stand:  biking, swimming, Pioneer Park , skiing, etc.  Call BB/BS to sign up!!!  

NEEDED NEW FRG LEADER – Due to scheduling conflicts, our old FRG leader had to reluctantly give up her position.  That leaves this most important position open.  If your spouse would be willing to help out in this area, please contact CPT Smith.   

BIRTHDAYS

NOVEMBER

1 Nov                SGT Deatherage, Kyle

17 Nov              SGT Alvarado, Jermaine

17 Nov              SSG Sipp, Brian

20 Nov              SPC Green, Gemayle

23 Nov              1SG Rex Benedix

23 Nov              SGT Ramos, Angel

28 Nov              CSM Bunting, Michael

DECEMBER

SGT Shelly Holloway                  1st

MSG Dudley Moser                    3rd

SPC Brandon Murphy                 3rd

SGT Derrick Helms                    7th

SPC Wilson Humphries              7th

SSG Clarence Patterson            14th

SFC John Albrecht                     14th

SPC Rhona Liwanag                  14th

MSG David Trimble                    17th

CPT Benjamin Kinsley                21st

SGT Lamont Robinson               21st

PFC Erin Khoury                        26th

NEWEST LITTLE USAG MEMBERS

SSG Vincent and Tango Bernal

Name: Alanna Isis

Weight: 8lbs 3ozs

Height: 20.5”

Date: 14 August 04

Time: 1650

Natalie and SGT Numbers

NAME:  Naomi Mega

WEIGHT:  8lbs. 1 oz

HEIGHT:  19 inches

DATE:  22 November 2004

TIME: 

SSG Javi and Andrea Mack

Name: Jeanine Andrea Christy

Weight: 6lbs 13 ozs

Height: 21”

Date: 21 September 04

Time: 1549  

PV2 Kathleen & SPC Brad Shaw