Currently browsing: In the news
Newly tabbed Ranger returns to Iraq
January 9, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
In The Tuskegee News this morning is a story featuring an Army soldier who’s recently completed his Ranger training and has returned to Iraq:
Less than two years after almost losing his life in Iraq, Roland “Bear” Vaughan Jr. of Tuskegee has been reassigned to the war-torn country. Not only is he back in Iraq, Vaughan is proudly wearing the famed Ranger tab after completing training for the elite U.S. Army status in late 2008.
Congratulations, Bear!
Disney’s vacation aid to soldiers, vets, and families
January 8, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
Featured today in the Tuscaloosa News:
U.S. military personnel are being welcomed to Disney’s U.S. theme parks. Complimentary, multi-day admission tickets are available for troops and additional offers for family members and friends.
Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends. And Shades of Green, a resort hotel on Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., is open exclusively to servicemembers, retirees, defense civilians, and their families. It is a safe haven for military families whether they’re reintegrating after an overseas deployment, having one last “family fling” before mom or dad deploys, or simply getting away for a weekend.
Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center hotel run by the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command based in Alexandria, Va. The command’s mission is to provide soldiers and their families with the same quality of life they are sworn to protect. Rates are set on a sliding scale, based on rank, and with no shareholders to answer to or profits to be made, the rates are kept remarkably low. Its manager, Brian Japak, is a retired soldier, and his son has survived two roadside-bomb attacks while serving in Iraq.
A personal note:
I have always loved Disney’s theme parks and services. My husband and I honeymooned there last year with our daughter and it was truly magical. In fact, we had such a wonderful time that we went back again this year for our anniversary.
This is just one more reason for me to love Disney! 
In the news this weekend
January 4, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
The Montgomery Advertiser had several announcements this weekend:
Army National Guard Pvt. James L. Lambert III has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Lambert is the son of B.J. Lambert of Montgomery.
The private is a 1996 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School.
Congratulations, James!
Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel C. Betz has graduated from the Air Traffic Control Operations Apprentice Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss. Betz will be assigned to the 325th Operations Support Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, Fla.
He is the son of Steve T. Betz of Hope Hull.
Congratulations, Daniel!
Air Force Airman Jeremy C. Dauzat has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. Dauzat earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Craig and Annette Dauzat of Montgomery.
The airman is a 2007 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School.
Congratulations, Jeremy!
Air Force Airman David H. Patrick has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. Patrick is the son of Kim Patrick of Prattville.
In 2007, the airman graduated from Prattville High School.
Congratulations, David!
Air Force Airman Mark B. Stadlberger Jr. has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. Stadlberger earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Patricia Stadlberger of Prattville.
In 2007, the airman graduated from Prattville High School.
Congratulations, Mark!
Staff Sgt. Rodney Hall of Montgomery, a member of the 4-108th Chemical Battalion at Huntsville, graduated from the Army Basic Instructor Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Congratulations, Rodney!
Army Pvt. Lawson W. McGlamery has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. McGlamery is a 2004 graduate of the Elmore County Adult Learning Center in Wetumpka.
Congratulations, Lawson!
Communication program launched for military families
December 10, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Per Fox6 news:
Alabama launched a new effort to help military families communicate with deployed family members overseas on Tuesday. A new program called ‘Connecting Families’ was used on Tuesday morning for the first time in Wetumpka.
The program will allow military families to use a computer and a webcam at public libraries to connect by videoconferencing to their loved one overseas. The Birmingham Public Library is one of more than 100 statewide that will offer the computer and webcam for use in the Connecting Families program.
Click here to view the video for this story.
Gulf Shores area recruit completes basic training
November 29, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of Fleet Hometown News:
Navy Seaman Recruit Charles H. Brockett, son of Kathy M. and Holmes H. Brockett of Elberta, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Brockett completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival and shipboard and aircraft safety.
An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ‘Navy’ flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
Congratulations, Charles!
Clanton Soldier Top in His Post
November 23, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Another feature in this weekend’s Clanton Advertiser, a Clanton soldier who’s been named top soldier in his post:
Local soldier tops in his Army post
You could say the Army is in his genes, but you’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Sgt. Ocie Williams Jr. of Clanton was named NCO of the Quarter at Fort Lewis in Washington state.
Williams, 23, a medic at Madigan Army Medical Center, received the award based on his performance in many areas including land navigation, Army Warrior Tasks, an oral exam, physical fitness and weapons qualification. He also penned an essay about the Army’s values.
The designation stands for Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter and basically means Williams is the top soldier in his post. He received a well-earned plaque and a ribbon for his accomplishment.
Read the whole article here.
Congratulations, Sgt. Williams!
SA member featured in the news this weekend
November 22, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
I was combing my news feeds and this article in The Clanton Advertiser caught my eye. It features a Bama Angel who also happens to be Alabama’s newest CTL:
Local mother joins group to help take care of soldiers
A mother’s love for her child is a bond that cannot be easily broken. No matter how many miles apart she is from her son or daughter she still cares for them and loves them. That is all fine and well for soldiers who still have loved ones at home to support them.
The truth is many soldiers feel alone. When a mail truck or plane comes in and they don’t have anything to show how much they are loved back home, some start to lose interest in what they are actually fighting for.
One local mother has taken steps to help soldiers who don’t have anyone back home to write or send him or her care packages.
Lisa Simpson recently joined a group called Soldiers’ Angels, and she hopes to encourage more people in Chilton County to become a member. The Soldiers’ Angels is a group of people who started taking care of soldiers by sending them letters and small tokens of appreciation such as blankets.
Read the full article here.
Way to go, Lisa!
Alabama loses a hero
November 22, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chief Warrant Officer Clark’s loved ones:
A Newton soldier killed in Iraq last week will be laid to rest Monday at Sunset Memorial Park in Dothan.
CW3 Donald Clark, 37, was killed in action when his OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter went down on Nov. 15 in the eastern part of Mosul, Iraq.
Final arrangements were still being worked out Friday, but family members say preliminary plans have Clark’s body being flown to the cemetery via a Huey helicopter, with a horsedrawn caisson carrying the casket to the graveside. Organizers were also hoping to arrange for a Kiowa flyover.
Clark was born in Boardman, Ohio, but has lived in Newton for several years with his wife, Jamie.
The funeral is set for 3 p.m. The family requests that donations be made to the Donald V. Clark Memorial Fund at Army Aviation Federal Credit Union in lieu of flowers.
Also killed in the accident was Army Chief Warrant Officer Christian P. Humphreys, 28, of Fallon, Nev.
A full obituary can be found inside today’s Dothan Eagle.
Ozark brothers reunited in Iraq
November 21, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Recently, Army Sgt. Donnell Macklin of Ozark had decided to re-enlist in the Army. The commemorate ceremony celebrating the sergeant’s commitment took place earlier this month at Camp Taji in Iraq. Who better to swear him in than his brother, Capt. Lionel Macklin?! Both are stationed in Iraq with their separate units, and they hadn’t seen each other in four years.
Read the whole story at the DefenseLink American Forces Press Service site.
Congratulations, Sergeant Macklin!
Stress booklet available for AL vets
November 21, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of Channel 19 in Huntsville:
Alabama troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will now get a booklet to help them deal with post-war stress and readjusting to family life. Gov. Bob Riley unveiled the 63-age Reintegration Action Plan on Thursday. The booklet will be given to all returning troops from Alabama. It includes information to help service members make a successful transition.
A Pentagon task force last year reported that nearly half of all Army National Guard soldiers who served in Iraq or Afghanistan reported psychological problems when they came home. Riley said the new booklet will help troops better understand the readjustment process, and it recommends places to get help.
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