TRAVEL USA
| 02/19/2010

Gardening gurus at Walt Disney World Resort have worked for months on end to design, craft, grow and perfect whimsical character topiaries debuting March 3 at the 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. When opening day arrives, Disney guests will discover a garden of floral delights the moment they enter the park.

From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer...
Command Chief Warrant Officer Shirley B. Moser | 02/19/2010

It is with great excitement that I begin my new position as Command Chief Warrant Officer of the 108th Training Command.  The journey has been very challenging but very rewarding.  I envisioned this moment many times and wondered what it would feel like to be in CW5 Gary Williams’ shoes.  I read his column and appreciated the excellent job he did in mentoring Soldiers and taking care of their needs during his tenure as Command Chief.  I know this will be the best time in my entire career as a Soldier and Warrant Officer.  There are many things I hope to accomplish as I grasp the enormous job before me.  I want to touch base with all the Warrant Officers within the 108th Training Command and let them know who I am and what I stand for as I accomplish this mission.  I want to know their problems and improve communication.   

TRAVEL USA
| 02/19/2010

Universal Orlando Resort, together with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, has revealed the details about the incredible scope of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This highly anticipated land will open in spring 2010.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters — and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the Harry Potter books and films to life. 

Griffon
Reggie Revis | 12/07/2009

In the very near future it is likely that a classroom of eager school children will be spending part of their day having stories read to them by Ezveidy Pastrana, a military spouse currently living in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She is taking advantage of the MyCAA program that allows her to benefit up to $6000 in educational opportunities leading to a certification or licensure. After much deliberation, Mrs. Pastrana decided to take the Paraprofessional Teacher’s Aide certification course.

In Briefs…
C. Todd Lopez | 12/07/2009

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 13, 2009) — Servicemembers who participated in the first state-side training program for joint counter-IED teams have just arrived in Afghanistan for a year-long assignment.

The Tidal Sun pilot program trained servicemembers to work as part of counter-IED teams to gather information and evidence from improvised explosive device event sites -- locations where IEDs have exploded or were discovered -- and then send that information to higher headquarters for further analysis.

TRAVEL USA
| 12/07/2009

Located in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and less than a day’s drive from three-quarters of the nation’s population, Sevierville is known for its family-friendly entertainment, shopping and scenic beauty. But this veneer of fun cleverly lures visitors of all ages into learning something new and enlightening nearly everywhere they go.

| 02/19/2010

Guests visiting Wilderness at the Smokies Resort in Sevierville, Tenn. this year will be able to experience the rush of dropping nearly 60-feet on the resort’s newest attraction, Runaway Canyon. Located in the Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark, Runaway Canyon is a five-story high enclosed waterslide measuring more than 450 feet.

From the Command Sergeant Major...
Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Payne | 02/19/2010

Welcome to 2010 and to a new decade. Does it seem like it’s been ten years since Y2K and the prediction the world would come to a grinding halt? Well, it has been 10 years and there have been a number of changes and challenges in the past decade, some good and some not so good and with the New Year the only constant is change.

The Bad was the terrorist attacks on our country on September 11, 2001. Since then our lives, for those of us who serve in uniform and especially the Reserve and National Guard, have been changed forever. We are no longer the old strategic reserve force sitting on the bench, waiting to be called, but never getting into the game. Since 9-11 will have been part of the starting team. The current up-tempo operations would be impossible to sustain without the support of reserve forces.

From the desk of the CXO...
Larry M. Cruz | 12/07/2009

Dear Soldiers & Families:

Please allow me to thank you for all the hard work you have done this past Fiscal Year (FY). It has been a really great year and I look forward to working with all of you in what I am sure will be another fantastic year marked by a high level of mission success and teamwork!

TRAVEL USA
| 02/19/2010

Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival welcomes visitors every year with whiffs of barbecue and other delicious foods, sounds of fiddles and original and creative arts and crafts in and amongst the old homestead buildings throughout the terraced woods under the pine tree canopy. The amphitheater in Dogwood Hollow features bluegrass bands, gospel quartets, and dance teams.

Over 40 old-timers resurrect pioneer ways: dipping candles, carving decoys (in fact, one carver is a member of the prestigious Ward Foundation in Delaware) and knobbits, building fishing rods, weaving chairseats with cornshucks, making baskets, building dulcimers and brooms, tatting, cutting silhouettes, tinsmithing and more. Childrens’ activities include storytelling, farm animals, hayrides, horseback rides and a magician-ventriloquist.