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
Amanda Grinavich | 12/07/2009

Today, it is an oasis where daily worries drift away with the sea breeze. This was not always so for Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina. Its waterways were once the setting for Civil War action, and in World War II, the town went dark to help protect allied ships. But the blockade-runners are long gone, and sailboats and windsurfers have taken their place.

| 12/07/2009

Take time to enjoy the winter this year and unite with family and friends in Front Royal, Virginia. Winter is a special time of year in Front Royal, because its attractions know no “off-season.” Even in the cooler months, a short, scenic drive from our Nation’s Capital will bring you back to a place where you can relax and unwind with family and friends.

Griffon
| 12/07/2009

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The U.S. Army Reserve’s top officer his wife today joined Rochester civic and business leaders who reaffirmed their support for military members and their Families at the grand opening of Rochester’s Army Strong Community Center.

Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Army Reserve chief, his wife Laura, met with local Soldiers and their Families to mark the opening of the nation’s first ASCC.  Based on Laura Stultz’s concept, the center serves as a “virtual installation” designed to support military Soldiers and their Families by assisting those who are holding down the home front, far from the nearest military installation, when their loved ones deploy.

Chaplains Corner
By Cpt. Jennifer K. Cotten | 12/07/2009

Sgt. Luz “Lucy” Frausto, a drill sergeant with 1/354th, 1st Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET), Tulsa, Okla., has been a Soldier since joining the Army Reserve in November 2005. But on July 16, 2009, she officially became a citizen-Soldier when she took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a naturalization ceremony in Kansas City, Mo.

Frausto was born in Mexico City and came to the United States in 2003 on a student visa. She worked as a translator while attending school. In 2004 her employer petitioned for Frausto’s permanent residency which was granted one year later. Frausto said she had always wanted to be in the Army and to be a drill sergeant. After her residency was established, Frausto joined the Reserve.

From the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate...
| 12/07/2009

in briefs…
| 02/19/2010

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Jan. 6, 2009) — Secretary of the Army John McHugh gave Pentagon staffers a “preliminary report” today after his first three months in office, asking them to continue supporting Soldier and Family programs, focus more on Congressional outreach and continue acquisition reform.

The Griffon
Gary Sheftick | 02/19/2010

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Jan. 22, 2010) — Across the Army, Soldiers and families are donating funds to the Haiti relief effort by passing the collection basket during chapel services.

| 12/07/2009

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 7, 2009) — New Army Secretary John McHugh recognized outstanding quality-of-life improvements, programs and best practices from around the Army during the second Family Forum of the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition Tuesday.

Developed by former Secretary of the Army Pete Geren last year, the Secretary of the Army’s Quality of Life Awards honor individuals, commands and team efforts in improving Soldier and family quality of life.

TRAVEL USA
| 02/19/2010

From its fresh water lakes, creeks and rivers to its forested interior, Clay County has maintained much of its natural beauty over the past one 150 years, offering a relaxing alternative for both residents and travelers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.