The Griffon
Maj. James Martin Sessoms | 02/19/2010

Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief of the U.S. Army Reserve, visited Soldiers at Camp Taji, Iraq on Christmas day where he held an informal town hall meeting to discuss his insight and vision for the future direction of the Reserve along with proposed legislation for Reservist benefits. 

Stultz, who served in the 108th Training Command (IET), covered topics such as professional development and the need to recruit the right Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the right geographical areas.  “The Army Reserve will not return to a force that just performs battle assemblies one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer,” he said, adding  that reforms to the personnel management system and retaining quality Soldiers are crucial goals for the Army Reserve. 

Stultz discussed improving retirement benefits for Army Reserve Soldiers who perform increased and frequent deployments that result in long family separations just as active duty counterparts do.  “Retirement benefits should be increased for both Reserve and Guard members,” Stultz told an enthusiastic crowd.

TRAVEL USA
| 12/07/2009

Louisiana’s 20 state parks, 16 historic sites, and one preservation area offer you and your family a uniquely rewarding experience of our state’s natural beauty and historical riches.

Each one of the state Historic sites was selected for its historical, cultural or archaeological significance. Museums, artifacts, outdoor displays and interpretive programs are some of the ways each area tells its remarkable story.

TRAVEL USA
| 02/19/2010

Visitors to the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia, can say hello to a Super Jolly Green Giant that weighs over 30,000 pounds. Capable of flying in total darkness and finding its way into and out of hostile territory, the giant is a 38-year-old MH-53 special operations helicopter that has been around the world from Thailand to Europe to Iraq and has seen combat action in three wars.  

From the Command Sergeant Major…
Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Payne | 12/07/2009

The US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) is headquartered at Fort Monroe or Fortress Monroe, Virginia, as it is sometimes referred. Fort Monroe is located on Old Point Comfort on the Peninsula in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia where the James, York and Elizabeth Rivers meet the Port of Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay all come together. Point Comfort was named so by the British Colonist that went on to settle Jamestown, a few miles up the James River in 1607. Fort Algeron was established there by the British in the fall of 1609 and there has been a fort on that location ever since.

TRAVEL USA
| 12/07/2009

Returning for an encore engagement after sold out performances during the last three years, Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure sets sail again to bring you the merriest holiday adventure ever on the high seas. The infamous band of buccaneers, crew of Pirate’s Dinner Adventure will celebrate the season beginning just after Thanksgiving on Nov. 27, with a holiday version of their popular nighttime theatrical experience, renowned as the “World’s Most Interactive Dinner Show.” From Nov. 27- Jan. 6, Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure features an exciting holiday story line, spectacular sets, Christmas music, and a shipload of yuletide surprises throughout the show. Even St. Nick makes an appearance and is on hand for photos, fresh from his journey from the North Pole.

TRAVEL USA
| 12/07/2009

Ocean City, Maryland welcomes you to an island renowned for its 10 miles of white-sand beaches, world-famous Boardwalk, spectacular championship golf courses, wonderful accommodations, superb dining, boating, bay and deep-sea fishing, nature tours, water sports, art galleries, museums, and antique and outlet shopping.

The Griffon
Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Schulz | 02/19/2010

We have taken “scenarios from real life,” lessons learned and after action reports to create training for the Navy personnel coming through Task Force Marshall said Master Sgt. Joseph Cruz, training non-commissioned officer in charge, as he explains the process of preparing some of the Sailors for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, here at Ft. Jackson, S.C.

As the training NCO, Cruz has been responsible for the unique training provided by the 171st Training Brigade. The brigade is training as part of the 98th Training Division of the 108th Training Command headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.  He explained that Task Force Marshall has trained about 15,200 Sailors and 5,200 Soldiers since its inception in 2004.

From the Surgeons Office...
| 02/19/2010

The vaccine can be provided to you by your personal physician, local pharmacy  both at your cost or thru Logistics Health International using a voucher created by your unit at no cost to you.

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.   

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.