The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion April/May 2013 Issue 3 Page 1 Bloomington National Guard Armory Commander: CPT Charles Beck First Sergeant: 1SG Rick Lindner Unit Address: 3300 West 98th St. Bloomington, MN 55431 Unit Telephone: (651) 268-8100 Hello, HHC Soldiers and Families. Did you know April is the Month of the Military Child? It was first celebrated in 1986 under former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. The MOMC recognizes the more than 1.9 million military children and youth in America for the sacrifice they make so their parents can serve our country. To get involved, check out our Month of the Military Child section in the newsletter. And don’t forget to wear purple on April 15 th ! Speaking of military children, our first Featured HHC BSTB Family – the newest addition to The Joker Journal – includes four kids. Read more about 1LT David Brown and his family on page 5. Our Soldiers will be busy the next couple of months with April and May drills both at Camp Ripley. Just think, one year ago many of us were getting ready for our Soldiers’ return from Kuwait. We hope this past year has been a joyous one for you and your families. Reintegration, however, doesn’t happen overnight and can take up to two years. Please know there are many resources available. Check with your local Family Assistance Center for more details. Have a great month! Your FRG Leadership Team, Jolene, Molly, Karen, Dara and Andrea FRG Leadership Leader – Jolene Lindner [email protected](800) 646-9614 x 5 Co-Leader – Molly Andersen [email protected](903) 920-4366 Secretary – Karen Langer [email protected](651) 334-9929 Treasurer – Dara Bronson [email protected](763) 742-5153 Team Member – Andrea Curley [email protected](612) 751-0933 In This Issue: Pages 2-3: Upcoming Events and Important Dates Page 4: Unit Cook Book Fundraiser Page 4: Month of the Military Child Pages 5-6: HHC BSTB Family of the Month – “The Browns” Page 6: Deals, Discounts and Family Resources Page 7: In the News Page 8: Battalion Change of Command Ceremony Page 9: Note from the Commander Page 10: How to Contact the FRG & Stay Connected
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The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion
April/May 2013
Issue 3
Page 1
Bloomington National Guard Armory
Commander: CPT Charles Beck
First Sergeant: 1SG Rick Lindner
Unit Address: 3300 West 98th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431
Unit Telephone: (651) 268-8100
Hello, HHC Soldiers and Families.
Did you know April is the Month of the Military Child? It was first celebrated in 1986 under
former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. The MOMC recognizes the more than
1.9 million military children and youth in America for the sacrifice they make so their
parents can serve our country. To get involved, check out our Month of the Military Child
section in the newsletter. And don’t forget to wear purple on April 15th!
Speaking of military children, our first Featured HHC BSTB Family – the newest addition to
The Joker Journal – includes four kids. Read more about 1LT David Brown and his family
on page 5.
Our Soldiers will be busy the next couple of months with April and May drills both at
Camp Ripley. Just think, one year ago many of us were getting ready for our Soldiers’
return from Kuwait. We hope this past year has been a joyous one for you and your
families. Reintegration, however, doesn’t happen overnight and can take up to two years.
Please know there are many resources available. Check with your local Family Assistance
The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion
April/May 2013
Issue 3
Page 2
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Military Appreciation Week April 5-13
Park Chrysler Jeep, Burnsville
Park Chrysler Jeep wants to say thank you to local service members and veterans. Stop by the dealership
anytime between April 5th and 13th and receive a free $50 Thanks-A-Bunch restaurant card. See attached
flyer for more details.
2013 Bohaty’s Wildgame Dinner Monday, April 8 @ 4:00 p.m.
Prom Center, Oakdale
This complimentary dinner for military members and their spouses includes alligator, bear, elk and
several other exotic menu items. Read the attached flyer for more information.
Improve Your Fox Hole Saturday, April 13: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Base Camp at Fort Snelling
Challenge yourself through adventure and conversation via the indoor rock-climbing wall and high-ropes challenge course at Fort Snelling. This is an opportunity to engage with fellow post 9/11 service men and women, as well as your spouses and children (10 and up) while experiencing adventure activities facilitated by Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS), a premiere outdoor adventure school since 1964. See attached flyer for details.
My Everyday Iraq Now through April 20th
The Grand Center for Arts & Culture, New Ulm
This Art Show is by Samantha Starbird, a member of the Minnesota National Guard, about her previous
deployment to Iraq. Click here for details.
HHC 1/34 BSTB Drill Friday, April 19th through Sunday, April 21st
The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion
April/May 2013
Issue 3
Page 3
Operation Welcome Home April 26-28
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, Stewartville
Faith-based weekend to provide encouragement, hope and inspiration to veterans and their spouses.
Click here for more information.
16th Annual Bataan Memorial March Saturday, May 4: 8:15 a.m. – Opening Ceremony, 9:00 a.m. – Start
Brainerd
Event serves to commemorate all the individuals that endured the Bataan Death March in April 1942. Awards will be given to top finishers in both the 10 and 20-mile events. Click here to register.
Outward Bound Voyageur – Hiking at Afton State Park Saturday, May 11
Afton State Park
This program offers veterans and family members the opportunity to re-engage in a healthy
atmosphere. See the attached flyer for more information or call the Brooklyn Park Vet Center at 763-
503-2220.
Living in the New Normal – MCEC Training May 15-16
Le St. Germain Suite Hotel, St. Cloud
Presented by the Military Child Education Coalition, this two-day training event focuses on the
information needed to raise community awareness about issues faced by children when a parent is
deployed. See attached flyer for details.
HHC 1/34 BSTB Drill Friday, May 17th through Sunday, May 19th
Camp Ripley
Cragun’s Family Fun Days May 24-17
Cragun’s Resort, Brainerd
This military appreciation event features a three-night package stay for $129, as well as family friendly
activities throughout the weekend. See attached flyer for details.
The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion
April/May 2013
Issue 3
Page 6
playing games. We have family in Florida and New York and go out there each year to hang out
and enjoy life on the East Coast.
8. Family support.
The support of my family is the reason I’m able to be in the military. They have always been
incredibly supportive of my times away from home for training. I recently returned from a four-
month school at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Despite it being difficult being away, my wife and
family were absolutely brilliant in maintaining the home front so I could focus on school and
supporting me while I was away. They truly are the motivation for my continued service –
providing a safe, secure country full of opportunity and potential which I have enjoyed all of my
life!
Deals, Discounts & Family Resources
Military Discount to see the Minnesota Wild – April 9 and 23 @ 7 p.m. Lower level tickets are being offered for just $45. Use your military email address to qualify. Click here to purchase tickets for the April 9th game and here for the April 23rd game.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Night at the Minnesota Wild – April 11 @ 7 p.m. Purchase lower level tickets for just $55. They include a t-shirt, soda, hotdog and a 15% discount at “The Hockey Lodge.” Use special offer code “Yellow” when purchasing tickets here.
Harlem Globetrotters Military Offer – April 12 @ 7 p.m. & April 13 @ 1 p.m. Receive as much as $14 off regular ticket prices to see the world’s best dunkers, ball handlers and shooters at the Target Center in Minneapolis. See the attached flyer for more details.
Military Discount to see AMA Supercross Event – April 13 @ 7 p.m. Get discounted tickets to see AMA Supercross live, featuring tight corners, fast straightaways, challenging rhythm and vertigo-inducing jumps. Click here to purchase tickets.
Buy One Get One Free Minnesota Timberwolves Tickets – April 13 @ 7 p.m. Military members receive one free ticket with the purchase of any ticket for this game. See the attached flyer for details.
Free Tennis Clinic for Veterans and Families – June 10-14 A local tennis instructor is offering a free tennis clinic in Plymouth for active military members, veterans
and their children over the age of five. Call Scott Meyer to register at 612-916-7686.
For more deals, discounts and family resources check out the April Soldier Family Toolkit attached here.
The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion
April/May 2013
Issue 3
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Battalion Change of Command Ceremony
On Sunday, March 17, 2013, the 1/34 BSTB held a Change of Command Ceremony at the Bloomington
National Guard Armory bidding farewell to LTC Gary Mundfrom and welcoming LTC Stephen
Schemenauer. The ceremony recognizes the contributions of the outgoing battalion commander and
gives the incoming commander an opportunity to introduce himself to his Soldiers.
LTC Gary Mundfrom LTC Stephen Schemenauer & Family
The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion
April/May 2013
Issue 3
Page 9
Note from the Commander
Greetings HHC BSTB Family, Spring is in the air! After this winter, the changing of the season and warm weather is certainly welcomed. For Soldiers, this time of year affords us the opportunity to conduct more outdoor physical training and other training events. This is exactly what HHC BSTB will be doing in the coming months. During April drill at Camp Ripley, HHC will conduct a land navigation training exercise utilizing the outdoor walking course. This builds on classroom training conducted during March drill. Training time will also be devoted to some other critical individual survival skills. We will also conduct an Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT. The results of this test inform Soldiers and leaders about their current state of fitness. When viewing the collective results, it allows me to assess the current state of fitness of the entire organization. In May, we turn our training attention to another critical Soldier
skill; the ability to shoot effectively. The training event we utilize to
hone and measure our marksmanship skills is Individual Weapons Qualification, or IWQ. Much like the
physical fitness test, the results of the IWQ training event are used to determine our future training
needs. We will also conduct drivers training for our newest Soldiers and refresher training for everyone
else. The safe operation of HHC's many vehicles is of the utmost importance.
I'll close this month by stating my sincere gratitude and recognition for our Family Readiness Group
(FRG). From the moment I assumed command of HHC, their efforts have been nothing short of
extraordinary. They have repeatedly volunteered their time and effort to ensure the best possible
support for our Soldiers and their families. I encourage everyone to get to know our FRG members,
share your questions and concerns with them and give us feedback on any way we can improve our
support.
Have a safe and happy Spring!
The Joker Journal HHC 1/34 Brigade Special Troops Battalion
April/May 2013
Issue 3
Page 10
How to Contact the HHC FRG
Stay Connected
A Network of Support
The best way to reach us is through [email protected], but you can always call Jolene or Molly at the
numbers above.
Also, the Family Assistance Center (FAC) exists to help Families in a number of ways. You can reach the Brooklyn
Park FAC Coordinator at (651) 282-4055 or the 934th Air Lift Wing (Minneapolis) FAC Coordinator at (612) 713-1518.
For a list of FACs near you, click here.
We want to be here for as many Family members/loved ones of Soldiers as we can, but we can’t do that without
your help. If you know someone who might be interested in the FRG, please forward them our contact information.
Your Family Readiness Group
We want the FRG to be your FRG, meaning we want your input. If there is something you would like us to do or
need, let us know.
Providing us with your address, phone number, and Soldier(s)’ name for our records is confidential and voluntary,
but greatly assists us in communicating with you. Thanks for your support!
FREE $50 THANKS-A-BUNCH RESTAURANT CARD! There is no obligation to purchase.
1408 West Highway 13 - Burnsville, MN. 55337
888-865-5490
www.parkchryslerjeep.com
16th Annual Bataan Memorial March
10-mile and 20-mile Events May 4, 2013
8:15 am Opening Ceremony and March Begins at 9:00 am Brainerd, Minnesota
HISTORY: The 16th Annual Bataan Memorial March will be held in Brainerd, Minnesota at 9 am on Saturday, May 4th 2013. The 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment (CAB) is the proud organizer of the event. This event serves to commemorate all the individuals that endured the Bataan Death March in April 1942. 78,000 individuals were forced to march over 55 miles, with little to no food or water, following the surrender of Allied Forces. Nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel died or were killed during the march. Many of the 60,000 survivors suffered the remaining years of the war in Japanese POW camps. Soldiers from the Brainerd Army National Guard’s 194th Tank Battalion deployed to the Philippines in 1941, were attacked on the Bataan Peninsula by the Japanese on December 8th, 1941 (the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor), fought for five months in sustained combat, endured the Bataan Death March, and those who survived suffered the next three years in POW camps. This annual memorial march honors and remembers the amazing sacrifices of these incredible heroes. “Remember Bataan, Never Forget!!!” ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: This event is open to everyone and participants can enter as an individual or up to a five person team. Participants can choose to walk or run. All participants entering in the “light” or “heavy” divisions, whether by team or individual, must be in the proper uniform as identified below. MARCH INFORMATION: The march begins and ends at the Brainerd National Guard Training and Community Center (Armory). The course will be closed at 4:00 pm. Any individual still on the course at that time will be picked up and transported back to the Brainerd Training and Community Center. The course is mixed asphalt, dirt and gravel. The course covers generally flat and rolling terrain. There will be aid stations, road guards, mile markers, medical personnel, and porta-potties on the course. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, participation certificate and a spaghetti meal. RUNNERS AND WALKERS: Participants can wear any outfit that is comfortable. Consideration should be given to the weather. Dressing in layers is encouraged. FOOT MARCH PARTICIPANTS: MILITARY PERSONNEL: Light Division uniform will consist of ACUs (or equivalent field uniform), patrol/soft cap, regulation boots, and Load Bearing Equipment with two canteens or hydration system. Heavy Division will be same as the Light Division plus the addition of a 35-pound field pack with frame. Field packs will be weighed before the start and at the finish. CIVILIAN PERSONNEL: Participants can wear any outfit that is comfortable, but are encouraged to dress in layers and according to the weather. Hiking boots are recommended. If competing in the Heavy Division, participants must also have a 35-pound backpack or field pack of any type. Packs will be weighed at the beginning and at the end of the march. TEAMS: All team members must be in the proper uniform as described above. Teams can consist of three to five personnel. All members of the team must finish at the same time with the required equipment or will be disqualified. A five-meter buffer between teammates is allowed at the finish. Substitutions of members are allowed prior to teams starting the course at a cost of $5 per substitution. The March OIC will handle all disputes, disqualifications and event rulings. AWARDS: Awards will be given to the first three (3) finishers in each category. The 10-mile awards ceremony will be held at 11:30 am and the 20-mile awards ceremony will be held at 4:00pm. COURSE MAPS: Will be available on race day during check in. EVENT TIMELINE: Friday, May 3rd, 2013 1200 - 1800 Early Check in at Brainerd Armory (receive race packet and number) Saturday, May 4th, 2013 0630 - 0815 March Day Check in at Brainerd Armory (receive race packet and number) 0815 - 0845 Opening Ceremony 0900 - March Begins 1100 - Spaghetti Meal Begins
1130 - 10-Mile Award Ceremony 1600 - 20-Mile Award Ceremony --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EVENT: SEX: MALE [___] FEMALE [___] 10-Mile Individual Run (MALE) [___] NAME:______________________________________________________________________ 10-Mile Individual Run (FEMALE) [___] ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________ 10-Mile Individual Heavy (MALE) [___] CITY/STATE/ZIP:____________________________________________________________ 10-Mile Individual Heavy (FEMALE) [___] PHONE #____________________________________________________________________ 20-Mile Individual Run (MALE) [___] E-MAIL ____________________________________________________________ 20-Mile Individual Run (FEMALE) [___] MILITARY MEMBERS - RANK:_____ UNIT:____________________________________ 20-Mile Individual March Heavy (MALE) [___] T-SHIRT SIZE (Circle one) S M L XL XXL 20-Mile Individual March Heavy (FEMALE) [___] REGISTRATION: No refunds (Make checks payable to Bataan Memorial March) 20-Mile Team March Light [___] Early Registration received or postmarked by April 12th $10/IND $10/Each Team Member 20-Mile Team March Heavy [___] Late/March Day Registration $15/IND $15/Each Team Member
Mail entry form to: HQ, 1-194th AR (CAB), ATTN: Bataan Memorial March, 1115 Wright Street, Brainerd, MN 56401-4720 E-mail questions to: [email protected] (Each team member needs to fill out a registration form and list all team members) TEAM NAME________________________________UNIT__________________________________TEAM CPT________________________ RANK (if applicable) FIRST NAME LAST NAME UNIT TEAM MEMBER 1.____________________________________________________________________________________________________ TEAM MEMBER 2.____________________________________________________________________________________________________ TEAM MEMBER 3.____________________________________________________________________________________________________ TEAM MEMBER 4.____________________________________________________________________________________________________ TEAM MEMBER 5.____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WAIVER: I understand that participating in this event is potentially hazardous, and that I should not enter and participate unless I am medically able and properly trained. In consideration of the acceptance of this entry, I assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident which may occur while I am traveling to or from the event, during the event, or while I am on the premises of the event. I am also aware of and assume all risks associated with participating in this event, including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, effect of weather, traffic, and conditions of the road. I, for myself and my heirs and executors, hereby waive, release and forever discharge the event organizers, sponsors, promoters, representatives, successors and assigns, and all other persons associated with the event, for all my liabilities, claims, actions, or damages that I may have against them arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in this event. Every effort will be made to make this a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event. I have read the foregoing and certify my agreement by my signature below (Parent or guardian must sign if applicant is under 18 years of age) SIGNATURE:_________________________________________________________________DATE:____________________
ACCOMODATIONS: For your convenience here is a list of accommodations in the Brainerd/Baxter area (not an endorsement). Americinn Lodge and Suites – 218-829-3080 Cragun’s Conference & Golf Resort – 1-800-272-4867 Comfort Suites Rapid River Lodge & Water Park – 218-825-7234 Rodeway Inn – 218-829-0391 Red Roof Inn - 218-829-1441 Super 8 Motel - 218-828-4288 Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites (Baxter) - 218-824-3232 The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes - 218-822-5634 Brainerd Hotel - 218-829-1441 MAPS TO ASSIST IN GETTING TO BRAINERD TRAINING AND COMMUNITY CENTER The star represents the Brainerd Training and Community Center
If traveling from the south on HWY 371, take 371 Business exit south of Brainerd. Note 371 Business is not shown on upper right map. The lower left map shows 371 Business, but not the exit.
Improve Your Fox Hole
April 13, 2013
Join us to build camaraderie, community and challenge yourself, as well as learn about
future programming with Voyageur Outward Bound School. Our mission will be to challenge
ourselves through adventure and conversation. We will be indoors rock-climbing and doing a
high rope challenge course.
You are Needed!
This is an opportunity to engage with fellow post 9/11 service men and women as well as
your spouses and children (10 and up) while experiencing adventure activities facilitated by
Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS), a premiere outdoor adventure school since 1964. Lt.
Col. Mark Weber a Mission Continues Fellow and Outward Bound instructor will join us to
engage in dialogue and share perspective on military experience, family life, opportunity and
service.
The adventure and challenge takes place at Base Camp. Located in the century-old
Cavalry Drill Hall at 201 Bloomington Road, Fort Snelling, Minnesota