1. .
.
.
Badger Beacon
March 2012
Volume 1, Issue 5
From the equipped/trained on what they will be
doing at JRTC. The other SIGINT
Soldiers stayed busy packing for JRTC
Commander and providing capabilities briefs to other
To the Badger’s and their families, Commanders across the Brigade
formation while ISR has had Soldiers
An entire month has passed since the training all over the country, but this has
Commander’s last write ups and I become somewhat normal to them.
haven’t thought about it until Decima Three of the imagery analysts had the
Inside this Issue reminded us the other day. This month opportunity to attend the advanced
has gone by remarkably fast meaning, GEOINT Production Course at the
we’ve been busy. The main focus has Washington Naval Yard from 7-24FEB.
been centered on JRTC out load and Two of the imagery analysts attended
planning/preparation, but we have also the Fundamentals of Thermal Infrared
been continuing our training tempo Exploitation and Analysis at Ft Belvoir
towards the Soldiers core competencies and the remaining analysts stayed at Ft
From the Commander and collective tasks that will need to be Drum and conducted a two week course
1 at the Brigade SCIF on their DCGS-A
executed at JRTC. It’s much easier for
us to cancel training as days get over software. Additionally, there is still
come by events, than to just simply not some FRG events planned until we leave
2 From your FRG (most of us between 4-6MAR
schedule training and run the risk of
Leader Soldiers not having anything to progress timeframe). On the 25th Jen Limerick
on throughout the days leading up to has a single Soldiers meal planned for
JRTC. Our HQ Platoon and the the Soldiers living in the barracks. This
3 HOOAH Happenings Company’s Executive Officer, 1LT Burke, is going to take others involvement as
have made the JRTC pack out as well. If you feel you can contribute to
painless as possible allowing the an event like this, you can. There will
4 FRG Info Sheet Company to continue this training also be a bake sale at Clark Hall on
tempo. UAS got a couple more flights in March 14th. Anything helps contribute
this month supporting 2-14 Infantry to making a more successful event.
6 FRG Survey These FRG events are most important
Battalions field exercise before they
packed up all their equipment to get because they help take care of Soldiers
inspected for out load. In the picture and families. General Odierno said it
7 Around Town
(see page 13) PV2 Sabie loads his well: “The strength of our Nation is our
second Shadow since he has been with Army; the strength of our Army is our
us while SPC Lovelace supervises and Soldiers; the strength of our Soldiers is
Women’s Conf. Info ensures PV2 Sabie is running through our Families.” We must maintain the
8 bond of trust between every Soldier and
the sequence of events properly with his
crew to launch the Shadow in the air. Family member and the Army as an
HUMINT finished their 2 week mobile institution that we are all a part of.
12 Baby Bundle Info These events that our FRG plans will
training team course which was a
general coverage of all topics HUMINT help families better endure the month
related. This past week covered source Service Members will be at JRTC. I look
Picture operations, meeting mechanics and forward to seeing you all partake. Until
13 refining there report writing skills. The next write up,
younger Soldiers conducted graded
capabilities briefs to leaders across the V/R
14 Contact Us Brigade formation and Mr. Limerick and CPT Barclay Keay
SSG Pennell gave a capabilities brief to
all the Platoon Leaders in 2-14. SIGINT
had three Soldiers attend the three
week long SGA 101 course at foundry
(on Post) to be properly
1
2. NEWSLETTER
From Your Marcia (our MFLC) for donating food
to the single soldier lunch that we
FRG Leader had on Feb 25th. I think we had a
decent turnout and it seems like
everyone had a good time. Now for
Hello Badger Families –
some sad news; Stephanie Burke
has stepped down as the FRG Co- March
March is upon us and that means
Leader. Living so far away now she
feels that she doesn’t have the time
Happenings
it’s time for JRTC (Joint Readiness that she thinks the FRG deserves to
Training Center). For those of you function as the Co-Leader, but on a
that haven’t experienced this before bright note she has agreed to stay
it is approximately one month long on as the FRG Secretary and I
and they go to Fort Polk, LA to train 3-14
couldn’t be happier! Thank you very
as if they were downrange; it’s a much Stephanie for all that you do, 1100-1400
good opportunity for them to iron I really appreciate you! The Bake Sale
out some of the kinks before they battalion is looking for spouses who Clark Hall
actually deploy. I hope, as I am speak Korean, Chinese, or Russian
sure most of you do, that this who wouldn’t mind translating The FRG will be selling a
month goes by quickly! Last month phone calls. Please let Decima (our Mexican themed lunch at Clark
we had an AWESOME fundraiser BN FRSA) know if you are willing to Hall as a fundraiser. If you can
and were able to make over $500 to help out! As deployment nears I am donate time or baked goods
go towards our next big event. trying to make sure that I have PLEASE contact me!
When we last spoke we were trying everyone’s information so in this
to decide when would be a good newsletter I am including a FRG Info
time to have our next big event; a Sheet and FRG Survey. I would like
ball, summer picnic, trip (maybe to to get the family member’s input as
Water Safari) or Christmas party. I far as what can be done to make
would really like to hear your this a FRG that you want to
suggestions for what you would like participate in. I would also like to
to see the funds go towards. We get family information to make sure
have a bake sale at Clark Hall on the that I can put this info in the
2nd floor on March 14th from 1100- Company Newsletter as well as add
1400. It will be a Mexican theme the family member to the family
with beef and pulled pork tacos or Chain of Concern so we are able to
taco salad with a drink and baked get a hold of them during
good for $5. We sold out FAST last deployment. Our next meeting will
time and with it being in the middle 3-15
be at the Adirondack Creek
of 3rd BCT coming home we should Community Center at 9797 1800
do GREAT! I will need help though Constitution Ave on Fort Drum at FRG Meeting
in the areas of donating baked 1800. It will be a potluck so please Adirondack Creek
goods, drinks and help manning the bring a dish to share. There is a
table. If you can help in ANY of playroom for the kids as well! We will be having our monthly
these I would really appreciate it FRG meeting at the Adirondack
and PLEASE get in contact with me! Again, thank you all for everything Creek Community Center. It will
There will also be a BN chili cook off you do! be a pot luck dinner so please
on April 16th at the BN motor pool bring a dish to share. We will be
starting at 1100. It will be $5 per Jennifer discussing future fundraisers and
person to enter and we can have 5 the use of the funds.
people represent the company. We
will also be selling small samples of
the chili for $1 and bowls for $5.
Again, if you are interested in
helping please let me know! I also
wanted to thank Mrs. Carpenter and
2
3. NEWSLETTER
HOOAH Happenings
Promotions Awards
NONE AAM – SPC Pena
Reenlistments
NONE
Gains
Welcome to SFC Blanchet, SSG Egli, SPC Yoeman, PFC Bartlett, PFC Monica, PFC Roller, PFC
Anderson, PFC Koller, PV2 Miller, and PV2 Poleon.
Leaving the Family
Farewell to SPC Pena who is PCSing and SPC Saint who is ETSing! Good luck in your future
endeavors! We are also saying goodbye to SFC Redwing, SSG Ritz, SPC Meyer, and SPC
Thomas who have been relocated to different battalions.
Special Congratulations
Special congratulations to CPL Karvelos on her lateral promotion and SPC Lovelace for being
selected as Bravo Company Soldier of the Month!
Birthdays in March Anniversaries in March
19 Mar – Mrs. Dahl 12 Mar – PFC and Mrs. Flores-Jimenez
21 Mar – Mrs. Flores-Jimenez 25 Mar – Mr. and Mrs. Limerick
26 Mar – Mrs. Grabill 25 Mar – SPC and Mrs. Goodrum
27 Mar – SSG and Mrs. Branner
30 Mar – SSG and Mrs. Lyse
Expecting
SPC and Mrs. Lyon – 17 April 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Ellis – 16 July 2012
SPC Saint – 11 March 2012
SPC and Mrs. Eppards – 13 June 2012
Baby Badgers
NONE
***If you would like to submit your special event
please contact Jennifer Limerick***
3
4. FRG Information Sheet
1. Name _________________________________________________________
2. Sponsor’s Name and Rank ___________________________________________
3. E-Mail Address ____________________________________________________
4. Home Phone ______________________________________________________
5. Preferred method of contact:
________ Phone ________ Email ________ Text
________ Please do not contact
6. Your Birthday _________________ Anniversary_________________________
7. Children:
Name ___________________________Age __________ Birthdate ______________
Name ___________________________Age __________ Birthdate ______________
Name ___________________________Age __________ Birthdate ______________
Name ___________________________Age __________ Birthdate ______________
8. Are you and your spouse expecting a baby? ________ If so, when is the due date? __________
9. What type of information would you expect your FRG to provide?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
10. Would you be interested in volunteering during fundraisers (time, expertise, baked goods, etc.)
________ Yes ________ No ________ Maybe but please contact me
4
5. NEWSLETTER
11. Would you be interested in volunteering for any of the following positions (Circle all that apply)
Leader Co-Leader Treasurer Co-Treasurer
Fundraisers Newsletter Key Caller
Signature Date
*** Please note that none of this information will be handed out or used in any other way other than FRG
purposes. The FRG leader and Co-Leader will be the only ones with access to this information. Upon leaving
this unit your information will be shredded***
5
6. NEWSLETTER
Bravo 2BSTB FRG Survey
Hello Bravo spouse! If you could please take a minute and fill out this survey I would very much appreciate
it. I would like to get as many people involved as possible and would really like to get your opinions. If you
could please fill this out and email it back to me at jennifer.r.limerick@us.army.mil or
jrlimerick@hotmail.com.
Thank you,
Jennifer Limerick
1. What days (Monday – Friday) are best to have our monthly FRG meetings?
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Where are some places that you would like to see us conduct our FRG meetings at?
________________________________________________________________________
3. What fundraisers would you be interested in participating in or would like to see the
company/battalion have?
________________________________________________________________________
4. Are you interested in participating in the FRG in any way? If so, in what capacity?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Do you want to be sent the FRG newsletter? If yes, please provide an email address
________________________________________________________________________
6. Please tell us the best way to contact you (phone, text, email).
________________________________________________________________________
7. In what other ways can we improve the FRG to meet your needs?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for filling out this survey. I really appreciate you taking the time to help improve our
FRG. If you ever need anything PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me! (I can text message if you
prefer to do it that way just please let me know that you are in the FRG)
Jennifer Limerick
FRG Leader
315-804-0655 (c)
315-772-6423 (w)
jennifer.r.limerick@us.army.mil
jrlimerick@hotmail.com
6
7. NEWSLETTER
Around Town
(Here are some of the events going on in the Fort Drum area)
2012 Black River Valley Concert Series
March 3 ~ Bear Cat Jazz Band, Classic Jazz
March 24 ~ Nicole Johndrow, Broadway Cabaret
March 31 ~ Lipone Redding, Unique Artistry
**First concert at Lowville Academy, all others at Lewis County Historical Society, 7552 South State St,
Lowville All concerts at 7:30pm, Tickets $20 at the door, $18 in advance, Season Tickets $100 For more
information please call (315) 376-8957
March 16-18
Watertown
North Country Goes Green Irish Festival
http://www.ncirishfest.com/
March 17 & 18 and 24 & 25
Lowville Area 16th Annual Maple Weekend Maple Weekend is a family event...and there's no better way
to spend time with family and friends! Five maple producers in Lewis County, along with over 90 other
maple producers across New York State, will be hosting open houses for the public to see how Maple
Syrup and other related products are made. This family oriented event is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Participants will be boiling sap into maple syrup and many will demonstrate the making of other maple
products...and of course, visitors can sample and purchase maple products. In addition, some of the sugar
houses will provide a variety of other activities to make your visit more memorable. The following Lewis
County Maple Producers will be participating:
Swiss'er Sweet Maple - Open 3/19, 3/20, 3/26 & 3/27 from 10am to 4pm ~ Jason & Barbara Zehr at 6242
Swiss Rd, Castorland NY. (315) 346-1034 swisser@twcny.rr.com or visit: www.swissersweetmaple.com
Tug Hill Sweets & Treats - Open 3/17,18,24 & 25 from 10am to 4pm ~ County Route 163, Copenhagen
NY. (315) 408-8100
Golden Maple Shanty - Open 3/26 from 10am to 4pm ~ Marvin Widrick at 4836 Sharp Rd, Lowville NY.
(315) 376-6310 sales@mapleshanty.com or visit: www.mapleshanty.com
Pierce's Sugar Spigot - Open 3/17,18,24 & 25 from 10am to 4pm ~ Karen & Carl Pierce at 11603 Route
812, Croghan NY. (315) 543-2980 kapierce3@hotmail.com or visit: www.lcida.org/sspigot.html
Yancey's Sugarbush - Open 3/24 & 3/25 from 10am to 4pm ~ Haskel & Jane Yancey at 7981 Long Pond
Rd, Croghan NY. (315)346-6356 janeyancey@frontier.com
March 17
Sackets Harbor
10AM at the Seaway Trail Discovery Center
12th annual quilt show...the War of 1812 quilt challenge....at least 75 quilts to be displayed @ Seaway
Trail Discovery Center on March 17 and 18 from 10am to 5pm....$5.00 admission
Contact Daryl Or Lynette PHONE- 315-646-1000 lynette@seawaytrail.com
March 30 & 31
Alexandria Bay
Bonnie Castle Resort, Holland St.
The Thousand Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society's Eleventh Annual Winter Getaway Weekend.
Friday, 7 - 10 pm: Delaney Brothers (first Getaway appearance) $10 per person Saturday, 7 - 10 pm:
Darren Beachley & Heart Town $10 per person Dave Nichols and Spare Change will open both Friday
and Saturday shows. Jamming every day including Sunday. Guitar Raffle, 50/50 raffles and more. Tickets
available at the door. Special room rates being offered at Bonnie Castle.
7
8. NEWSLETTER
2012 Women’s Conference
The Enlisted Spouses Club is holding a Women’s Conference on March
16 and 17th at the Commons. It is $30 for both days and it includes
lunch. There are many different classes that are offered that are
geared towards women in the military (soldier and spouse alike). I
went a couple of years ago and I had a blast! Take a look below to see
the classes that are offered this year. If you would like to attend fill
out the registration form and mail it in (along with your payment) to
the address on the form. Registration is due March 1st.
2012 Women’s Conference Workshop Descriptions
Flower Arrangements Simmons
You see beautiful flower arrangements almost everywhere you turn. You see them premade in the store and the price shocks you. Shari
will teach you how to make a simple yet beautiful arrangement yourself.
Investing In Your Future Financial MFLC
With the economic rebound, everyone is wary and cautious on where to put your money. Key Bank will teach you where it is safe and
how to invest for short and long term in this post-recession era.
Portable Businesses: How to PCS & Stay Successful Robin Stephenson
Calling all Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Scentsy consultants! Anyone that has a home based business or small business this class is
for you! Learn how to stay in touch with contacts when you PCS and build your business when you get to your new location without
losing revenue.
Car Care 101 Firestone
How many of us had to learn how to pump gas when our husbands deployed? Or how to check air pressure in the vehicle, or even know
to check the oil and transmission fluid? Don’t worry you aren’t alone. Firestone will take you through the care of your car so it doesn’t
end up in the junk yard!
Chart Your Course For Success Parent to Parent
Get your middle school/high school student on the right track. Learn what will help them prepare for college and what you can do now
to get them ready for their life!
Hidden Casualties of War Behavioral Health
Not every Soldier comes home with physical wounds. This workshop will take you through the signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and what you can do to get help for your loved one.
Home 101: Buying vs. Renting Hunt Real Estate
Let Gwyn Monnat’s team at Hunt Real Estate take you through the diverse market of Northern New York. What is so different about
here? When should I buy a house? When should I rent? Should I rent out the house I own or sell? Hunt is here to take you through
some of the concerns and what may work best in this area.
Educational Opportunities for Spouses Joe Agresti
There are so many opportunities for spouses and family members to get educational assistance. Mr. Agresti will go over all the hidden
secrets that may lie in the educational field.
8
9. NEWSLETTER
Extreme Couponing Katharine Jackson
You’ve seen the shows, you’ve read the news; now it’s time to be a part of the extreme couponing movement! Katharine will take you
through the secrets and tips of the art of extreme couponing. This is not a workshop you’d want to miss.
How to Navigate the Medical Field Martin’s Point
It seems inevitable when you come to a new duty station, someone in the family gets sick before the first box is unloaded. Martin’s Point
will teach you how to move with you medical records and how to make the transition easy and fast.
Drug Abuse Awareness ASAP
It seems like every time you turn around there is a new drug infecting our community and schools. The most recent is Spice and Bath
Salts. ASAP will go into the world of this new and legal form of synthetic drugs and how to educate and protect your family.
Adoption Office of Child and Family Services
Thought about adoption? Think it may be for your family? Let OCFS talk about requirements and regulations for US and foreign
adoptions. They’ll cover topics specific to military and what DOD offers for reimbursements
Movement Through Dance Amy Earle School of Dance
Miss Amy will go through fitness dance, Latin and touch on some ballroom. Learn how to make your body move, feel good and have fine
while doing it.
Cake Decorating 101 Julie Coffman
Cake Boss & DC Cupcake fans, this is for you! Learn simple decorating tips from the pros. Even if you don’t think you have the best skills,
you can do this!
What Is That and What Does it Do? Tom Boy Tools: Amanda Jones
Most of our husbands have tools, right? Most of our husbands fix things while they are home, right? And of course, most things don’t
become broke until they are gone, right? Well that’s what Amanda is for. She has her tool bag full of all sorts of goodies! She will go
through simple tools, what they are for and some simple fixes. She’ll also tell you when it’s probably best to call a pro!
Holistic Health and Healing TapInfinity: Val Silver
Val will discuss holistic health and healing: exactly what it is and why it’s important to your well being. She’ll discuss different types of
healing and some pros and cons plus navigating the terms. Use this information to empower yourself in relation to your own health and
wellness and when partnering with your medical providers.
Educational Transitions for Children School Liaison Office
Military Families transition frequently which can add additional stress when having to make educational choices. School Liaison
Services (SLS) can help cope with the additional stressors while moving from installation to installation or even from school to school
locally. Simple tips will help you successfully transition your student and ease the stress of relocating. SLS will also provide you with
educational options in the Tri-County area.
Things You Didn’t Know About Breast Cancer Dr. Lucal
It seems like every day there is something on the news that is “breaking” about breast cancer. Samaritan Medical Center’s team will take
you through what is vital information and what you need to walk away knowing.
Repurposing Nana Rose
A shelf made out of door knobs or a chair as a planter. Let the professionals from Nana Rose teach you how to turn something ordinary
into something amazing.
Personal Organization Put it Simply Organizing
How many times has it happened to you that you’ve gotten to a new duty station, unpacked all of your belongings and realized you can’t
find anything?! Take the stress out of everyday life and any unneeded stress from PCSing by getting organized.
Bows & Pretty Things NNY Gals: Maria Runyon
How beautiful is a little girl with bows in her hair? How cute is it when she has a bow for every outfit!? NNY Gals will teach you how to
make and assemble bows to put on headbands, clips or barrettes. Come learn how to coordinate your best girl!
Tennis Shoes to Dress Blues: Formal Functions Made Easy ACS
Protocol can be an intimidating word for many. Gaining and understanding of Army spouse’s etiquette through this course will allow
9
10. NEWSLETTER
you to enjoy all social functions with your spouse from those in blue jeans to a black tie affair.
Wine 101 Class 6/Aafes
The Class 6 will teach you how to pair wine, and how to properly taste it all through their wine selection from their
winery in the 1000 Islands.
Public Speaking: Tips and Tools Toast Masters
Clam up when you get put on the spot? All of a sudden do you develop a stammer that only seems to come on when you are in front of a
crowd? It happens all the time. Kathy will teach you how to speak on the spot and in front of anyone!
What Happens with the Unexpected Dawn Bauschke: Casualty Assistance Center
No one likes to think about what would happen if an incident occurred with your loved one. But being prepared for a situation and
having the knowledge and expectations of what should happen will make the transition smoother. Dauwn will talk about what happens
in the event of a casualty notification and what the roles and responsibilities are of the notification and assistance officers. She’ll also go
over basic SGLI information.
10
14. NEWSLETTER
We’re on the Web!
www.armyfrg.org
www.facebook.com/2ndbrigadespeci
altroopsbattalion
** There are more pictures that can only be seen
on the vFRG and our facebook page so check it
out!
Contact Us:
FRG Leader:
Jennifer Limerick – 315-804-0655
jrlimerick@hotmail.com
jennifer.r.limerick@us.army.mil
Our FRG email address is badgerfrg@gmail.com
BN Family Readiness Support Assistant:
Decima Chiasson - 315-772-9166
decima.chiasson@us.army.mil
14
