Commentary by TXARNG Counselors Renee Senn, LCSW and Tracy K. Ward, LPC

"I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained
and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills."
Excerpt from Soldier's Creed

After the holidays most of us find ourselves with some additional weight and tighter clothes... two "signs" that our physical body needs a little tune-up and a little extra attention. An important aspect of being a service member is to maintain a level of physical fitness and a readiness to serve. Knowing you have Army physical standards and a PT test increases your awareness of your body and physical fitness level.

The Soldier's Creed emphasizes that soldiers maintain not only their physical toughness to serve but also their mental toughness as well. How do soldiers measure their mental toughness or know when it needs some attention?

A mental fitness tune up is needed when you BEGIN to:

• lose sight of Army values
• pull away from  family and  friends  
• smile less 
• laugh less 
• drink more alcohol 
• smoke or increase smoking
• use illegal substances
• have more arguments with those you love  
• no longer engage in activities you enjoy
• skip family events 
• sleep more or sleep less
• have mean thoughts toward yourself or others
• hold grudges 
• feel an increase in sadness, anxiety, boredom or anger
• no longer engage in spiritual practices like attending worship services, praying, etc. 

When you notice your physical body is beginning to be out of shape it is wise to make changes early. For example, making changes when the waist band is too tight, versus waiting to react when all your clothes no longer fit.  The quicker you recognize the signs, create an action plan and make changes, the smoother and easier the process. This is also true for your mental toughness.  Pay attention to the early signs.  Notice when you BEGIN to lose sight of your Army values.  Knowing your personal signs, creating a plan of action, and engaging in the plan will create quick changes to your mental fitness and decrease the chance of a crisis.  

It is important to create a plan of action with lists of people, places and activities that mentally strengthen you and uphold Army values.  Choose people who will tell you the truth, listen with compassion, advise you, and will help you get back on track. Choose from a combination of your friends, family members, Battle Buddies, a chaplain, a therapist or anyone who you trust and believe will have your best interests at heart.  This does not include mischievous friends.  Mischievous friends may be fun to be with but can lead to trouble and they may not honor Army values.
 
A plan should also include places and activities that replenish, strengthen and build resilience. Participate in activities that make you smile, laugh, move, talk, and engage with good people.  All of these activities may strengthen mental fitness.  This plan does not include long hours of video games, stressful movies and social media (each of which is shown to increase stress and anxiety). 

Just as you must exercise at least 3x a week to keep up your physical fitness, you will need to make an effort to use your mental fitness plan 3x a week.  That means having personal contact with good people, engaging in activities that you enjoy and going to places that increase your level of relaxation.  Continuing to do this weekly will help your mental fitness and will reward you with a level of mental toughness that will serve you well in and out of battle. 

Tracy K. Ward,  Renee Senn and Courtney Lynch are counselors located at Camp Mabry and  have made a commitment to honor and accept the physical and mental standards of the Army.  At this moment they aren't willing to post their physical fitness status so watch for quarterly updates on their progress.  If you need help creating a mental fitness plan or have helpful advice regarding their physical fitness progress, please contact them in Bldg 34 or at 512-782-6791. 

Commentary by TXMF Staff

Planning a trip for the holidays? Here are a few tips to help with your planning!

Road Travel Tips

1. Taking a roadtrip? Have your vehicle inspected before you leave, especially if driving in harsh weather conditions.
2. Be adaptable if traveling by car. With construction, traffic and road closures be prepared for a change in route.
3. Equip your car with a winter safety kit. Here's info on how to build one: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/winter/HowToMakeAKit.asp
4. Have a second driver and plan frequent rest stops. Fight fatigue and improve alertness by stopping to stretch your legs.

Air Travel Tips

1. Stay healthy this season. Keep in mind the spread of germs. Get the flu vaccine and wash hands frequently
2. Traveling by air? Plan ahead and leave extra time for long lines and traffic.
3. Soaring the skies? Save time and money by packing light as possible. Airlines are getting stricter with baggage allowances

Home Safety Tips

1. Avoid fire hazards. Inspect holiday decorations, lights, and extension cords for damage before use.
2. Don’t overload outlets with too many decorations or devices.
3. If you have a fresh Christmas tree, keep your tree stand full of water to avoid fire hazards.
4. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn!
5. Traveling? Have a neighbor watch your house or call your local PD to do a drive by. Use timers in and outside your house.

For more tips and tricks follow our twitter page @TXMilitaryForce and feel free to share your own #TXMFHolidayTips. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Commentary by: Michelle McBride

Photo by: Master Sgt. Kenneth Walker

On Dec. 7, 2014, the Texas Military Forces State Public Affairs Office held a media competition highlighting Public Affairs work done by guardsmen throughout Texas.

This year’s award recipients are as follows:

Motivational Video:
1st place: Staff Sgt. Mindy Bloem, 147th Reconnaissance Wing

Broadcast Journalism:
1st place: Staff Sgt. Mindy Bloem, 147th Reconnaissance Wing 2nd place: Mr. John Thibodeau and 1st Lt. Alicia Lacy, TXMF State Public Affairs Office

Journalism
1st Place: Capt. Martha Nigrelle, TXMF State Public Affairs Office 2nd Place: Master Sgt. Daniel Griego, 36th Infantry Division and JTF- 136th MEB 3rd Place: Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon, TXMF State Public Affairs Office

Publication
1st Place: Mr. Chris Porter, Recruiting and Retention Battalion

Photography
1st Place: Senior Airman Chasity Lollis, 147th Reconnaissance Wing 2nd Place (tied): Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon, TXMF State Public Affairs Office and Spc. Christina Clardy, 36th Infantry Division 3rd Place (tied): Chief Warrant Officer 2 Janet Schmelzer, 4th Regiment, Texas State Guard and Master Sgt. Charles Hatton, 136th Airlift Wing

Special Contribution to the Public Affairs field by a non-Public Affairs member:
Staff Sgt. John Gately, TXMF Website and TXSG Website Tech. Sgt. Eduardo Zamora, TXANG Website Private 1st Class Estefania Reyes, TXMF Website

Public Affairs Leader of the Year:
Master Sgt. Daniel Griego

Nigrelle, who was also the master of ceremonies for the event, said it is important to recognize the efforts of all Texas Public Affairs service members who are always in the background telling the Texas Military forces story. 

“Their hard work and achievements are instrumental in educating the public on everything our Texas guardsmen do for the state and nation,” said Nigrelle.

Congratulations to all of the winners, we look forward to next year’s entries. To view more photos of the award ceremony, please visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/texasmilitaryforces/sets/72157649745003666.

Commentary by: Michelle McBride

Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon

AUSTIN- Members of the Texas Military Forces and their families gathered together to celebrate the holidays at the Adjutant General’s annual Christmas Party Dec. 5, 2014. 

This year, festivities included the annual tree lighting as well as a barbecue cook-off, where service members competed in teams for the best brisket.  

“This is a time to spend with your families,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick Hamilton, commander of Domestic Operations, Texas National Guard. “Use this time to recharge your batteries, to thank your families for their support, and return from the holidays ready to work.”

After the official lighting of the tree, the crowd and the 36th Infantry Division band sang Christmas carols as the drill hall was prepped for barbecue and Santa.  Once ready, service members and their families enjoyed a brisket lunch complete with festive desserts while Santa raffled out door prizes. 

“Let’s take a moment to remember that we still have soldiers and airmen in harm’s way today both from Texas and from our nation,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Adjutant General, Texas National Guard, “As we celebrate this time of the year, let’s keep them and their families in our prayers.” 

For more pictures from the holiday party, please visit our Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/texasmilitaryforces/with/15958196396/ . 

Commentary by: Staff Sgt. Tamara Dabney, Texas Air National Guard

Texas National Guard members serving away from home on the Texas-Mexico border enjoyed a home-cooked holiday meal last week thanks to their partners at the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Since July, nearly 1000 Texas National Guard members have been serving alongside DPS, in support of Operation Strong Safety in an effort to secure the Texas border. Their mission is meant to help safeguard the lives and property of Texas citizens, but it has also brought many DPS employees and Texas National Guardsmen closer together.   

“We’re a family here at DPS and now our family is growing, because of Operation Strong Safety,” said Jose Rodriguez, DPS Regional Commander. “This operation has allowed me to work side-by-side with Texas National Guard members. We are glad to see the Guardsmen here with smiling faces and full bellies!”

Through the unique military capabilities of the Texas National Guard, DPS has the advantage of nearly one thousand extra pairs of eyes watching the border.

During the luncheon, DPS Commander Jose Rodriguez expressed appreciation for the service of Texas National Guard members who observe and deter criminal activity along the Texas border everyday.

“The amount of criminal activity on the border has come down significantly”, said Rodriguez. “Our mission is to detect criminals on the front line…so having the National Guard here is a definite plus.”

Commentary by: Lt. Col. Jamey Creek, Base Operations Manager TCGC and Buffalo Gap Firefighter

Photo by: courtesy of All Hands Fire Equipment

You will likely be utilizing propane, a burner and extremely hot oil to cook your turkey. The safe operation and application of these essentials are vital to success of your Thanksgiving Meal.

Last year was my first attempt at frying a turkey. I simply searched the internet, watched numerous videos and read several articles on frying a turkey. Most all are similar in nature, with only slight variables in temperature, time and seasoning.  A good link to review is:  http://www.heb.com/page/recipes-cooking/cooking-tips/deep-fried-turkey

However, good old fashion first-hand experience is hard to beat. The following are personal lessons learned along with my experience as a volunteer firefighter.  

• Make certain safety items are in close proximity. A fire extinguisher is an incredibly handy tool when needed. Even more important is to have a phone and the number for your local Emergency Service Provider. Most likely, the simple 9-1-1 will do the trick. Do not wait if an event occurs. Time is critical on fires. The faster responders get there, the greater the likelihood of success will be.
• Make sure you are familiar with the operation of your propane burner. There are several variables; most notable is that some burners are equipped with timers that require your frequent attendance. Otherwise, it will automatically shut off after a few minutes. 
• Firmly seat the hose from your burner to the propane tank. A faulty connection can be disastrous. Simply turn on the propane valve and listen for a “hissing” noise to confirm or deny your connection. If you hear or smell anything, immediately close the valve and re-check your connection. 
• Proper oil depth is imperative. Too little oil prevents proper cooking and too much oil can lead to a fire and or injuries. The best method is to place your turkey into your pot and cover with water. You must then remove the turkey and mark the depth. This will later become the fill mark for your oil. The pot must subsequently be dried along with the turkey. 
• Under no circumstance should you make an adjustment to the fryer pot without first turning off the burner. This is the most abused step, which leads to the most injuries when frying. By turning off the burner, there are no flames to ignite a potential oil spill. If oil is spilled, be sure to wipe it up prior to relighting the burner. 
• Flip-flops, short shorts and short sleeves are not your friend when contact is made with 325-375 degree oil. Dress for success when frying. Leather shoes, long pants, long sleeves and gloves are imperative for your protection. 
• The turkey MUST BE fully thawed and as dry as possible before placing into the hot oil. A significant emotional event will instantly occur if a frozen turkey is dropped into 375 degree oil. Your local emergency service providers will most certainly be needed if this is done.
• Location is important. Your frying location should be on a hard, level and non- combustible surface. It must also be out of the wind, but in a well-vented area. 

A simple review of these lessons learned, combined with quality research time will undoubtedly set the stage for your safe and enjoyable holiday meal.   

Happy Thanksgiving!

Commentary by: Tracy Ward, TXMF Behavioral Health Counselor

A is for Appreciation.  Appreciation is the opposite of depression.  It is difficult to be depressed and grateful at the same time.  Sincerely being grateful for what you have decreases depressing thoughts and opens the possibility for a positive mood and a smile on your face.  Take time during the holiday season to be aware of all the blessings you have around you.  Many times we take these blessings for granted or just enter in to a type of forgetfulness because the blessings have always been there.  Soldiers I have worked with in the past have shared with me how serving overseas made them realize how many blessings we take for granted in this country.  As they list things like clean water, shoes, a roof over our heads, peaceful nights and abundance of food, I realize I’ve taken those things for granted too and had stopped seeing them as blessings. During the 2014 holiday season make an intention to WAKE UP and see the blessings around you.  Train your eyes to look for hidden blessings that you may have forgotten.  Look for the good around you.  Take inventory of the good in people, in situations, in places and remind yourself that there is good in the world.  A helpful nighttime ritual is to state at least 10 blessings each night before you go to sleep.  Try to add one or two new items to your list each evening.  Making this a habit will help your sleep, decrease depressing thoughts and remind yourself how blessed you truly are. 

If, for any reason, you struggle finding good in yourself or others or struggle remembering your blessings, you may want to contact the Chaplain at 1-866-822-7685 select 7# or write ng.tx.txarng.list.txmfchaplain@mail.mil. 

B is for Budget, Budget, Budget.  Nothing can put a damper on the holidays faster that a stack of unpaid bills.  Spending outside of your means causes tremendous stress.  One way to reduce the amount of debt for this season is to create a holiday spending budget.  Know what you want to buy, for whom, and how much you want to spend. Even deciding on how much you can spend on extra holiday food and travel expenses will save you a lot of grief in January.  After you create your spending list (this is important to discuss with your significant other and get agreement) stick to the list.  A good rule of thumb is always go into a store with a list, an amount you want to spend and a time limit.  The stores want you to have: no plan, no budget, no list and a lot of extra time to look around.  The more time you browse the store or browse on-line the higher the odds of you overspending.  Buy what you need then get out of the store.  

If you need help creating a holiday budget (or any type of financial budget), contact the Soldiers For Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) at Camp Mabry.  The financial counselors will be waiting for your call and can be reached at 512-782-5353.  Financial services are free to all TXARNG service members. 

C is for Call for Support.  The holidays can be a time of stress and loneliness.  If you find yourself stressed out, lonely, short tempered or all three, call for support.  Texas has excellent counselors that are located throughout the state to support you and your family.  These counselors are available for confidential sessions by phone, on-line or face-to-face.  They also offer a 24/7 counseling line at 512-782-5069 to support you when you have questions, concerns or just want to talk.  

Counseling services are available to all TXARNG Service Members and Family Members at no charge and are confidential.  

So to review:  A is to Appreciate all the blessings.  B is to budget your resources and C is to call for support when you need it.

And finally....Tis the Season. Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated.  The Golden Rule is always “in season.”  Have a blessed and safe holiday season.

National Hotlines:

Military Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255, Text 838255

Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673

Substance Abuse: 1-800-662-4357

Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233

Child Abuse: 1-800-252-5400

Vets4Warriors: 1-855-838-8255

Army Sexual Harassment Hotline: 1-800-267-9964

Commentary by: Capt. Martha Nigrelle

AUSTIN, Texas (Nov. 18, 2014) – Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Weedon, a Bryan native, assumed responsibility as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Texas Military Forces from Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Brandt, in a ceremony held at Camp Mabry in Austin, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. 

During the ceremony Weedon took time to thank his family for their many years of love, support and sacrifice.  He also commented on his early days in the Texas National Guard and when he decided to make a long term commitment to the force.

"I fell in love with the guard when I recognized the true sacrifice and the true patriot that guardsmen and women are," said Weedon.

Weedon’s previous leadership positions include fire team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, operations sergeant, first sergeant, sergeant major and command sergeant major.

"I am very humbled and proud at the same time, to serve you in this position," said Weedon speaking to the men and women of the Texas Military Forces.

As the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas Military Forces, Weedon will advise the Adjutant General – Texas on all enlisted matters affecting training, effective utilization, health of the force and enlisted professional development.

"It is the spirit of men and women who follow and the men and women who that gains the victory," said Weedon. "I believe that we have the right team in place to do just that and I look forward to our ride together."

Weedon graduated from Bryan High School in 1986 and joined the U.S. Army in January of 1988. He and his wife Shelli have four children and three grandchildren.

Commentary by: Col. Gregory P. Chaney
Chief of Staff, Office of the Adjutant General

CAMP MABRY, Texas – As we celebrate another year of American independence, we also reflect on the sacrifice of the early citizen-soldiers, who put down their plowshares and marched and fought alongside George Washington, and others, to begin the process of securing our founder’s ideals and promise of greater freedom for all.

Our heritage is directly tied to these early Americans. They laid the foundation of the modern National Guard. Our organization grew from the militias of the early colonies, their experiences during and after the Revolutionary War, and the desire of states to prevent an overreaching federal government.

The Militia Act of 1792 codified the traditional view of the militia, and the organization and control states had over their military forces. Later, the Militia Act of 1903, also known as the Dick Act (after U.S. Sen. Charles Dick of Ohio), restructured state militaries and allowed for greater opportunities for the federalization of state troops, with the consent of state governors. The Act provided federal funds to the National Guard to pay for equipment and training, including annual summer encampments.

The National Defense Act of 1916 established the National Guard of the United States, and gave the president expanded authority to federalize state National Guard forces. While federal responsibilities and funding have increased, one thing remained the same: state National Guards are organized by each state’s statute and are controlled by the governor, unless they are called into federal service with the National Guard of the United States or as a part of the U.S. Army or Air Force.

Each state’s militia is organized through the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, and many also have a separate state defense force.

In Texas, our military structure is organized by state law, currently within the Texas Government Code (Title 4. Executive Branch, Chapter 437. Texas Military). This statute organizes the Texas Military into the Texas Military Forces and the Texas Military Department.

The Adjutant General (TAG) of Texas serves the dual-role of commanding general of the Texas Military Forces and is the governing officer, policy maker, and head of the Texas Military Department. The Adjutant General is a state employee who is appointed by the governor of Texas – the state military’s commander-in-chief – and must be confirmed by the Texas Senate.

To assist TAG, the governor also appoints two deputy adjutants general (DAGs), one for Army matters and another for Air. Additionally, the governor appoints the commander of the Texas State Guard. These are all state officials, but the DAGs may also serve in dual-roles and assume federal responsibilities. For example, both DAGs also currently serve as the commander of their respective National Guard components.

The Texas Military Forces currently include the Texas Army and Air National Guard, which have federal duty when called upon by the president, as well as a state defense force, the volunteer Texas State Guard, which serves the state and cannot be called into federal service.

The administrative arm that supports the state’s resources and military forces is the Texas Military Department. This state agency is managed by an executive director who serves at the pleasure of TAG, and is a critical component of the Texas Military. Its dedicated civilians support our soldiers and airmen to help ensure they have many of the necessary tools to achieve mission success.

While we are a complex, state-federal organization, our unifying motto is “Texans Defending Texas” – that is the call and charge for all of our members and employees. While times may change, we continue to stand ready. We are proud of our legacy and heritage.

Much like our Guard predecessors who fought during the American struggle for independence, today’s citizen-soldiers and airmen live and work in our communities. But we remain prepared to defend our state and nation, when called: from the ravages of wildfires and hurricanes to the threat of foreign enemies abroad.

Col. Gregory P. Chaney of Merkel, Texas is an Army National Guard Engineer and became the Adjutant General’s Chief of Staff in August of 2013. His military career includes deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina (SFOR 7) and Iraq (OIF III). Col. Chaney holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Abilene Christian University, and holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

10/30

I am home!

The last month in Afghanistan stretched on, with the end so close in sight. During this time back in America, the government shut down due to a lack of agreement in our nation's dire financial state. I still received a paycheck, but many of my friends who are government employees did not. 

I have horrible compassion fatigue. I am not the same eager, bright faced nurse who arrived six months ago. I still do my job, but I'm on auto pilot. Now that I'm home, I need to not see patients for a while. I'm taking leave, and told my supervisor that I'd like to work in the post anesthesia care unit for a while. All you do there is help patients recover after surgery. That's about my speed right now.

About two weeks before we left Afghanistan, we moved into transit barracks. Instead of six girls in a room, there were eight. 

When our replacements arrived, we had never felt more happy and relieved. I vaguely knew the new girl who was replacing me. My friend and I put together a welcome pack for them, complete with hair sprays, dry shampoo, cosmetics, lotions, etc. you know, the things we worked so hard to get people to send us since we couldn't buy them here. We just wanted the new girls to be all set up. That is, after all, what soldiers do. We look out for each other.

The trip home took a week. We stopped in Kandahar, Kuwait, Germany, New Hampshire, and finally Ft Bliss, Texas to turn in our weapons and gear. For a week, no one slept more than a few hours at a time, as we were constantly on the go, getting off one C-130 to get on another C-17 and finally onto normal, commercial jets.

Coming home was wonderful and stressful and overwhelming. When we landed at a small airfield in New Hampshire, we were greeted off the plane by a hundred or so veterans and volunteers. They had pizzas, donuts and coffees spread out for us, and let us know how proud and happy they were that we were home. Seeing all of the veterans welcoming us home made me proud to be an American soldier. 

I am home now. For the first time since I left, I took a shower without flip flops on, in a bathroom that was right next to my room! I drove my Jeep, afraid in the heavy traffic, but I did it! I only ran over a few curbs! I look at everyone, from the jerk that just cut me off on the beltway to the McDonalds employee who takes my order with a scowl and I think they have no idea how good they have it.

I think back over the last ten years. I was a naive, young girl when we invaded Iraq. My tour was cut short when I came home to a dying husband. I spent ten years building up a solid, professional career as an Army nurse, while my personal life crumbled. I was a train wreck on the inside, despite my put together exterior. Coming to Afghanistan at the end of our conflict was like closing the chapter to a story. I can move on, and I want to. 

I never went outside the wire. I was a cozy little "fobbit," but still experienced the atrocities of war through our patients. 

As for my comrades, we all went our separate ways, like when you step on an ant mound and all of the ants run in different directions. I'm due for a move soon myself, though where I'm not sure. 

Finale to a 13 part miniseries following the personal memoirs of a deployed soldier