Steven Draper, Fort Hood museums director, stops by the studio this week to provide an update on construction of the National Mounted Warrior Museum, which will be located between the Visitor's Center and the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment's stables. The project is moving along nicely, with a "soft-opening" projected for the summer of 2022. As for the crew, after flying solo last week, Brianna is on vacation, so SPC Kyra Pearl joins Samantha and Lamont in a co-host seat ... someth...
Jul 29, 2021•32 min•Season 2Ep. 30
This week, the podcast crew welcomes in subject-matter-experts from Fort Hood's Army Military Pay Office, the folks who fix things when you have issues with your Army pay. Brianna gets to fly solo for the interview, as we're still social distancing in the studio, and takes a good-natured ribbing from her co-hosts since she's the "senior" member of the podcast team now. The crew: - Samantha Farlow, Fort Hood Public Affairs - SGT Lamont Shavers, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade - CPL Brianna Doo...
Jul 22, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Lt. Gen. Pat White and Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff Burgoyne, the command team for III Corps and Fort Hood, return to the podcast studio this week discussing the Army's culture shift and holistic health and fitness. It's a great big People First podcast. The crew: - Samantha Farlow, Fort Hood Public Affairs - SGT Lamont Shavers, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade - CPL Brianna Doo, 1st Cavalry Division Band Featuring: - LTG Pat White, Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood - CSM Cliff Burgoyne, ...
Jul 15, 2021•32 min•Season 2Ep. 28
The rebranded podcast launches this week. Besides a new logo, new sound and a new vibe, the crew welcomes in crew welcomes the new Garrison Commander, COL Chad R. Foster, into the studio. With just over a month in command, the colonel talks about his return to the Great Place (he's been here twice before) and we get him talking about his lifelong interest in comic books (!) before reminding everyone to check out the festivities at Fort Hood as the Great Place celebrates Independence Day starting...
Jul 01, 2021•26 min•Season 2Ep. 26
The podcast crew welcomes in Isabel Hubbard from USO Fort Hood, who discusses all the services available to the Fort Hood community, the recent re-opening of their center on North Fort Hood and the special Independence Day celebration set for July 2 at the Great Place. We also preview the new show-opening tune, "Gun Metal Grey" by Delicious Allstars, which is part of the rebranding effort set to start with the July 1 episode. The crew: - Samantha Farlow, Fort Hood Public Affairs - SFC Kelvin Rin...
Jun 24, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 25
This week, the podcast crew welcomes in a new co-host to the team: SGT Lamont Shavers. Then they sit down with Fort Hood Child and Youth Services, who offers a wide variety of activities throughout the summer months. Intramural sports are also heating up, even if recent rain put a damper on softball for awhile. So whether you're looking to get the kids out of the house, or get out of the barracks for some healthy competition, check out this week's episode. The crew: - Samantha Farlow, Fort Hood ...
Jun 17, 2021•36 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Volunteerism is the focus this week as the Great Place honored its volunteers, including naming the 2021 Volunteer of the Year. In all, Fort Hood volunteers accounted for more than 45,000 hours last year ... a value of more than $1.3 million. Oh, and the Army turns 246 June 14, but doesn't look a day over 200, don't you think? The crew: - Samantha Farlow, Fort Hood Public Affairs - SFC Kelvin Ringold, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command - SPC Brianna Doo, 1st Cavalry Division Band Featuring: ...
Jun 10, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Summer is officially here, at least according to the podcast crew now that Memorial Day weekend has come and gone. With that in mind, the Army Substance Abuse Program has kicked off it's KISS (Keep It a Safe Summer) campaign, and the crew discusses places to go and things to do now that the 100-mile limit to travel for Soldiers has been lifted. The crew took advantage of their four-day weekend to travel some, and Fort Hood Sentinel (Standing Watch Since 1942) Living Editor Stephanie Salmon did, ...
Jun 03, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 22
This week is a retrospective, of sorts, as the podcast crew welcomes back the Fort Hood Garrison Commander Col. Jason Wesbrock on his final day in command. In his two years at the helm of USAG-Fort Hood, the colonel has dealt with housing issues, COVID-19, the tragic loss of one of our own, and most recently, Winter Storm Uri. Besides taking a look back at the past two years, the crew discusses their plans for a much-deserved four-day weekend off and the merits of charcoal grilling over gas. The...
May 27, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 21
This week, the podcast crew welcomes in Michelle Lenis from Fort Hood's Directorate of Public Works to talk about all the road renovations underway, as well as an update on the Santa Fe Gate project. It's all good news that you'll want to hear. Melissa made it back into the studio this week, feeling refreshed after completing weapons qualification, and with rain in the forecast for days, the crew reminds everyone to be on the look-out for flash flood warnings. Turn Around, Don't Drown. The crew:...
May 20, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 20
The fight against COVID-19 is not over, but we're winning. This week, the podcast crew welcomes in folks from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center who discuss changes underway at the hospital as they pivot to a 'new normal' here at the Great Place. Sam, filling in for Melissa who is out qualifying on the rifle range, reports on Fort Hood's Military Spouse Appreciation Day events and Brianna reminds everyone to check out the 1st Cavalry Division Band's free concert (open to the public) at 7 p.m., ...
May 13, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Permanent Change of Station. That's the Army term for "You're moving (again)." With the school year winding down, many Army families will find themselves on the move (again). As we head into the peak PCS season at Fort Hood, we brought in an expert from the post's Transportation Office to give some insight, and tips, for folks preparing to put the Great Place in their rear view mirror. But before that, we take you to a ceremony celebrating a $420 million upgrade coming for Fort Hood families liv...
May 06, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Resilience and perseverance. That's the common thread of this week's podcast as we focus in on Project Hero's Texas Challenge and then the Strongest Competition, Fort Hood's first in-person Morale, Welfare and Recreation event in more than a year. Kelvin made it in to tape the show, even though he just flew back from leave in Maryland, and Brianna took flight, as well, but for something totally different (that involved lots of screaming). Melissa is wired on coffee, and later, Dave welcomes in t...
Apr 29, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 17
The family of SPC Vanessa Guillen, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Soldier slain at Fort Hood on April 22, 2020, returned to the installation to join with leaders from III Corps and her Brave Rifles nearly a year later to unveil a gate on the east side of the installation dedicated to her memory. Most of the podcast team was at the April 19 ceremony, and they take you there in this special episode, raw with emotion, where LTG Pat White said, "The permanent gate makes it clear, we're not going to forget...
Apr 22, 2021•30 min•Season 2Ep. 16
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Carl Smith, from the Fort Hood Army Substance Abuse Program, joins the crew first, followed by a Girl Scout Cadette who uses her green thumb to tackle her Silver Award project and help the community at the same time. Kelvin isn't having a good week, thanks to a flying tire; Melissa has been working long hours covering the multinational warfighter exercise on post; and Brianna solved the case of the missing driver's license. Dave remembers to introduce the crew a...
Apr 15, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 15
This week, the podcast crew welcomes in the command team of the 3rd Armored Corps ... America's Hammer. They discuss the People First initiative, which has grown Army-wide, and is now in Phase 2 across the Phantom Warrior Corps. They also discuss recent extremism stand-down days held throughout III Corps formations with the help of an expert from the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, New York, even as they are in the midst of a multinational warfighter exercise at the Great Place. We cov...
Apr 08, 2021•59 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Nationally, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Army takes it a step further, proclaiming April as the Month of the Military Child. This week, the podcast crew welcomes in folks from the Fort Hood Family Advocacy Program and the post's New Parent Support Program to discuss the aims and goals of those programs. In addition, Sentinel Sports/Leisure Editor Blair Dupre ACTUALLY went to a movie theater to check out two new films and review them for our listening audience. We also find out what...
Apr 01, 2021•56 min•Season 2Ep. 13
For years, the Army Family Action Plan has been the mechanism to institute change and improvements at Army installations. This week, the podcast crew highlights AFAP and how you, too, can make a difference. They also discuss the need for in-home childcare providers on the installation with the director of the Fort Hood Child Care Program. Spring is officially here in Central Texas, folks, even if the podcast crew isn't sure when it actually began. The crew: - Dave Larsen, Fort Hood Public Affair...
Mar 25, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Didn't we just have a HUGE snow storm? Well, guess what? Flash flood season is right around the corner, folks. This week, the podcast crew discusses the dangers we face here in Central Texas every year with some experts who want you to ask yourself this question when you see a flooded roadway: Is it worth it? Turn around, don't drown. The crew: - Dave Larsen, Fort Hood Public Affairs - SFC Kelvin Ringold, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command - SPC Brianna Doo, 1st Cavalry Division Band Guests:...
Mar 18, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 11
The Magistrate Court at Fort Hood, together with the post's Directorate of Emergency Services, is offering a warrant amnesty period March 22 through April 1. This week, we find out that there are approximately 1,500 federal warrants out there (1,300+ for traffic violations/citations), and the Fort Hood court is offering a 10-day window for folks to clear those warrants up. Not sure if you're on the hit list? Call the court at (254) 669-6182. Besides talking law and order this week, we find out t...
Mar 11, 2021•54 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Spring is just around the corner, and this week the podcast crew welcomes in a health educator from the Fort Hood Army Wellness Center to discuss healthy living. After learning how they can live better, healthier lives, it's time for the monthly visit by resident movie critic, Fort Hood Sentinel Sports/Leisure Editor Blair Dupre. Melissa proves she's no quitter, Dave remains lost when it comes to today's pop culture, Kelvin is hungry (again) and the biggest news of the week is that Brianna's lon...
Mar 04, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Fort Hood has gone from a winter storm of epic proportions to 70-degree temperatures, but recovering from SNOVID 21 is an on-going effort. This week, the podcast crew welcomes in the director of Fort Hood's Directorate of Public Works and one the DPW heroes who helped battle last week's storm. In addition, Fort Hood high school seniors and spouses looking to complete their bachelor's degrees are also encouraged to apply for scholarships. The deadline for the Fort Hood Military Family Member Scho...
Feb 25, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In the wake of the 'Storm of Storms' here in Texas, Dave made it into the studio and checked in with the rest of the podcast crew. It appears only Dave's home has been without power throughout the week, but the rest of the crew continued to contend with hazardous roadways, the search for a gas station that still has gas, and lines at the grocery store. Next week, we expect everyone back in the studio, but for now, we HAD to do a health and welfare check-up on our troops. Thanks for listening. Th...
Feb 19, 2021•32 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The biggest football game of the year is in the history books, but what about the Sunday after that? Kelvin calls it, "The first Sunday without football." But most of us know that it's Valentine's Day. This week, the podcast crew welcomes in Chaplain (MAJ) Ben Hines, who discusses things you can do to enhance your love connection. The crew: - Dave Larsen, Fort Hood Public Affairs - SFC Kelvin Ringold, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command - SPC Brianna Doo, 1st Cavalry Division Band Guests: - C...
Feb 11, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Yes, folks, it's tax season again. This week, the podcast crew reminds the Fort Hood community that they can get their taxes prepared for FREE at the Fort Hood Tax Center. 1LT Meghan Moore is the officer-in-charge of the tax center. She fills us in on the "how-tos" and "what ifs" of the free tax service offered annually on post. The center is operating a little differently this tax season due to the pandemic. Sentinel Sports/Leisure Editor Blair Dupre is operating her "That's Entertainment" revi...
Feb 04, 2021•55 min•Season 2Ep. 5
This week, the podcast crew discusses how a new app will help expedite work orders for barracks repairs at Fort Hood, and remind everyone that January is, indeed, National Blood Donor Month and the need of blood centers everywhere for blood and plasma. Melissa made it back to Texas from Maine and rejoins the team, while Dave bemoans a loss by his beloved Green Bay Packers in the NFC title game (again). The crew: - Dave Larsen, Fort Hood Public Affairs - SGT Melissa Lessard, 504th Expeditionary M...
Jan 28, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 4
While the country continues to battle a worldwide pandemic, there is a light at the end of the tunnel ... in the form of COVID-19 vaccinations. This week, the podcast crew welcomes in the commander of Fort Hood's Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and the officer-in-charge of the center's vaccination operation. They give us a look at the phased approach being taken to vaccinate the Fort Hood community and an optimistic outlook as they battle on the front lines to kill the virus. If that doesn't...
Jan 21, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 3
This week, the podcast crew welcomes in Fort Hood Garrison Commander Col. Jason Wesbrock and uncover some silver linings from a pandemic-plagued 2020 while looking with optimism into the new year and beyond. Folks reported to work later on Monday this week due to a rare Central Texas snow storm. Plus, Fort Hood hosts its annual Winter Mega Career and Education Fair Jan. 26, but this time it's virtual. Jerry Hernandez gives us the scoop. Brianna made it in for Jerry's sit down in the podcast stud...
Jan 14, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Happy New Year, folks! We enter into 2021 with a final look at 2020 with Fort Hood Sentinel News Editor Brandy Cruz and Sports/Leisure Editor Blair Dupre. SFC Kelvin Ringold from the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command fills in for SGT Melissa Lessard, but two-thirds of the original cast of characters is on hand with Kelvin to ring in the first episode of the year. Dave has resolved to (finally) drop some weight, Brianna is determined to run a half-marathon this year, and Kelvin? He's resolve...
Jan 07, 2021•51 min•Season 2Ep. 1
This week's episode catches you up with how the III Corps and Fort Hood leadership is tackling issues uncovered by the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee. III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General LTG Pat White met with his commanders, met with the media and then met with 1,800 junior enlisted Phantom Warriors at Hood Stadium. This week's podcast takes you there to discuss Operation People First before shifting gears to talk about holiday movies with Fort Hood Sentinel Sports and Leisure Ed...
Dec 17, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 53
