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Fort Hood Military Base – Fort Hood Texas

January 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Texas on of the largest states in the United States is home to the world famous base of Fort Hood. This extremely large base is practically right in the middle of the state and is home to the 1st Cavalry Division, the 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, 13th Corps Support Command, 89th Military Police Brigade, 504th M.I. Group, 3rd Signal Brigade, 3rd Air Support Group and the 21st Cav. Bgde. The base can only be entered by invitation or if you have a valid identification card issued by the military. If you are driving on the I-35 you take the 190 West and head to Killeen after about twelve miles you will see the signs for the base just follow these and you will arrive at the main gate.

On Fort Hood

For recreation there are many activities at all times, such as bowling, hunting, and fishing and of course golf. If you are a swimmer you won’t be disappointed or an avid reader, there are lots of books in the very fine library. All the telephone numbers to arrange these activities are available on base at community services.

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Dining and Retail

The base is very large indeed and home to thousand of soldiers, dependents and visitors that have to be fed, so no matter where you go on base you will find various shoppettes, snack bars, convenience stores and dining halls where you can satisfy
your hunger.

Lodging

You can stay at the Fisher House, Darnall Army Community Hospital 36000 Darnall Loop Phone 254-286-7927 or at one of the many motels and hotels scattered around Killeen.

Rules and Regulations

When on Fort Hood there are very strict rule when driving and in general, these are strictly enforced by the Military Police who are very courteous but stern. Obey the rule and guidelines on the base and you will have a very enjoyable stay on one of the finest bases in the world.
Main installation number is 254-287-1110, DSN is 312-737-1110

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Gift Ideas For Men

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

It’s the season to be jolly and to go shopping! The question looms what to give the man in your life. Whether it’s family or friend, giving the wrong gift to a man can be embarrassing and disappointing. We all want to give a gift that shows we care and know exactly what our loved one wants.

Remember what may not be a gift you would ever want to receive could be the perfect treasure for the man in your life.

Here are 12 gift ideas to wow your man!

1. Music. Not all men are really into music but everyone has their favorite singer, band or genre. Don’t bother with a CD because it might not be the style he likes (and who really uses them anymore anyway?). Think MP3 player or a good quality and cool looking set of headphones.

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2. Car Stuff. If he has a car chances are he loves it. Think car accessories that are unique such as personalized license plates or interesting seat covers or stick shift ornaments. Be unique but try not to be too cheesy, unless you know that’s his thing. There is always the classic dashboard hula dancer to make someone smile.

3.Video Game Gear. Most men are into gaming and own an Xbox, PS3 or other platform. Don’t buy games since again you can’t be sure if it’s what he will like. Think accessories. New controllers or specialized equipment for certain games such as Guitar Hero. Also, think to add a personal touch and include gift cards for pizza delivery or wholesale bags of chips and other snacks.

4. Booze. This one is age appropriate of course. Specialty beers from foreign countries or quality liquors. Include books on beers or how to make cocktails as a personal touch. Consider a variety of wines from different countries for an international feel. Match wine and beer with nice wine glasses or beer mugs and liquors with interesting shot glasses.

5.Tickets. You can’t go wrong with tickets to events he enjoys. It could be concert tickets, seasonal sport tickets, movie, theatre or special event tickets. Remember to buy a set of two so that he can take a friend. Give him the gift of a good time and show support of his spending time with friends. He’s bound to be delighted.

6. Cologne. A lot of men won’t spend the money to buy good quality cologne, but they will soon be converted if they’re impressed. Buy quality cologne that isn’t over powering or reminds anyone of their father. His first reaction may not be excitement when he opens the package, but when he starts hearing all the compliments later that day he’ll have retrospective delight for his gift.

7. Boxers. Unless he goes commando, this is part of his daily wardrobe and again he may not deem it worthy to spend much on his underpants. This is how to impress him. Stay away from cheap, cheesy prints and go for a little expense. Comfort and class is the key when giving boxers as a gift. Choose a pair he wouldn’t spend the money on himself. Try silk or if need be cotton, but stay away from lycra and spandex. These two materials will only make him sweat and itch. Buy a pair you know he’ll be impressed by and after one wear he will be reconsidering his undie budget.

8. Nostalgia. Think about his memories, things he mentions with that far away look in his eyes. Some comic book or movie he was into when he was growing up. These things never quite fade from memory. A movie poster or action figure can bring a surprising smile to his face Christmas morning.

9. Sunglasses. Yes its winter, but it won’t be for long and they are always good for driving in the daytime. Fashionable sunglasses are a perfect gift. Think aviators, think James Dean, think super-awesome and cool. Guys like to think they are the coolest guys on the planet, so make them feel that way and give their ego a boost with a pair of so-cool shades.

10. Gloves, Scarves, Hats. These gifts are great especially if he is not fashion minded man. If he is walking around looking like a mismatched Maggie then this gift is the perfect choice. Take some time and match up the gloves, scarves and hats with what you know he always wears. Find some classic pieces to match with his usual attire and show him how good he can look with a little thought, effort and the right woman behind him!

11. Jewelry. Military Rings are fantastic if the man in your life is in the service or has retired from the service. You can personalize rings with the soldier’s name, rank and the dates he served along with emblems of units, divisions and brigades

12. Coat of Arms. These are the most treasured gifts one can send, and can be in the form of family crest rings, an embroidered banner or a painted plaque.

This gift giving season, impress him with a little thoughtfulness. Show him who knows him best and watch the smile spread across his stubbled face Christmas morning or on his birthday! Happy Gift Giving!

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Mobile Military Firepower

January 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Stryker MGS – Mobile Firepower for the 21st Century Army

The Stryker family of vehicles was adopted by the United States Army as a means of air-delivering mobile fighting units to any battlefield on the planet within a short period of time, enhancing the mobility and robustness of the earliest deploying US forces until heavier forces had time to arrive. As part of United States Army Transformation, the Stryker family will eventually comprise the vehicle components of the six Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, the largest brigade formations of the Active Army. Modular and adaptable, there are a number of configurations available for the Stryker vehicle.

One of these is the Stryker Mobile Gun System – Stryker MGS. Stryker brigades lack the heavy armor component of Infantry and Heavy brigades, the M1 Abrams main battle tank. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated how essential direct fire can be in performing the missions assigned to the Stryker units, and so the Stryker MGS configuration has been added to the modular Stryker family to give Stryker brigades a platform capable of providing fire support in a fast, rapidly deployable package.

Stryker MGS is essentially a remote controlled tank turret installed atop the Stryker vehicle. This turret mounts an auto loaded M168A1E4 105mm cannon, a proven design that has seen service on early versions of the M1 Abrams as well as the old M60 main battle tank. A coaxial mount is included for an M240C 7.62mm machine gun, another common piece of hardware used on M2 Bradley and M1 Abrams fighting vehicles. Two smoke grenade launchers are also provided to allow for manufactured cover when needed. Weighing in at around 15 tons, Stryker MGS is over 20 feet long, nearly 10 feet wide, about 9 feet tall, and is crewed by 3 soldiers.

As with other vehicles in the Stryker family, Stryker MGS is an 8 wheeled, lightly armored vehicle that operates best in an urban environment. It was not designed to engage enemy battle tanks, but to provide close infantry support, and so its light armor is only meant to protect against infantry weapons – machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and mortar fire. However, the Stryker MGS can be outfitted with additional armor and defensive systems to enhance survivability. The Stryker MGS’ hallmark is its speed, and organic ability to be airlifted by a C 130 Hercules transport aircraft, albeit with the turret removed for transport then reattached upon arrival. Three Stryker MGS vehicles are attached to each infantry company in a Stryker Brigade, and the interoperability with infantry is of paramount importance in its mission.

The Stryker has been deployed with positive results with the Stryker Brigades of the 2nd Infantry Division based in Fort Lewis, Washington, and can be expected to remain a key component of the Stryker Brigade organizations far into this century.

Filed Under: Deployment Rings