Desert Eagle OCT-NOV-DEC-2012 - USMTM, United States Military

Desert Eagle
USMTM
David L. Commons
Maj Gen, USAF
CHIEF
OPM-SANG
Victor Petrenko
BG, USA
Program Manager
E S K A N
N E W S L E T T E R
V O L
2 ,
I S S U E 1
O C T - N O V - D E C
Happy 237th Birthday to the US Navy
and US Marine Corps
OPM-FSF
John Hanley
BG, USA
Program Manager
64th AEG
Michael Florio
Col, USAF
Commander
Faisaliah at Night
2 0 1 2
PAGE
2
So, What’s Trending?
In this cyber world of ours, it could mean what's trending on Facebook, YouTube,
Google, LinkedIn... or in the faster pace of the twitter world - it means A LOT OF
PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THE SAME THING.
So if the phrase or word like “credibility” - which looks like #credibility in twitterspeak - is tweeted on twitter, then that becomes a trending on twitter, in real time,
with the most recent tweet appearing on the top.
And so it goes in the IG world, although not as glamorous or fascinatingly attractive,
we also look for trends.
LTC Pat Garcia
USMTM
Inspector General (IG)
In IG-speak, a trend is a change or development in a general direction. We can use it
as an alert to signs of disengagement in a workplace, the possible upheaval of a
particular group, or even narrow it down to a social conscience of the local populace,
in this case, the community of Eskan Village.
In sorting and deciphering trends, I have found that credibility remains front and
center. It remains the foundation of great leadership; because we are, after all,
leaders in our own lives.
“If you can put others
before you,
and in doing so lift
yourself and others to
a higher place, then
you have indeed,
created a trend.”
As you already know, leadership is a relationship, which is why as leaders, we must
“do what we say we'll do” in order to strengthen and sustain our credibility. The
more we study leadership, the more we’re persuaded that leadership development
is not simply about skill development. It’s also about character development. Building
upon previous wisdoms of the plethora of books about leadership, I would like to
quote from a book by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner on “Credibility,”
“Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words, for your words become your deeds.
Be careful of your deeds, for your deeds become your habits.
Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.
Be careful of your leadership, for your leadership becomes your legacy.”
They recommend that you read these six simple lines at the start of every day. They
will remind you that what you do as a leader begins in your mind, gets expressed in
your words and then gets translated into your actions. Over time, these actions
become who you are and determine your credibility. They become “principled
actions” or qualities, that in the course of doing your work, will demonstrate into
attributes that we want, such as:
Accountability
It is about those in power answering to those who put them there. It’s about making
things right when they go wrong. The lack of “strict standards” is not only what will
“sink”' an organization, but it's the diligence and rigor with which you uphold them
that matters.
continued on page 3
PAGE
Inspector General: continued from page 2
3
Uncompromising integrity
Although hard to prove, but if people believe you have it, you are a winner in their eyes.
The simple truth should be the second highest desired value after accountability. It represents
fundamental, commonsense principles.
“Say what you mean and mean what you say” is not only what we should expect from our leaders
but from ourselves as well. It defines credibility in action and it comes down to a simple, powerful tweet: #If
#If you can apply the principles of being credible in a principled way, then you have truly won.
#If you can put others before you and in doing so, lift yourself and others to a higher place, then you
have indeed, created a trend. It is this kind of trend we want A LOT OF PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT.
By: LTC Pat Garcia
IG, USMTM
Congratulations to the 2012 Volleyball CHAMPIONS
of Eskan Village Summer Volleyball League
USMTM Eagles
PAGE
4
USMTM Celebrates
National Hispanic Heritage Month
President Barack Obama proclaimed
15 Sept 2012—15 Oct 2012 as National
Hispanic Heritage Month. He called upon all
Americans to observe this month with
ceremonies, activities and programs.
“Hispanic
Maj Gen David Commons and SGT Loida
Figueroa formally opened this month-long
celebration on 19 September 2012 with a
ceremonial cake cutting at the ECC. This was
just the beginning of a month of Hispanic
Heritage celebrations.
Heritage
Month also
celebrates the long
and important
presence of
On 4 October 2012, the BOSS program hosted
a Latin Dance Night at the ECC. There were
lots of food provided by BOSS, music throughout the night by DJ Roche of OPM-SANG,
festive decorations, and yes, a very lively
crowd!
Hispanic
Americans in
North America.”
The celebration culminated in a luncheon on
13 October 2012, also at the ECC.
COL Otto Boneta, Assistant Program Manager
for Health Affairs, OPM-SANG was the guest
speaker.
Following the buffet meal,
COL Boneta fed the mind with his message,
“Remember Your Heritage.” He was then
presented with a gift by MSgt Gonzales, on
behalf of USMTM.
MC of Opening Ceremony and Luncheon
TSgt Zavala, et al. of 64th AEG
Maj Gen Commons and Sgt Figueroa of J1 HR
cut the cake for the opening ceremony.
PAGE
“Diversity United, Building America’s
Future Today” 2012 Theme
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B.
Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which
was to be observed during the week that included September
15th and 16th. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the
observance to become Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning on
September 15th and ending on October 15th.
September 15th was chosen as the starting point of Hispanic
Heritage Month because it is the anniversary of independence
for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico
declared its independence on September 16th and Chile did so
on September 18th. Hispanic Heritage Month also celebrates
the long and important presence of Hispanic Americans in
North America.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population
of the United States as of July 1, 2011 was 52 million,
making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest
ethnic or racial minority. Hispanics constituted 16.7
percent of the nation's total population. In addition,
there were 3.7 million residents of Puerto Rico.
Please keep the line mov’n
Enjoying
HHM
Lunch
Buffet!
COL Boneta receives gift from
MSgt Gonzalez from the HHM Committee
5
DOLLAR$ AND $EN$E
PAGE
Avoid aspiration brands – People buy elite brand clothes, jewelry,
and consumer goods because they want to look rich. Millionaires
know better than to waste money on labels. They are likely to shop
for clothes at JCPenny and Target than at Saks and Brooks Brothers.
If they do wear a Saks garment, it was bought on sale.
Most people would like to live like millionaires, but few understand
what that really means. Marketers of luxury products foster the
impression that millionaires drive fancy cars, live in mansions and
surround themselves with luxury goods.
The reality is that most millionaires live surprisingly modest lives,
far from the fast lane. And, most people who act rich are not rich.
That’s what Thomas J. Stanley, PhD, America’s foremost authority
on the affluent, has discovered during his extensive research for
his new book Stop Acting Rich... And Start Living Like a Real
Millionaire.
Own a modest home and use the money you save to invest
wisely. Three times more millionaires live in homes valued at less
than 300,000 than more than 1 million. Also, expensive homes
tend to be surrounded by other expensive homes, owned by
people who buy expensive things. That creates social pressure
to fit in.
Drive a modest car – 86% of people who drive luxury brands
(BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguar and the like) tend to attract high
earners who are also status conscious over spenders, which
prevents them from accumulating significant assets.
Don’t buy a second home or a boat – Most millionaires (64%)
have never owned a vacation home. They understand the real
cost in buying, furnishing, maintaining, commuting to, renting and
even selling a second home. Even more (70%) have never owned
a boat. Of the ones who did purchase one, most sold it and never
bought another one.
Spend time without spending money – Ultra millionaires - “deca
millionaires”- those with more than $10 million can afford to do almost
anything they want to. They spend time socializing with their kids and
grandkids, watching them play sports, entertaining close friends, jogging, fund raising for a noble cause, attending religious services,
visiting art galleries and attending lectures, etc.
Befriend the right people – Surround yourself with people who excel
at converting a high percentage of their income to wealth, the single
most important millionaire skill. Engineers, educators, and managers
of supermarkets and discount department stores do this very well.
Befriend the right people – Surround yourself with people who excel
at converting a high percentage of their income to wealth, the single
most important millionaire skill.
Choose a tightwad spouse – If you have already married someone
who likes to spend, try to hang out as a couple with more frugal
friends. This should dampen the impulse to spend to fit in.
Excerpts from Dr. Thomas Stanley
from “Bottom Line Personal” Newsletter
6
PAGE
7
The Riyadh Commissary Corner
Your Commissary Store Director would like to share some of the great things
happening at “Your” Riyadh Commissary and Plaza.
First, your produce department has a new look. We are constantly working to
improve the types and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables that we offer. Your
suggestions are always welcome. Currently, we offer 34 different types of fresh
fruits and vegetables. Take home fresh made salads and melons cut to size are
available daily.
It’s Foot Ball Season. College and NFL - so what does that mean? Tail Gate Villa
Parties! Your commissary carries a variety of “quick prepare party platter” type
items: chips, dips crackers et al. and drinks.
Mr. James Harkins
Director
Riyadh Commissary
One thing we have added to the store is the Recipe Board. Each week we will post 3
new recipes for you to take home and try. We will ensure that the store is stocked
with all items listed in each recipe.
Your grocery department is getting ready for the upcoming holidays. Now is the
time for you to let us know if you need special items. We will check with Germany
and verify if the items are available. If so, we will order them. Please DO NOT wait
until the last minute. Remember, it takes at least 90 days from time of order to
receive the items at the store.
“So come on over and
enjoy one of the few
places on Eskan
where you can
sit in the GRASS
and search the Web
at the same time.”
Re-useable Grocery Bags are available. Your commissary offers for purchase, the
Green Commissary Cloth Grocery Bags. Save on plastic by purchasing these bags
and bring them in each time you shop.
If you have any questions concerning the Commissary, just stop in or call and ask to
speak to the Store Director James Harkins, Deputy Store Director Irfan Dawood,
Grocery Manager Nazer Kamal, or Customer Service Supervisor Lita Punla. We are
all happy to assist you. The commissary phone number is 448-4018.
The Commissary, Exchange and Post Office/APO Plaza now has “Free” Wi-Fi
throughout the building, 24 hours a day. It is also available outside in our two parks,
next to each entrance of the building. So, come on over and enjoy one of the few
places on Eskan where you can sit in the GRASS and search the Web at the same
time; and, Looking ahead, the 3 seat benches in the hall way will soon be replaced
with tables and chairs to make it more comfortable for you, our customer.
Reminder - during the upcoming Hajj holiday, The Plaza will adjust operating
hours. Hours will be posted in advance on all entrances and an E-mail message will
also be sent out.
Submitted by James Harkins
PAGE
8
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Mammography can detect breast cancer at
its earliest, most treatable stage, up to 3
years before lumps can be detected during
breast self-examination or clinical
examination.
October is National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, a time to increase
awareness of the most common cancer
among women and the second leading
cause of cancer-related deaths among
women in the United States (1).
In 2007, the most recent year for which
data are available, 202,964 women received a diagnosis of breast cancer, and
40,598 women died from the disease (1).
For 21 years, CDC's National Early
Detection Program has helped low-income,
uninsured, and underserved women gain
access to breast and cervical cancer
screening and follow-up services. The
program has assisted approximately 3.9
million women, provided approximately
9.8 million screening examinations, and
diagnosed nearly 53,000 cases of breast
cancer (2).
Additional information about CDC
activities that promote early detection and
treatment of breast cancer is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast
More and more women are getting
mammograms to detect breast cancer in
its earliest stages. As a result, breast
cancer deaths are on the decline.
Encourage the women in your life to get
mammograms on a regular basis.
Eskan residents can help to bring
awareness to this disease by wearing
PINK, no matter where you are, on
October 15th and on October 29th.
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
2. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Organization
FAMILY READINESS GROUP (FRG)
Steering Committee Members
Roslyn Burks - FRG leader
Rosa Rodriguez-Zayas –Alternate FRG Leader
SSgt Mahalia Eans - Secretary
Terry Marme - Alternate Secretary
Norita Harkins - Treasurer
Myriam Seymour – Welcome Basket Coordinator
LTC Pacita Garcia – IG
Maj Michael Kerr – SJA
LTC Mark Vaughn – USMTM Military Liaison
CSM Matthew Barnes – Senior Enlisted Military Advisor
SFC Mark Johnson – OPM FSF Rep
CMSgt James Dowell – 64th AEG Rep
Upcoming
Event
Bake Sale
at the
MWR
Bazaar
8 Nov 2012
PAGE
9
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
*Domestic violence is a national problem that does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone,
regardless of race, gender, size or strength, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied.
It happens among heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges,
ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic levels.
Because Domestic Violence does not discriminate, the military is not immune. The
Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps face the same challenges as society at
large, particularly in light of the high operational tempo and the strain it places on
service members and their families.
Most people think that Domestic Violence is always physical, but it can also be
more subtle: verbal, emotional or psychological, or economic, which for military
families may include withholding access to a military ID card. While women are
more commonly victimized, men are also abused, especially verbally and emotionally, and sometimes even physically. The bottom line is, abusive behavior is never
acceptable, whether it is coming from a man, a woman, a teenager, or an older
adult.
Wearing Purple in
support of Domestic
Violence Awareness
Month
October was dedicated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness about a social epidemic that effects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men during their lifetimes. It was
first observed in 1987 having evolved from the 1981 “Day of Unity.” Congress passed Public Law
101-112 designating October 1989 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and similar
legislation has passed every year since. As purple is the color that signifies courage, honor, and
survival, the Purple Ribbon is representative of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
*From DoD News, American Forces Press Service, Washington, DC
“While women are
more commonly
victimized, men are
also abused,
especially verbally,
emotionally, and
sometimes
physically.”
To bring awareness to Eskan Village, there are designated days to wear the color Purple.
You can show your support for preventing domestic violence by wearing Purple, no matter
where you are, on October 8th and on October 22nd.
To report incidents or concern about domestic violence:
- - At Eskan, call Security Forces at 448-2858
- - Report Domestic Violence to Law Enforcement or the Family Advocacy Program (if at your
location), or if overseas
- - Call 866-USWOMEN (879-6636) The Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center
Submitted by: Annette P. Mandley
Family Readiness Coordinator
PAGE
10
Fire Prevention Week
It’s 3 a.m. You and your family are sound asleep but awaken to the beeping sound of a smoke
alarm. You are tired and confused from the effects of the smoke. You know you need to get to safety,
but when you head for the front door, you find the escape route is blocked by fire that is spreading by
the second. What do you do?
While this scenario is one I hope you never have to encounter, statistics tell us that many people do so
every day. According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one home structure
fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010. That added up to 369,500 home structure fires, which
caused 13,350 injuries and 2,640 deaths. We also know that most fatal fires kill one or two people;
however in 2010, 19 home fires killed five or more people resulting in 101 deaths.
The numbers are scary, but there is something you can do to help ensure your family’s safety should a
fire break out in your home: Have Two Ways Out!
Eskan Village Fire Department teamed up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13,
2012, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire
escape planning and practice.
Only one-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Of the threequarters of Americans who have an escape plan, less than half actually practiced it. As we saw in the
scenario above, fire is unpredictable. Seconds and minutes can mean the difference between life and
death. We want to ensure that Eskan Village residents know what to do if a fire breaks out in their
home. Preparation is an important part of being able to deal with an emergency. It is crucial that you
take steps to prepare your family for the potential of a home fire, by having an escape plan and
practicing it. Although preparing for the unexpected is difficult, reviewing the information below and
taking action to plan for a fire could save lives. Eskan Village Fire Department recommends the
following tips for planning your family’s escape:
If you have children you may want to make this a family activity
 Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window
that can be used to get out of every room.
 Choose a meeting place outside in front
of your home. This is where everyone can
meet once they have escaped.
 Draw a picture of your outside
meeting place on your escape plan.
 Write the emergency telephone number
for the fire department on your escape plan.
 Sound the smoke alarm and practice
your escape drill with everyone living in
your home. Keep your escape plan on the
refrigerator and practice the drill twice a year
or whenever anyone in your home celebrates
a birthday. (continued on page 11)
PAGE
11
If your family includes all adults:
 Walk through you home and identify two ways out of each room.
 Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can
meet once they have escaped.
 Make sure everyone knows the emergency number for your local fire department.
 Practice you escape plan twice a year
The Eskan Village Fire Department will be hosting activities during Fire Prevention
Week to promote “Have Two Ways Out!” Through these educational, family-oriented
activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and
practice, as well as the power of prevention.
To find out more about fire prevention and educational programs and activities at Eskan
Village, please contact the Eskan Village Fire Department at 448-2431. To learn more
about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.
Submitted by:
Michael T. Brick, Fire Inspector
Eskan Village Fire Department
Home Fires

FAST FACTS
One home structure fire was
reported every 85 seconds in
2010.

Most fatal fires kill one or two
people. In 2010, 19 home fires
killed five or more people. These
19 fires resulted in 101 deaths.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments
responded
to
369,500
home
structure fires. These fires caused
13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640
civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion
in direct damage.
PAGE
12
The Journey of Hajj
This article is an attempt to uncover the mystery of the journey that brings over two million followers
from diverse backgrounds, together each year, in one area to perform a worship act. This journey is called Hajj
and it refers to a set of worship rituals to be performed in and around Mecca. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam
and is required once during the lifetime of every adult Muslim, who is physically and financially able. For
Muslims, performing Hajj with the true intention of obeying Allah demolishes previous acts of sin and provides
a person with an opportunity to lead a life that is free of sin.
Timing
The timing, the sequence and rituals of Hajj are fixed. As mentioned in the Koran, the period of Hajj starts
on the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar, and continues through the first half of the
12th month. However, the actual journey of Hajj may start on the 8th and continue to the 12th day of Thu-Alhija,
the 12th month on the Islamic calendar. Since the Lunar calendar is ten days shorter than the Gregorian calendar,
Hajj timing changes every year. This year, Hajj occurs during the period 17-30 October 2012. In Saudi Arabia,
Government offices will close during the period of Oct 20 - Nov 3, 2012 in observance of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha.
History
To understand the rituals of Hajj, one has to know and understand the tests of Prophet Abraham’s obedience to Allah. This story is at the core of Hajj symbolism and almost all the Hajj acts are a reenactment of these
emotionally moving tests. His first test occurred when he was ordered by Allah to take his new born son Ismaeel,
and his second wife Hajer, from Al-Sham to Mecca which was not inhibited by people. He showed total obedience
to God’s wishes by leaving them there with no water or food. Hajer, Ismaeel’s mother with faith in Allah’s
support, circled the area seven times in search of food and water. By the seventh time, she found water coming
from under the feet of her baby. This well is called the well of Zamzam and is still giving water to the pilgrims
today.
Prophet Abraham’s second test of obedience came when his son became older. On one of his visits to his
second wife and her son, he saw a vision of sacrificing his son Ismaeel. He was shaken by the vision and tried to
understand it before addressing the issue with his son. As he was thinking about the vision, Satan made attempts to
allure him. Prophet Abraham threw the stones at him to counter his attempts. Finally, Abraham told his son of his
vision and his son said: “O my father, do as thou art Commanded, Thou will find me” (ayah 102 Sorat Asafat).
When Abraham and his son were ready to perform the sacrifice, Allah called Abraham and notified him that this
was a test of his obedience and he was to slaughter a sheep instead.
Prophet Abraham was the first Prophet that was told to call people to perform Hajj. According to the Koran, the Muslim Holy Book, Abraham was told: “proclaim the pilgrimage among men, they will come to Thee on
foot and on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain Highways” (aya
27 Sorat Al-Hajj). Hajj became obligatory in the 9th year of the Islamic Calendar. Prophet Mohammed performed
Hajj only once. In his pilgrimage, he gave his final speech in which he declared the completion of his mission.
The Journey of Hajj
In preparation for the journey of Hajj, a Muslim is expected to redress all wrong deeds in life, pay all
pending debts, and ensure that sufficient financial care is provided for the family while the person is away.
Specific areas to be visited
(a) Al- Kaa'ba - It is believed to be the first place that was built to worship Allah
(b) Al-Masjid Al-Haram - The Holy Mosque that was built around Kaa’ba in Mecca
(c) The Holy Places at Mina, Al-Mozdalifa and Arafat - in the area surrounding Mecca.
Continued on page 13
PAGE
13
The Journey of Hajj (continued from page 12)
The Rituals
There are three main requirements to performing Hajj: Ihram, Circle around Kaa’ba and Stand on Arafat.
1. Ihram is a state into which a Muslim enters right before performing Hajj. In this state the Muslim is prohibited from
doing the following acts:
a. Wearing stitched clothes such as shirts and trousers (for men only). Women may wear their
everyday stitched clothes.
b. Engaging in sexual intercourse.
c. Covering the head with hats or Hata (men’s head covering). This is for men only.
d. Hunting or helping others in hunting.
c. Cutting trees or grass.
2. Tawaf Al-Godoom (Arrival Rounds) -visiting Al -Kaa’ba and circling around it seven times. This symbolizes
making a promise that, from that day on, Allah will be at the center of all deeds.
3. The Seven Rounds between Safa and Marwa. Visiting Safa and Marwa hills and going between them seven times
(Safa and Marwa are the two hills between which Hajer, the wife of Abraham, walked seven times in search of water).
This is called SaA’e and performed as a fast walk. It is an act of re-living Hajer’s experience in search of water.
4. Spend the night at Mina. After SaA’e, the pilgrims are expected to go back to Mina, and spend the night there.
5. On 9 Thu Al-Hijah, proceeding to the mountain of Arafat. This is one of the basics of Hajj. All pilgrims are
expected to stay on the Mountain of Arafat the day of 9 Thu-Al-Hijjah until sunset. A speech by an Imam will be given
discussing important religious issues. This is done in memory of Prophet Mohammed’s final speech.
6. Sunset travel to Muzdalifa and spend the night there. By sunset, the pilgrims start to leave Arafat to go to Muzdalifa to spend the night there.
7. At dawn, after Morning Prayer, pilgrims leave to go to Mina. In Mina and in three different locations where it is
believed that Satan tried to tempt Prophet Abraham from his mission, the pilgrims throw seven small stones at each
location. This is a symbolic act that promises to fight Satan’s efforts to tempt people from their obedience to God.
8. Offer the sacrifice. Pilgrims are required to sacrifice a sheep that will be distributed to the poor. Many pilgrims buy a
sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the Hajj begins. Centralized butcher houses sacrifice the sheep for the pilgrims,
package the meat and then ship to poor people around the world.
9. Discard Ihram. At this point pilgrims are released from Ihram and they are able to cut their hair, nails or do any
other things previously forbidden, except for sexual intercourse.
10. Go back to Mecca. Pilgrims are expected to go to Mecca to do Tawaf Al-Ifada (seven times around Al-KaA’ba)
and SaA’ (seven fast walks between Safa and Marwa). At this point, pilgrims are released completely from Ihram.
11. Stay in Mina for three days - the day of the feast (the 10th) and the two following days (11th and 12th of Thu-AlHijjah). At noon every day the pilgrim will throw Al-Jamarat (throw stones at three different pillars that signify the
three locations where Abraham refused the temptations of the devil).
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha "Festival of Sacrifice" is celebrated annually after Hajj, on the 10th day of the month of Thu-Alhija,
the 12th month on the Islamic calendar. It is a celebration that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to
sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah and his reward, when instead he was able to sacrifice a sheep. Therefore, in observance of the celebration, each family that is financially able is expected to sacrifice a domestic animal, such as a sheep,
on the morning of the first day of the Eid. The meat would then be divided into three equal parts to be distributed to
others. The family eats one third, one third is given to other relatives, friends or neighbors, and the other third is given to
the poor as a gift. Other practices during Eid Al-Adha are similar to the practices during religious holidays around the
world. During the few days of the Eid, people visit all of their extended family members and friends. Also in many parts
of the Islamic world, local restaurants may be more crowded than usual. Shops will be closed the first couple of days, on
25-27 October 2012.
As a visitor of this country, practice tolerance of other cultural systems that are different from yours. Be aware
that the Hajj period is a religious time of the year. Be respectful of the culture and the customs. If you are traveling
during this time, be aware that the airports will be very crowded, especially in Jeddah. Finally, make an effort to learn
about the culture as this will increase your knowledge and improve your tolerance level.
Submitted by: Dr. Iftekhar Jadalla
Mission Relations, USMTM
PAGE
14
American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month
Since 1900, many have sought to recognize the great influence American Indians have had on the
history, cultural development, and continuing growth of the US. Various dates and weeks were
acknowledged until 1976, when Congress authorized a week in October as Native American
Awareness Week. Finally, in 1990, the month of November was chosen because it is traditionally a
time when many American Indians gather for fall harvest festivals, world-renewal ceremonies, and
powwows.
November is designated American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month. Heritage Month is a time
to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important
contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public
about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both
Caption
describing
historically
and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these
picture
or
graphic.
challenges.
From: National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
http://www.ncai.org/events/2012/11/01/native-american-heritage-month
“To catch the reader's attention, place an
There are several ways that you can celebrate, as provided by the American Indian College Fund
http://www.collegefund.org/content/ways_to_celebrate_native_american_heritage_month
interesting sentence or quote from the story
here.”
Ways to Celebrate American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month
Caption
describing
pic- Watch a film about/starring
ture American Indians…
or such as Bury My Heart at
Wounded Knee (2007). Bury
My Heart at Wounded Knee is
a chronicle of how American
Indians were displaced as the
U.S. expanded west. Based on
the book by Dee Brown.
Replace beef with buffalo in
your recipes
Try this recipe shared by
Casey Lozar, an enrolled
member of the Confederated
Salish & Kootenai Tribes and
Vice President of Resource
Development for the American Indian College Fund.
(click to view recipe)
Read a book about American
Indian history . . .
1491: New Revelations of the
Americas Before Columbus by
Charles C. Mann. This book
looks at science, history, and
archeology to provide a
balanced, more accurate view
of America and its indigenous
populations prior to European
settlement.
PAGE
ESKAN MULTI MEDIA CENTER
US Navy
Cake Cutting
Ceremony
13 Oct 2012
1500 in the
Breezeway
Visit MMC
and See, Read and
Hear how the
AMERICAN
INDIAN and
ALASKAN NATIVE
have influenced and
changed the World!
Let’s Honor Them
Marine Corps
Birthday Ball
29 Nov 2012
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PAGE
16
United States Air Force Celebrates 65th Birthday
(Air Force Birthday continued on page 17)
Air Force Celebrates 65th Birthday (continued from page 16)
PAGE
17
Looking Ahead with MWR
PAGE
18
PAGE
19
Ending the Year with MWR
Remember to make your New Year’s Resolution,
but don’t forget to keep it!
PAGE
“Celestial Blaze” by SSgt Jerry Peoples, 64th AEG
submitted for MWR Photography Contest
Editor:
Annette P. Mandley
Photo Credits:
SrA Carlos Armstrong, 64th AEG
Mr. Clifford Carroll, USMTM MWR
Mr. Eric Chapman, USMTM J1
LTC Pat Garcia, USMTM
COL Christopher Houston, OPM-FSF
Cover Picture: “Faisaliah at Night” * Maj Harvey Gaber * USMTM * AMD
submitted for MWR Photography Contest
Next quarterly newsletter—January 2013
Please submit articles, stories, and pictures by 2 January 2013 to:
[email protected]
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