Page 9 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior April 7, 2017

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High Desert Warrior 9 April 7, 2017
Community Events
Evening marks end of scouting year
Story/Photo by Jo Garrison
Public Affairs office
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Tables covered with blue and gold decorations, pool noodles transformed into Star Wars sabers, and children of all ages joyously ran around the Sandy Basin Community Center in celebration to mark the end of another scouting year for Pack 67 on March 14.
Moderator for the evening, Cub Master Richard Lewis of Pack 67, stood amongst a room full of family members assembled to honor the 53 Cub Scouts who would be advancing to their next rank. Part of advancement, for this pack, is having the scout held upside down, by a parental guardian, and the pin is placed on the lapel of the scout’s shirt. By doing this, the pin will remain upside down until the scout completes a good deed. Once the deed is complete, he will turn the pin right side up, marking the beginning of his progress for the next rank.
One Webelo from the pack had the honor of advancing to an Arrow of Light rank. The cer- emony included lighting of the candles and reciting the Scout’s oath. This journey is significant to cub scouts because it is the final rank before Boys Scouts. It is said, much of the experience gives the Cub Scouts the chance to practice skills that prepare them to become Boy Scouts.
The Boy Scouts of America began in 1910 and Cub Scouting began 20 years later. The Blue and Gold banquet is the most exciting event on the Cub Scout calendar. It is the birthday cel- ebration of Cub Scouting. Every family in the Pack can take part in its planning and execution. The BLUE AND GOLD gets its name from the Cub Scout colors -- blue and gold. The purpose of the blue and gold banquet is to celebrate the pack’s anniversary, thank pack leaders and other adults who have helped the pack, and inspire the leaders, Scouts, and parents.
Lewis explained, “It allows them to receive their rank.” When asked what Pack 67 will be doing over the next few months, he stated, “they have a trip with the pack to San Diego Zoo, an overnight camp in May to end out the Scouting year and then they will start summer camp.”
Over the summer there is a big transition with Pack 67 as families move away and new families move to Fort Irwin. The Pack is always looking for new members and leaders to keep the Cub Scouting traditions moving forward. For more information about Pack 67, visit www.facebook.com/FortIrwinCubScoutPack67/
Cub Scouts from Pack 67 gathered together for their annual Blue and Gold ceremony to celebrate the birth of Cub Scouting in America, here, March 14.
Run/walk promotes children’s dental health
Members of the Fort Irwin community participated in the first annual Tooth Decay 2K run/walk to wrap up Dental Health Month, here, March 11.
Story/Photo by Jo Garrison
Public Affairs office
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — The Fort Irwin Dental Command (DENTAC) hosted its very first Tooth Decay 2K Run/Walk to pro- mote children’s dental health awareness, here, March 11.
Lt. Col. Kelley Tomsett, commander of Fort Irwin DENTAC, credited the idea to her senior non-commissioned officer’s (NCO) daughter who found it difficult to say tooth decay. When trying to say tooth decay it sounded like “too kay” sparking the concept of having a tooth decay 2K.
The idea built up into something great for the community, focusing on families with children and pets, to provide awareness to children’s dental health. During the month of February a team of registered dental hygienist and dentist visits all of the schools to do a screening of each child. Each school age child is seen by a provider at least once a year, which is beneficial for children who don’t have access to dental care. The dental team put on skits for the children, making it fun to learn about dental hygiene.
One of the most important things Tomsett
would like people to know about dental hy- giene in children is, “to be aware of sugar in kids’ diets, particularly drinks like soda pop or even Kool-Aid.” She elaborated, “When not brushing on a regular basis that sugary mixture sits around in the mouth causing dental decay.” Another concern in children dental health is baby bottle tooth decay. There are a lot of sugar in formula and when using a bottle to put an infant down for sleep can cause baby bottle caries.
Tomsett was extremely happy with the turnout of DENTAC’s first Tooth Decay 2K run/walk. “With the providers tied up at the chair, it’s the enlisted who take the intentions of the command and make it happen,” she stated. She also credited success to supporting com- mands like, MEDDAC, organization across the installation, and the NTC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Jeff Broadwater, for keep- ing dental readiness and wellness numbers up across the installation.
The Tooth Decay 2K was not only a tool to provide children dental health awareness within the community, but a fundraiser as well. DENTAC plans on using the proceeds to help offset costs of their Army Medical Department ball this year.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil