Page 6 - Fort Irwin High Desert Warrior, January 2021

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January 2021
January 2021
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January’s AUSA Corner Fort Irwin Tax Center opens this month

by Cpt. Cynthia Bernstine

been studying and practicing to le taxes for the wide range An initial prescreening of eligibility will be conducted before

Fort Irwin Legal Assistance O ce and certi ed under the VITA program. ese soldiers have ily Child Care (FCC) providers enrolled with the installation.

The Association of the U.S. Army Notes is was the rst time since 1943 that the of circumstances we see in our military community since early appointments are scheduled.

FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Federal Tax returns are due by
1. Fort Hood Critical Plan Army-Navy game was played at the U.S. April 15, 2021, and the Fort Irwin Tax Center is here to help. December. Safety Measures
Army leaders are taking action after an independent review at Fort Hood, Texas, found Military Academy. e Tax Center will begin scheduling appointments on Jan. To be eligible to get your taxes prepared by the Fort Irwin COVID-19 safety precautions are in place and strictly ad-

several command climate and culture issues and de ciencies in the installation’s sexual as- And one week after defeating the Navy 29. Hours of Operation are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Tax Center you must be: hered. Plexiglas is at every desk between preparers and clients,

sault and harassment prevention program. e review results from the April murder of Spc. Midshipmen, the Army Black Knights beat Friday from 9a.m. – 5p.m.; ursday from 1p.m. - 5p.m., with Active-Duty military personnel, active duty retired military chairs will be cleaned between clients, public use pens will

Vanessa Guillen, 20, who was stationed at the Texas post. “ e challenges at Fort Hood the Air Force Falcons by a 10-7 score. e the last available appointments at 4p.m. e o ce is closed for personnel, or a dependent of an active-duty soldier or active be sanitized regularly, and markings on the oor will ensure

win means Army captured the Commander-
forced us to take a critical look at our systems, our policies and ourselves,” Army Secretary in-Chief’s Trophy for the ninth time in the lunch from 11:30a.m. - 1p.m. daily. Keep an eye out for your duty retiree. Reservist and National Guard servicemembers personal distancing to clients waiting to be seen.

Ryan McCarthy said. He added that the review extends beyond one installation. “ is trophy’s 49-year history. W-2 and mark your calendar. Priority in the rst week will be are also eligible if they are on active duty orders for more than Appointments will be scheduled in one-hour blocks. We

report, without a doubt, will cause the Army to change our culture.” 4. Austin’s Historic Nomination given to E-5 and below, single soldiers with no dependents and 30 days. To prove eligibility, please make sure to bring your highly recommend calling 760-380-1040 to make an appoint-

e Army is standing up a task force to address the recommendations in the report, President-elect Joe Biden has announced a history-making no real property (land/house). military I.D and your orders (if applicable). ment as we have limited waiting space, and people will be turned

McCarthy said. e goal is to begin implementing changes by March. In addition, 14 com- nomination, selecting retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin to be his defense secretary. Austin So who will be preparing your taxes? Due to certain criteria under this program, some individu- away if necessary, to maintain the health and safety of clients
manders and other leaders at Fort Hood have been relieved or suspended as the Army works would be the rst Black American to head the Pentagon but not the rst retired general to e Fort Irwin Tax Center operates under the supervision als may not be eligible to have their returns prepared. In ac- and tax preparers.

to rebuild soldiers’ trust. “We will x this,” Army Chief of Sta Gen. James McConville said. hold the o ce. General of the Army George Marshall and Marine Gen. Jim Mattis both of the Legal Assistance O ce and in conjunction with the IRS cordance with the Army regulation, assistance is not available is service is completely free, so make sure to stop by the

2. 3rd Cav Cancels NTC Rotation served as defense secretary after retiring from the military. e 67-year-old Austin retired Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. All tax for individuals who receive income from personal business or Tax Center O ce inside Bldg. 230 to make an appointment or

In the wake of the results from Fort Hood’s review, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment has from the Army in 2016 after serving as the 33rd Army vice chief of sta and the 12th U.S. preparers are volunteers from units here on Fort Irwin, trained commercial enterprise; however, there is an exception for Fam- contact the o ce at 760-380-1040 if you have any questions.

canceled this month’s rotation to the National Training Center and Fort Irwin. New com- Central Command commanding general.

mand sta , Col. Kevin D. Bradley and Command Sgt. Maj. Shade Munday made the 5. Policy Bill Advances
announcement saying, “We as a team need the time and focus to address these very real After a yearlong debate, the House and Senate have passed the scal 2021 National

problems and rebuild trust. is unprecedented decision by Army leaders is a statement Defense Authorization Act, a $733.7 billion policymaking measure that sets troop levels, Teacher Spotlight: Student Spotlight:

that people really do come rst.” approves new starts or major changes in various programs, and includes hundreds of pro- Alexandra Harper, Silver Valley High School
3. Army Captures CIF Trophy visions re ecting congressional direction. is is the 60th consecutive year Congress has Sheila Bowers, Silver Valley High School

e coronavirus hasn’t stopped the annual football rivalry between the services. Army approved the bill. President Trump vetoed the bill, but both the Senate and House voted

beat Navy on Dec. 12 by a 15-0 score in a historic game at West Point’s Michie Stadium. to override the veto by more than the two-thirds majority necessary. Mrs. Bowers is an important part of Alex is an “A” Honor Roll student
the success of Silver Valley High School. at Silver Valley High School. She is a
She is always professional and does a leader within our ASB and helped with
Man’s best friend returns in dog park grand reopening tremendous job supporting our students, the anksgiving Pie Distribution for

families, and sta throughout the distance
our High School families. Alex is a
learning this school year. Mrs. Bowers member of our Cross Country team
By Casey Slusser to run free,” Gina Fox posted to Fort Irwin’s Garrison Facebook has assisted many of our families with which has begun training for the up-
attendance questions/concerns, verifying

Fort Irwin Public A airs page, as the location proves to be a popular place for dog own- absences, completing online registration coming season. Alex serves on the San
ers and lovers. Bernardino Student Advisory Commit-

FORT IRWIN, Calif. — e Fort Irwin Garrison Com- forms, resetting In nite Campus Parent

mand team, along with Fort Irwin Family and MWR and Di- Derek Austin is taking full advantage of this opportunity. and Student Portal accounts, student tee as a representative of SVHS. All of
“It is wonders for my dog Kona,” he said of his German

rectorate of Public Works participated in the highly-anticipated Gmail passwords, and many other tech the sta appreciates Alex’s hard work
grand re-opening ceremony of the Dog Park on Dec. 4. Shepard/box mix breed. needs. We appreciate all that Mrs. Bow- and dedication to everything she does
During the ribbon-cutting, Garrison Commander, Col. Austin purchased Kona as a rescued dog at 14 weeks old in ers does for the Silver Valley High School at Silver Valley High School and for
Jeanette Martin, thanked the contractors, community members, Los Angeles. She is now two years old and he said the dog park is Weed Army Community Hospital Updates & Reminders the community.
sta , students, and community!

Weed Army Community Hospital Updates & Reminders
and DPW for seeing the project through to the end. able to not only aid in Kona’s recovery, but also teach her tricks.

“ is newly-renovated park comes with a cost of $250, “She was malnourished, had back problems, and couldn’t
000,” Matthew Livingston, Chief of Outdoor Recreation said. stand straight up,” Austin said. “She was in a hand carrier and

“And is complete with new shade structures, benches, dog water wasn’t able to develop properly. “ is is the best dog park we’ve
fountains, dog exercise and play equipment, natural turf grass ever been at.” MEDDAC Minute
and an irrigation system.” Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Gourneau brought his furry friends to Weed Army Community Hospital Updates & Reminders
e Fort Irwin community showed their excitement through run in the park as soon as it opened. He said his golden retriever,

social media with more than 3,000 views of the ribbon cutting. Max, and German Shepard, Prince, were having a great time. Weed Army Community Hospital Updates & Reminders
Weed Army Community Hospital Updates & Reminders

“Such and improvement. Glad there is a place for the dogs Julie Jaeger contributed to this story Visitor Guidelines Update
! Weed Army Community Hospital is now authorizing two visitors for inpatient units and newborn
Visitor Guidelines Update
screenings up to two weeks. Outpatient visitors are limited to one visitor. For any questions, please speak
! Weed Army Community Hospital is now authorizing two visitors for inpatient units and newborn
Residents encouraged to complete Housing Satisfaction Survey screenings up to two weeks. Outpatient visitors are limited to one visitor. For any questions, please speak
with your healthcare team.

with your healthcare team.
The Villages at Fort Irwin e survey is conducted online and administered through a third

Fort Irwin residents are being asked to submit their annual Army party, CEL and Associates, Inc. (CEL). Responses are anonymous COVID Hotline & Testing Reminders

" The Weed ACH COVID-19 Hotline cannot give patients test results over the phone. Patients will be

Tenant Survey, which was released last month and runs through March and con dential. contacted by a provider and given test results.

2022. e Villages says a message was sent to the main leaseholder’s e DOD memo released said, “ is year’s survey will have a COVID Hotline & Testing Reminders

" If you suspect that you may have been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19, please call

email on le for anyone residing in Fort Irwin as of November 2020. focus on customer service and it’s impact on your quality of life. e " The Weed ACH COVID-19 Hotline cannot give patients test results over the phone. Patients will be
760-383-5304 to speak with a healthcare professional for further guidance before presenting to the

e survey is critical because the responses o er immeasurable information residents provide annually continues to guide the Army contacted by a provider and given test results.

insight into how property managers and Army Housing Departments and Privatized Housing partners in future improvements to the Army " If you suspect that you may have been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19, please call
hospital.
are performing. e Department of Defense says resident feedback on housing portfolio. We welcome and value your candid opinions and • If you have a scheduled procedure (surgical or pregnancy induction) at WACH, please present to the

their experience is important to them. e Villages uses the results to thoughts.” 760-383-5304 to speak with a healthcare professional for further guidance before presenting to the

COVID-19 trailer outside the Emergency Department the day BEFORE the procedure from the hours of

identify areas that require improvement, create yearly customer service e Villages o ers opportunities for prizes to residents who com- hospital.
0800-1400 for COVID testing.
goals and plan for/allocate funds for improvements and special projects. plete the survey.
• If you have a scheduled procedure (surgical or pregnancy induction) at WACH, please present to the
COVID-19 trailer outside the Emergency Department the day BEFORE the procedure from the hours of
For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin 0800-1400 for COVID testing. For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin