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June 5, 2015

Your Community

Eagle Scout builds meditation garden for Advocacy Center

Story and photo by Gustavo Bahena

Public Affairs Office

A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of a meditation garden at the National Eagle Scout Tyler Stoeger, 14, performs the ribbon cutting for the new meditation
Training Center and Fort Irwin Advocacy Center here, April 30. garden at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin Advocacy Center here, April 30.

The garden was the Eagle Scout project of Tyler Stoeger, 14, who wanted to do something the plans for the garden and initiated fund raising.
bigger for the community, he said. He described the garden as a quiet place to rest and recharge. “Tyler was the sole designer of the garden,” Boehringer said. “He asked me a few questions

The garden is only a few steps away from the center, which provides a comprehensive and but the whole concept came from the mind of a 14-year-old. Pretty impressive!”
coordinated system of care for victims of sexual assault, domestic assault and domestic abuse, Tyler’s father, Lt. Col. Anthony Stoeger – former executive officer for 916th Support Brigade
according to Maj. Robyn Boehringer -- program manager for SHARP and the Comprehensive
Soldier and Family Fitness program here. – expressed that his son’s improvement in leadership skills is linked to his involvement with Boy
Scout Troop 67 here.
“The mediation garden allows individuals that have been through a traumatic experience to
relax in an environment away from the stresses of everyday life,” Boehringer said. “The purpose “He has taken on more responsibility each year he’s been in scouting and has learned skills
of the garden and the advocacy center is to have a safe place to relax, talk with advocates, and find that he will use for the rest of his life,” Stoeger said.
some sense of normalcy for a period of time. Tyler placed strength words throughout the structure
to remind our clients that they are stronger than what they are fighting and there are people Stoeger encourages those interested in scouting to attend a Troop 67 meeting, which is held
that care and will help. Tyler is a perfect example of caring for others through selfless actions.” every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., in building 1210 on Normandy Drive here.

At the ribbon cutting, NTC and Fort Irwin Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Martin thanked
the attendees.

“This is a great reflection of what communities do for each other,” Martin said.
The general appreciated Tyler for his contribution.
“I’m very impressed that you’ve made this achievement,” Martin said.
Tyler explained that materials were purchased with donations made by community members
and the construction was done with help from volunteers and other scouts. He began in January
and by the completion date of April 10, approximately 256 hours of volunteer time had been
dedicated.
“I want to thank all the people who donated and all the people who help build this … thank
you,” Tyler said before snipping the ceremonial ribbon.
Boehringer stated Tyler was adamant about completing a project that positively affected the
community. After learning the Advocacy Center site included a meditation garden, Tyler created

Your Army

Operational Camouflage Pattern Army Combat

Uniforms available July 1

Army Press Release

WASHINGTON (June 1) - The Army announced today the release of the Operational Photo by PEO Soldier
Camouflage Pattern in Soldier uniforms. The Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available The Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available for purchase in select military
for purchase in select military clothing sales stores beginning, July 1. clothing sales stores beginning July 1.

Stores will receive the uniforms over a period of six months from July to November, and transition period - expected to run through Oct. 1, 2019. To further ease the change, Soldiers,
new Soldiers will receive Operational Camouflage Pattern Army Combat Uniforms, or ACUs, who already have Flame Resistant ACUs in the Operational Enduring Freedom Camouflage
beginning in January 2016. The Operational Camouflage Pattern was selected following the Pattern, will be authorized to wear them during the transition.
most comprehensive uniform camouflage testing effort ever undertaken by the Army, reflecting
the Army’s paramount commitment to force protection.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey encouraged enlisted Soldiers to purchase new uni-
forms with their annual clothing allowance.

“All enlisted Soldiers receive an annual stipend for the purchase of uniforms and accessories,”
Dailey said. “I myself will wait until I am issued my clothing allowance before purchasing a
uniform with the Operational Camouflage Pattern. I encourage all Soldiers and leaders to do
the same by budgeting for a new uniform, belt, boots, and T-shirts as you receive your clothing
allowance over the next 2-3 years.”

The cost of the uniform in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will be similar to the cost of
the uniform in the Universal Camouflage Pattern. Enlisted Soldiers will continue to receive a
clothing allowance to replace their worn uniforms.

Uniforms and equipment in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available for U.S.
Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps during
summer 2016.

Soldiers are authorized to mix and match T-shirts, belts, and boots with either the Opera-
tion Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern or the Operational Camouflage Pattern during the

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil