The Real McCoy, produced by the Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office, 100 E. Headquarters Road, Fort McCoy, Wis., is an authorized publication for members of the Department of the Army. All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office. All photos are U.S. Army photos unless otherwise credited. Contents of The Real McCoy are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or Fort McCoy. For reasons of security, the online version of The Real McCoy may not contain all articles appearing in the print version. Contact Fort McCoy Public Affairs by calling 608-388-2769 or at DSN 280-2769 or by sending email to usarmy.mccoy.id-readiness.list.pao-admin@mail.mil
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News Notes -- Feb. 12, 2021
President overturns ban on transgender service members
The U.S. president signed an executive order overturning the ban on the service of transgender individuals in the military.
The order affects the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security for actions with the U.S. Coast Guard.
The secretary of Defense instructed military departments to immediately ensure individuals who identify as transgender are eligible to enter and serve in their self-identified gender.
In the order, the president directed the defense secretary and the secretary of homeland security to ensure that all directives, orders, regulations, and policies of their respective departments are consistent with the new order.
“This means no one will be separated or discharged, or denied re-enlistment, solely on the basis of gender identity,” a White House news release states. “Prospective recruits may serve in their self-identified gender when they have met the appropriate standards for accession into the military services.”
The policy also ensures all medically necessary transition related care authorized by law is available to all service members.
The executive order by the president also immediately prohibits “involuntary separations, discharges, and denials of re-enlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity.”
It also calls for an immediate start to the identification and examination of the records of service members who have been involuntarily separated, discharged, or denied re-enlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity. It also provides for the correction of military records.
(Department of Defense News)
February is month for teen dating violence awareness
Every February, people across the country join together to show support for teens and raise awareness about the issues they face in relationships.
Help stop abuse before it starts. Show support and spread awareness by wearing orange. Post a picture to the ACS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fortmccoyacs.
A special virtual presentation of “Dealing with Teen Dating Abuse: Crossing the Line” will be shown at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17. The presentation will be approximately 30 minutes. It will be shown via Microsoft Teams, but an active Teams account is not required to participate.
Participation in at least one of the above activities will allow teens or parents to pick up a Teen Dating Violence Awareness bag with information and goodies.
To register, contact Family Advocacy Program by calling 608-630-7473.
Woodworking workshops planned in February, March
Army Community Service (ACS) has several woodworking workshops available for families through March.
Salt and pepper mill workshops are scheduled for Feb. 16 and March 2 and 23.
Wooden pen workshops are scheduled for Feb. 25 and March 11 and 18.
All classes are 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the ACS Building Bonds Workshop, building 1133.
Due to social-distancing requirements, each class size is limited to six families. Masks are required, and children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult per child).
Registration is required one week before each workshop.
ACS events are open to Fort McCoy military members, family members, civilian employees, and registered volunteers.
For more information or to register, call 608-388-3505.
Sewing workshops available in February, March
Army Community Service (ACS) is offering beginner sewing workshops in February and March.
The workshops are scheduled for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 16.
Designed for the beginner, this class will cover sewing basics, including hand-sewing, sewing machine setup ,and completion of a face mask. Other projects will be available if time allows.
Registration is required one week in advance. ACS events are open to Fort McCoy military members, family members, civilian employees, and registered volunteers.
Register by calling ACS at 608-388-6507.
Resiliency workshops scheduled throughout 2021
Army Community Service (ACS) has resiliency workshops scheduled throughout 2021.
Topics include:
• Feb. 24: Acts/Thoughts/Consequences (ATC) Model
• March 17: Energy Management.
• April 7: Avoid Thinking Traps.
• May 5: Detect Icebergs.
• June 16: Problem Solving.
• July 7: Put It In Perspective.
• Aug. 4: Mental Games.
• Sept. 1: Real-Time Resilience.
• Oct. 6: Character Strengths.
• Nov. 3: Assertive Communication.
• Dec. 1: Effective Praise & Constructive Responding
All workshops will be 9 to 11 a.m. at ACS, building 2111. Registration is required one week prior to the event. Space is limited.
ACS events are open to Fort McCoy military members, family members, civilian employees, and registered volunteers. For more information or to register, call 608-388-6507.
Family calendar kits available at ACS
Personalized 2021 calendar kits are available from Army Community Service (ACS) until Feb. 26.
ACS activities are open to Fort McCoy military members, family members, civilian employees, and registered volunteers.
For more information or to register, call 608-388-6507 or email lorie.l.retzlaff.civ@mail.mil.
SHARP training dates available for February-March
Dates are available for Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention training for fiscal year 2021.
This class counts for the annual face-to-face training requirement. Classes are scheduled for 9-10 a.m. March 2.
Sessions are being conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social-distancing requirements. Class size is limited, and registration is required.
Check with your supervisor, training coordinator, or designated SHARP personnel (SARC/VA) to see if training is scheduled for your organization/unit before registering.
To register, call 608-388-8951 or email ryan.f.harvey.civ@mail.mil.
ACS offers online stress-reduction training
Army Community Service (ACS) is offering an online stress-reduction class.
Learn how to maintain a healthy mind and body through this self-paced online training. Topics include the difference between normal stress and unhealthy stress and healthy coping strategies for stressful situations.
To register, call or text 608-630-7473 or email jennifer.l.morris169.civ@mail.mil.
The training is available through Aug. 31.
Digital Garrison app available for Fort McCoy
The Army has launched the new Digital Garrison mobile app that provides information and facilitates access to a full array of on-post services, as part of a partnership with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES.
The app, which can be downloaded on Android and Apple devices by searching “Digital Garrison,” provides users with secure access to facility information and other quality-of-life services by consolidating data from three related networks. Soldiers, families, veterans, and civilians living or working at Fort McCoy can access resources about their local exchange; Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program; and other services.
Digital Garrison includes an installation directory, gate locations and hours, fitness and recreation options, weather, event information, and more.
Publication date for next The Real McCoy
The next issue of The Real McCoy will be published Feb. 26. The deadline is Feb. 17.
For more information, call 608-388-2769.