Guardian Aug 14, 2025

Showcasing Soldier grit, community partnerships, and Fort Polk’s step toward a sustainable future.

PARISH PARTNERS ATTEND RISO GUARDIAN AUG. 14 VOL. 52, NO. 16 JRTC AND FORT POLK PAGE 9

E3B TESTS SOLDIERS GRIT

PAGE 5

FORT POLK CUTS RIBBON FOR SOLAR PROJECT

GATHERING INFORMATION AT INSTALLATION SERVICE FAIR

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PAGE 15

On Post Upcoming Events Things to do right here on post Outside the Gates

Events happening off post around the local community E3B

Soldiers challenge their skills to graduate RISO

JRTC AND FORT POLK Brig. Gen. Jason A. Curl Commanding General Col. Adam Barlow Garrison Commander PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Laurel Stone Director of Public Affairs Keith Houin Deputy Director of Public Affairs Angie Thorne Command Information

Fort Polk leadership communicates with community partners Solar Energy Project Fort Polk and Corvias partner with others for ribbon cutting

5 E3B tests Soldiers grit

Community gathers information

Soldiers and families attend the Installation Service Fair TriWest

What to know about BJACH referral changes Job opportunities Preparing for Dental Assistance Program Sign up for alerts

Jeff England Public Affairs Chuck Cannon Community Relations Porsha Auzenne Public Affairs Gabe Walker Community Relations Antoine Aaron Public Affairs Karen Sampson Public Affairs

9 Parish partners attend RISO

It’s important to know what’s happening in an emergency

Learn how to save a life

COVER PHOTO A Soldier takes part in the E3B event held the week of July 28 at Fort Polk. Soldiers tested their skills to become professionals in their fields. (U.S. Army photo

Editorial Offices Building 4919, Magnolia Street Fort Polk, LA 71459-5060 Voice 337-531-4033 Fax 337-531-1401

Fort Polk Homepage home.army.mil/polk/

The Guardian is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Guardian are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or Fort Polk. The Guardian can be found on the JRTC and Fort Polk website at home.army.mil/Polk and the JRTC and Fort Polk Facebook page at @JRTCandFortPolk/. Links to the Guardian are included in all- users emails to government email users and by request to non-military units. Editorial content of the Guardian is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. For additional information, please visit the @JRTCandFortPolk Facebook page.

11 Fort Polk cuts ribbon at solar project

15 Gathering information at Installation Service Fair

Click for more info

Fort Polk Soldiers test grit during E3B week, strive for excellence By Porsha Auzenne Fort Polk Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — Approximately 1,500 Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division “Patriots” tested their grit the week of July 28 at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. Known as “E3B”, the Expert Infantryman Badge Qualification (EIB), Expert Soldier Badge Qualification (ESB) and Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) are foundational events consisting of rigorous, individual train- ing and execution of fundamental Soldier tasks and skills resulting in increased Soldier profi- ciency and lethality. Designed to recognize and celebrate the ex- ceptional achievements of Soldiers, the events are supported by 275 graders and vital assets from JRTC Operations Group, 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment “Geronimo,” 32nd Hospital Center and 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment. With approximately 1,500 partic- ipants, the E3B enhanced Army proficiency and lethality by highlighting the dedication and excellence that define the best within the Ar- my’s ranks. The event began with the Expert Physi- cal Fitness Assessment July 28, followed by EFMB Land Navigation. From July 29-31, Sol- diers tested their proficiency in various com- bat-related tasks across three lanes: patrol,

Pictured: Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk Soldiers participate in E3B Week July 28- Aug. 1. The E3B competition—Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge—consists of various challenges Soldiers test in. Of the 1,500 Soldiers that participat- ed, 156 earned their badges during the graduation ceremony Aug. 1 at Mountain Field. (U.S. Army photos by Porsha Auzenne and Karen Sampson)

3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div qualifying for his EFMB badge, said the challenges associated with qualification were worth it. “Up until this point, it’s been fun,” said Pappas. “I like being tested and seeing what I’m able to do. It’s really tiring, but all worth it in the end.” The week concluded with a 12-mile ruck march, the final test for Soldiers qualifying for

their E3 badges. Once the ruck march was complete, a graduation ceremony was held for the 156 Soldiers who earned their badges Aug.1 at Mountain Field. Among the graduates were 115 Soldiers who received their EIB badges, 26 who received their ESB badges and 15 who received their EFMB badges.

weapons and medical. “The importance of the Expert Infantryman, Expert Soldier and Expert Field Medical Badg- es proves that Soldiers are professionals in their field,” Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Frame

said regarding the importance of qualifying for E3B. “It’s also some of the best skill level train- ing you can do, and it helps Soldiers hone their skills for when they reach the battlefield.” Cpl. Kai Pappas, a combat medic with the

AUGUST 16

Parish leadership attends RISO, strengthens partnership

The Rotational Information and Synchronization Outreach Forum was held Aug. 8 at the Fort Polk Warrior Center. The intent is to improve the dissemination and enhance communi- cation of rotational schedules to par- ish partners and service providers and regularly update partners about major activities and key events happening at JRTC and Fort Polk. RISO also provides comprehensive information sessions about the Joint Readiness Training Center’s mission and operations and an understanding of the short-term and long-term objectives of parish partners and service providers to bet- ter align strategies and foster synchro- nization and preparedness between surrounding parishes and Fort Polk. (Army photos by Karen Sampson)

Brig. Gen. Jason A. Curl, Joint Read- iness Training Center and Fort Polk commanding general, signs an antiter- rorism proclamation declaring August Antiterrorism Awareness Month during the Warrior Information Exchange meeting Aug. 6, at the Warrior Center. (Army photo by Karen Sampson)

Fort Polk leadership and representatives from Corvias, CRC Innovations and Onyx Renewables partnered on the installation’s solar energy project and cutting the ribbon at a ceremony held Aug. 5. (Army photo by Antoine Aaron)

Fort Polk, Corvias team up on solar energy project

By Chuck Cannon Fort Polk Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, Corvias, CRC Innovations and Onyx Renewables have joined forces to enhance energy security for the in- stallation and its families. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Aug. 5 to officially open the $29 million solar energy project that will provide power to about 1,800 military homes. The 13-megawatt system consists of more than 30,000 solar panels and Brig. Gen. Jason A. Curl, commander, JRTC and Fort Polk, said it’s a step forward in the installation’s readiness by enhancing the resilience and reliability of on-post housing. “This installation has always been about readiness, not just on the battlefield, but in ev- ery aspect of Soldier and family life,” Curl said. “Today’s project is a major step in that endeav- or. This new energy capability provides greater independence and resilience to our families to have reliable power, no matter what the chal- lenge. It’s an example of innovation and sus- tainability in action.” Curl said investments such as this make Fort Polk stronger and the community better. “Partnerships make this possible,” he said. “My thanks go to Corvias, CRC Innovations, Onyx Renewables for their leadership, and the Department of the Army for trusting us to lead the way.” Curl said the partnership not only affects the JRTC and Fort Polk but also strengthens the local economy.

Brig. Gen. Jason A. Curl, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk commanding general addresses the audience at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Corvias solar energy project. (Army photo by Antoine Aaron)

“Corvias has infused hundreds of millions of dollars into this region, with the majority going to local and regional businesses,” Curl said. “That’s a real impact for Louisiana. We’re strengthening Fort Polk, supporting our Sol- diers and families, and ensuring that this instal- lation remains the standard for innovation and resiliency for our Army.” Corvias CEO Chris Wilson said his organiza- tion was proud of the partnership enjoyed with Fort Polk. “It’s a partnership that’s accomplished a tre- mendous amount over the last 20 years,” he said. We’re thankful to be a part of the mission

to support the readiness and well-being of Sol- diers and their families. To ensure we live up to that, we constantly seek new ways to provide innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference to the whole community.” Bartosz Wojszczyk, president, CRC Innova- tions, said his company is proud to support the installation in the deployment of the solar pan- els. “I would like to thank both the Army and Cor- vias for spearheading a vision of energy resil- iency,” he said. “I would also like to thank mul- tiple previous garrison commanders for being part of this extremely effective journey.”

Installation Service Fair draws crowd

DoD civilians, common access card holders shop tax-Free By AAFES public affairs

DALLAS — The Army & Air Force Ex- change Service’s full range of goods, services, vendors, dining options and more are now ful- ly accessible to Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians who hold common ac- cess cards. The Exchange benefit has been available to approximately 724,000 DoD/Coast Guard civilian CAC holders since 2021, giving access to tax-free merchandise at military-exclusive pricing. CAC holders can now also apply for a MIL- ITARY STAR® card, which offers the lowest APR among all unsecured retail cards, accord- ing to Bankrate’s annual Retail Cards Study. Administered by the Exchange Credit Program, the MILITARY STAR® card has no annual or late fees and exclusive discounts including 10% off at participating Exchange restaurants, 5 cents off per gallon of fuel at Ex- presses, free shipping on ShopMyExchange. com orders and more. For more info, visit https://aafes.media/militarystar25 . All authorized shoppers can also enter Ex- change sweepstakes which run year-round. In 2024, the military community took home more than $415,000 in prizes, including new vehi- cles, gift cards, tactical gear, toys and more. Visit ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes t o enter. “The civilian workforce who help keep the nation’s military installations running smooth- ly are vital to keeping our warfighters mission ready,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted ad- visor. “By shopping the Exchange, DoD and Coast Guard civilians, and other CAC hold- ers, enjoy exceptional value and convenience while supporting critical Quality-of-Life pro- grams.” One hundred percent of Exchange earnings go toward making life better on installations. Every time authorized shoppers visit their PX or BX, dine at the food court or place an order through ShopMyExchange.com, they make a tangible contribution that supports all who serve and have served. In 2024, authorized shoppers generat- ed $295 million in dividends, strengthening Quality-of-Life programs and enhancing the Exchange shopping experience. In the last 10 years, the Exchange benefit has delivered $15 billion in value for the military community. For in-store shopping access for CAC hold- ers, the card’s affiliation should read “Civilian” while the agency/department should read

subject to host-nation agreements. DoD and Coast Guard civilians and other CAC holders can learn more about their Ex- change benefit at aafes.media/cacbenefits- pa. Authorized civilian shoppers can also vis- it ShopMyExchange.com to create an ac- count and shop online.

“DoD” or a service branch. Retired DoD and Coast Guard civilians can shop online only. Purchase restrictions for civilian shoppers generally exclude alcohol, tobacco and mili- tary clothing items. Shopping privileges for active DoD and Coast Guard civilians outside of the U.S. and its territories and possessions vary and are

Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is encouraging benefi- ciaries to take great- er ownership of their healthcare with a new digital process for man- aging off-post specialty referrals. As of June 9, all referrals are now processed through the TriWest Patient Portal, giving patients faster access to authorizations and the freedom to select their own provider. The new system eliminates the traditional wait for referral letters to arrive by mail. Patients are now encouraged to log into the TriWest portal to review their referral, choose a provider and schedule their appoint- ment directly. (Army photo by Jean Clavette Graves)

Here’s what Fort Polk Families need to know about BJACH referral changes

Greater choice, greater responsibility The TriWest Patient Portal puts care in the patients’ hands. Once logged in, patients can view and download approved referrals, see as- signed providers and contact them directly, se- lect a different network provider if desired, and begin the appointment process immediately. “Patients no longer need to wait for a phone call or letter,” Cobb said. “They can take imme- diate action by logging in, reviewing the referral and calling to schedule their initial visit.” The portal also includes provider contact information, office locations and a growing di- rectory of participating specialists. TriWest is actively expanding its network to better meet patient needs. Encouraging proactive care This change, now in effect across the entire TRICARE West Region, reflects a growing em- phasis on patient-centered care and personal responsibility in navigating the healthcare sys- tem. “We encourage our patients to be involved in their healthcare, including treatment plans, setting goals with their provider, scheduling follow-ups and using available tools to improve outcomes,” Cobb said. Patients who are proactive about their refer- rals often experience shorter wait times and

better continuity of care. Support when you need it

By Jean Clavette Graves BJACH PAO

While the process is now patient-driven, BJACH’s managed care team remains avail- able to support beneficiaries who have ques- tions or concerns. “We’re available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” Cobb said. “We can help pa- tients understand the referral process and di- rect them to the right resources.” BJACH’s Beneficiary Counseling and As- sistance Coordinator is also available to assist with eligibility, enrollment, claims and billing questions related to TRICARE. In addition to support from the hospital, the TriWest Patient Portal includes a range of edu- cational tools to help patients confidently nav- igate the system. Resources are available for selecting providers, making payments, book- ing appointments and understanding referral details. Know before you go Cobb also emphasized that referrals issued before June 30 during a temporary waiver period are valid through Sept. 30. Referrals is- sued after June 9 must be accessed through the TriWest Patient Portal. Patients can get started today by visiting: https://tricare.triwest.com/en/Beneficiary

FORT POLK, La. —Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is encouraging beneficia- ries to take greater ownership of their health- care with a new digital process for managing off-post specialty referrals. As of June 9, all re- ferrals are now processed through the TriWest Patient Portal, giving patients faster access to authorizations and the freedom to select their own provider. Sabrina Cobb, BJACH’s chief of managed care, said the change is part of a broader shift to expand options, shorten wait times and im- prove patient outcomes. “Patients now have the flexibility to choose a network provider that works best for them based on availability and travel distance,” Cobb said. “If that provider is more than 100 miles away, they’ll need to follow the TRICARE Prime Travel Reimbursement guidelines, which help cover reasonable travel costs when specialty care isn’t available closer to home.” The new system eliminates the traditional wait for referral letters to arrive by mail. Patients are now encouraged to log into the TriWest portal to review their referral, choose a provid- er and schedule their appointment directly.

Reaching out to the community

Fort Polk

PODCAST

Mitchell Smith (left) and Adam Lynn (center), antiterrorism officers, visit a local radio station Aug. 7 to raise awareness about antiterrorism. August is Antiterrorism month. Mark Leslie (right), Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security director, discusses Purple Heart Day. (Army photo by Gabe Walker) Visiting the radio to spread the word about antiterrorism

Tune in to the pulse of Fort Polk. The podcast offers information you can learn from and use — everything from hurricane pre- paredness to taking a look behind the scenes of what Fort Polk Soldiers do every day. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/JRT- CandFortPolk If you want to highlight an event, your organization or a Soldier’s MOS, call Jeff England at 726-780-0024.

Crosby High School Junior Reserves Officer Training Course, Texas, visited the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk on Aug. 1. Students visit- ed the Home of the Heroes Recreation Center and participated in Engagement Skills Trainer training at Training Aid Support Center. (Army photo by Gabe Walker) JROTC students visit Fort Polk

519th MPs honor fallen son, father instructs safety

By Karen Sampson Fort Polk Garrison Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. – Law enforcement Sol- diers assigned to 519th Military Police Bat- talion hosted a three-day visit from Thomas Gleason, 30-year veteran of law enforcement and father of fallen MP, Pvt. 1st Class Brian Gleason on the days surrounding the 25th anniversary of his passing, Aug. 7 - 9. Pvt. 1st Class Gleason, age 20, served the U.S. Army Military Police Corps for six months. He was assigned to the 209th Military Police Company. During a routine patrol his partner crashed their vehicle ending Gleason’s life and the young MP’s watch, Aug. 9, 2000. “Keeping with Army values, hosting Mr. Gleason and honoring Pvt. 1st Class Gleason’s memory provides a profound opportunity for our Soldiers to connect with our installation’s history and embrace our duty as stewards of those who have come before us and their fam- ilies,” said 1st Lt. Mark Tucker, officer assigned to 519th MP Bn. “It is times like this we are reminded that no sacrifice made in service to our country will go unremembered or under- appreciated.” “It is times like this we are reminded that no sacrifice made in service to our country will go unremembered or underappreciated.” 1st Lt. Mark Tucker Since his son’s passing, Gleason keeps the memory of his son alive by teaching safety to law enforcement professionals nationally and internationally. “Instructing driving safety will always honor Brian and hopefully save other lives from this tragedy from ever happening again,” Gleason said. Gleason instructed an interactive class with 519th MP Bn Soldiers covering driver safety and the ever-present threat of ambushes on law enforcement officers. Gleason said identifying indicators of possi- ble ambush situations and suggested proce- dures enhances safety and response. “Training led by a seasoned law enforce- ment veteran, Mr. Thomas Gleason, brings immense value to our organization,” Tucker said. “His wealth of experience spans decades and offers a wide variety of lessons, many drawn from personal encounters and paid for at great cost.” “These lessons can now be shared and learned by military police here,” Tucker said. “A lifetime of experience has its greatest impact when it is passed on to the next generation.”

(U.S. Army photos by Karen Sampson and 1st Lt. Mark Tucker

Follow the tips below to have a safe summer in the Louisian heat

To report Domestic Violence or child abuse/neglect, call: 726-780-2615 Domestic Violence Hotline 337-718-8837 Military One Source 800-342-9647 Sexual Assault Hotline 337-718-7272 FORT POLK ACSPC

The Directorate of Emergency Services Traffic Division will release the following vehicles to MWR for disposal if they remain unclaimed. Vehicles are listed with the last four of their VIN number. If one of these vehicles belongs to you, please contact the Fort Polk Police Traffic Division at 337-531-1806, 6675 or 2675. Check VIN numbers

2004 2015 2017 2012 2005 1994 2007 2012 2000 2008 1999 2018 2007 1998 2013 2013 2008 2008 2001 2009 1996 2001

Infinity Chevrolet Lincoln Land Rover Honda

G35 Camero MKZ Land Ranger Civic Tracker F150 4 door sedan Mustang 328 I Cavalier 1500 Corvette 1500 Passat Explorer Rabbit X3 1500 Optima 1500 MC

5369 4295 9372 2214 6295 0139 7785 4400 8551 8939 9858 1719 0062 3778 5583 4256 6258 7084 7554 2570 6380 1786

GEO Ford Mazda Ford BMW

Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Volkswagen Ford Volkswagen BMW Chevrolet KIA Chevrolet Suzuki

Fort Polk Public Affairs Office VoIP phone numbers

EXTRA!

PAO director — 726-780-0992

PAO deputy director — 726-780-0017

Guardian editor — 726-780-0413

Broadcast/podcast — 726-780-0024

Community relations — 726-780-0995

Fort Polk Directorate of Public Works New VoIP work reception number 726-780-0991

Hunters Education Class

The Class is Sept. 16-18 at Building 2391, 1850 22nd St., suite 102 from 5-8 p.m. each day. For more information visit https://www.wlf. https://www.wlf. louisiana.gov/page/ hunter-and-trapper-ed- ucation or register or register online for the class at https://louisianaout- doors.com/.

Aug. 26 9 a.m.-noon

Fort Polk

Voluntary marrow donor registration is a powerful way to demonstrate the Army value of selfless service and may save a life. Operation Ring the Bell Is a grassroots bone marrow donation registry operated by a team of volunteer Soldiers across the Army working closely with programs like the Salute to Life registry.

Programs like Salute to Life help register marrow donors, focusing on service members and their families.

To register,

Visit https://www.salutetolife.org/

For more information, call 337-491-1280 or email parks@cityoflc.us.

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