Great Big Podcast

Finanancial Readiness and Preparing for the Holiday Season at The Great Place

On this week's episode the team sits down with a representative from the Army Community Service Office to discuss financial readiness. Tune in to learn about the resources, tools and programs available for service members who are looking to better manage their finances, make a major purchase or are seeking ways to invest. For more information on the ACS financial management programs, visit https://cavazos.armymwr.com/programs/acs/financial-readiness. 
Show Notes:
Nature In Lights: 
Fort Cavazos Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host Nature in Lights Nov. 15th through Dec. 31st at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area. It will be open every day from 5:30-11 p.m. Those visiting can see a five-and-a-half mile holiday lights attraction. It costs $20 for a car, minivan or pickup truck; $35 for limos, 15-passenger vans or recreational vehicles, $55 for a 24-passenger van; and $80 for a larger vans or busses. Additionally, guests visiting on Monday-Wednesday evenings will receive a Collector’s 17th Annual edition Nature in Lights ornament, limited to one per vehicle while supplies last.
People can also visit Santa’s Village at Live Oak Pavilion, Santa’s Depot near the marina and pony rides at BLORA Ranch, all also open Thanksgiving, Friday-Sunday Nov. 29 through Dec. 8 and daily Dec. 13-24.
For more information visit https://cavazos.armymwr.com/view-event/nature-lights/6600704/93405 or call 254-287-2523.
Facility Closure:
The Recreation Equipment Checkout and Sportsman’s Center Snack Bar and Pro Shop will permanently close Nov. 15 due to budgetary constraints. The Sportsman’s Center trap and skeet range will remain open. There may be minor disruptions during its transition to the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s recreation programs.
Robertson Blood Center Temporary Relocation: 
Robertson Blood Center will have a temporary 3-week now until December 6th. They will be moving directly across the street into a temporary facility while the current building is fully renovated.
Contact us SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.comFACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmyTWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.

Veterans Day at the Great Place!

On this week's special Veterans Day episode, the team sits down with the commander of the only Veterans of Foreign Wars post on a military installation to discuss resources, tools and programs available for service members and veterans who call the Great Place home. Veterans Service Organizations do quite a bit for veterans, learn more about the VFW at www.vfw.org.Thank you to all those who have served our country.
 
Contact us 
SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   
INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmy
TWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   
 
All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
 
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.
 

The USO at The Great Place

On this week's episode the team sits down with a representative from the United Service Organization Fort Cavazos to discuss the resources, tools and programs available for service members and veterans who call the Great Place home. USO Fort Cavazos is the largest USO in the world. From holiday parties to daily meals for service members, visit https://fortcavazos.uso.org/ to find out more about this center makes The Great Place even greater!
Show Notes:
The Fort Cavazos Religious Support Office, in partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank, will conduct Fresh Food for Families 9-11 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Phantom Warrior Stadium Parking Lot. Military families can receive fresh produce, meat and more. Families must enter from Tank Destroyer Blvd. and Comanche Ave. at the traffic light. Fresh Food for Families occurs the first Thursday of every month. For more information, call 254-288-6545.
The Recreation Equipment Checkout and Sportsman’s Center Snack Bar and Pro Shop will permanently close Nov. 15 due to budgetary constraints. The Sportsman’s Center trap and skeet range will remain open. However, there may be minor disruptions during its transition to the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s recreation programs.
Contact us SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.comFACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmyTWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.

Transition Assistance Program and Enabling Success for Those Who Served

On this week's episode the team sits down with a representative from the Transition Assistance Program to discuss the resources, tools and programs available for service members who are preparing to transition from military to civilian life. This includes the Hiring Red, White & You Career Fair, scheduled for 10 a.m. on 6 Nov. at the Lonestar Conference Center. To find out more about the Fort Cavazos Transition Assistance Program and its resources, visit https://home.army.mil/cavazos/units-tenants/Garrison/directorate-human-resources/Transition-Assistance-Program.
Show Notes:
DFMWR hosts bingo for youths
The Community Events and Bingo Center will host a “Ghostbusters”-themed bingo for children ages 2-17 11 a.m. Oct. 26. The cost is $7.50, with lunch included. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and goodie bags will be given to all children. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers will also have a trunk-or-treat in the parking lot for attendees. Costumes are encouraged. For more information, call the center at 254-532-9253.
Enjoy Halloween on post with various events
Post-wide trick-or-treating is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Children under 12-years-old are asked to cross streets with an adult. Drivers are asked to slow down and remain alert, especially while driving in residential neighborhoods.  The United Service Organizations Fort Cavazos is also hosting a trunk or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 in their parking lot. This event is open to the Fort Cavazos community and does not require registration.
Contact us SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.comFACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmyTWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.

The Family Advocacy Program and Promoting Healthy Households

On this week's episode of the Great Big Podcast, the team sits down with a representative from the Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program. Tune in to learn how the program helps military families enables overall readiness through a healthy household environment. Their benefits, workshops and other services are free, so be sure to visit  https://cavazos.armymwr.com/programs/acs/family-advocacy. 
Show Notes:
DFMWR hosts bingo for youths
The Community Events and Bingo Center will host a “Ghostbusters”-themed bingo for children ages 2-17 11 a.m. Oct. 26. The cost is $7.50, with lunch included. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and goodie bags will be given to all children. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers will also have a trunk-or-treat in the parking lot for attendees. Costumes are encouraged. For more information, call the center at 254-532-9253.
Enjoy Halloween on post with various events
Post-wide trick-or-treating is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Children under 12-years-old are asked to cross streets with an adult. Drivers are asked to slow down and remain alert, especially while driving in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the Fort Cavazos Exchange is hosting a trunk or treat from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at Comanche Express, located at 52021 Tank Destroyer Blvd. There will be candy, games, music, face painting and prizes. The United Service Organizations Fort Cavazos is also hosting a trunk or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 in their parking lot. This event is open to the Fort Cavazos community and does not require registration.
Contact us SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.comFACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmyTWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.

Kickstands Up: Discussing Motorcycle Safety and Tips for New Riders

On this week's episode of the Great Big Podcast, the team sits down with two instructors from the Fort Cavazos Motorcycle and PMV Safety Campus. Tune in to listen to safety tips, recommendations on PPE and a how-to on enrolling into the two training courses offered here at the Great Place. 
Show Notes:
North Clarke Gate TIF closes
Be advised North Clarke Gate’s truck inspection facility will close Oct. 16 until December. It will relocate operations to South Clarke Gate at West Fort Cavazos.
Road closes Oct. 18
Fort Cavazos’ Tedesco Way within the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Lightning Ranch area will be closed 6:25-7:30 a.m. Oct. 18. Please plan accordingly.
Fort Cavazos holds Cowboys 4 Heroes Bumpers, BBQ
Fort Cavazos; the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; and Cowboys 4 Heroes, a nonprofit organization, will hold the Cowboys 4 Heroes Bumpers and BBQ event from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Phantom Warrior Center. The event is free to all and includes free chuckwagon barbecue, arts and crafts, and a pumpkin patch. For more information, visit cavazos.armymwr.com/calendar/event/cowboys-4-heroes-bumpers-and-bbq/6585896/93024.
DFMWR hosts bingo for youths
The Community Events and Bingo Center will host a “Ghostbuster”-themed bingo for children ages 2-17 11 a.m. Oct. 26. The cost is $7.50, with lunch included. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and goodie bags will be given to all children. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers will also be have a trunk-or-treat in the parking lot for attendees. Costumes are encouraged. For more information, call the center at 254-532-9253.
 
Contact us SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.comFACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmyTWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.
 
 

Spooky season at The Great Place

This week the crew of the Great Big Podcast sat down with Cavalry Family Housing and the Directorate of Emergency Services to discuss spooky season, their favorite candy and safety things to know when it comes to Halloween. Listen now to hear about all the upcoming events that Cavalry Family Housing is also hosting to celebrate all month long. 
 
Show Notes: Halloween celebration 
Trick or treating will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at Fort Cavazos. 
 
Contact us SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.comFACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmyTWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.

Getting into the Holiday Spirit with Santa's Workshop

This week the crew of the Great Big Podcast sat down with representatives from Santa’s Workshop at the Great Place. They discussed what the organization does and how those interested in volunteering to support it can get involved. The deadline for families to sign up for support is October 15, tune in to find out more!
 
Show Notes: Participate in military health assessment
The Fort Cavazos Department of Public Health is conducting a comprehensive Community Strengths and Themes Assessment now through Monday. CSTA is an assessment of military communities for health risk factors and needs. It is open to all who interact at Fort Cavazos — including, but not limited to, service members, retirees, family members, Department of Defense beneficiaries, DOD civilians and contractors. Responses are confidential and private. To participate, visit https://phpubapps.health.mil/Survey/se/2511374548575240.
 
CRDAMC to host Baby Expo
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Department of Maternal Child Health will conduct the 9th annual Baby Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5. The expo is open to all DOD ID cardholders and will provide information and resources about early pregnancy to 1-year-old babies, as well as prenatal and postpartum resources at CRDAMC. The department will also provide tours of the Women’s Health Clinic and Labor & Delivery unit to orient new families.
 
Recognize recent achievements with ceremony
Fort Cavazos community members who have completed a degree or certificate, or will be within nine semester hours of completion by Oct. 24, may be recognized for their achievements at the 27th annual Consolidated Graduate Recognition Ceremony at 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at Howze Auditorium. To reserve a spot, RSVP to usarmy.cavazos.id-readiness.mbx.dhr-esd-special-events@army.mil.
 
Contact us SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.comFACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy   INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmyTWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy   All music obtained, royalty-free, through Filter by Songtradr:
"Gun Metal Grey" - Delicious Allstars
"Learning By Doing" - Niklas OlovsoThis podcast is a production of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Cavazos and Fort Cavazos Public Affairs.
 
 

The Religious Support Office and the Fresh Food for Families Program

This week on the Great Big Podcast, we sit down with two representatives from the Fort Cavazos Religious Support Office and one representative from the Central Texas Food Bank. We cover the Fort Cavazos Food Pantry, highlight the service of those who work in the RSO and highlight the “Fresh Food for Families” program. Be sure to tune in and learn a little more about the programs that help make the Great Place, great.
Participate in Community Strengths & Themes AssessmentThe Fort Cavazos Department of Public Health is conducting a comprehensive Community Strengths and Themes Assessment now through Sept. 30. CSTA is an assessment of military communities for health risk factors and needs. It is open to all who interact at Fort Cavazos — including, but not limited to, service members, retirees, family members, Department of Defense beneficiaries, DOD civilians and contractors. Responses are confidential and private. To participate, visit https://phpubapps.health.mil/Survey/se/2511374548575240.
 
Show Notes:The Transportation Motor Pool shuttle will sunset on Sept. 30 after 15 years of servicing the Fort Cavazos community, which will be a pivotal time for the TMP. However, with the implementation of the Cavazos Connector, riders will still be serviced post-wide with no break in service.Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s department of Maternal Child Health will conduct the 9th annual Baby Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5. The expo is open to all DOD ID cardholders and will provide information and resources about early pregnancy to 1-year-old babies, as well as prenatal and postpartum resources at CRDAMC. The department will also provide tours of the Women’s Health Clinic and Labor & Delivery unit to orient new families.Fort Cavazos community members who have completed a degree or certificate, or will be within nine semester hours of completion by Oct. 24, have the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements at the 27th annual Consolidated Graduate Recognition Ceremony at 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at Howze Auditorium. To reserve a spot, RSVP no later than Sept. 27 to usarmy.cavazos.id-readiness.mbx.dhr-esd-special-events@army.mil.
 
SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.com (mailto:FortCavazosPAO@gmail.com)
FACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy
INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmy
TWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy
 
 

Soldier Highlight: Reflections on Functional Fitness and Service in Our Army

This week on the Great Big Podcast, we sit down with two Soldiers who recently attended the CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas. Not only did they re-enlist at the event, they also participated in one of the grueling workouts of the competition. During the discussion we hear about their passion for functional fitness, their experience here at Fort Cavazos and their goals for the future. Tune in to learn more and perhaps look to include functional fitness into your exercise regimen! Show Notes:
The 79th Street Gate remains closed until Sept. 27 in support of repairs to the railroad crossing at that location. Commuters can utilize the Clear Creek Gate, Santa Fe Gate or Bernie Beck Gate during this period to access the installation.
Applications for Santa’s Workshop now open
Applications for Santa’s Workshop at The Great Place is now open through Oct. 15. Active-duty, active Guard and Reserve service members stationed at Fort Cavazos with dependent children aged 6 months to 12 years old as of Dec. 25 are eligible to apply. Applicants must be present on station during the application period. For more information, visit www.santasworkshopgp.org/applications.
Fort Cavazos to hold Retiree Appreciation Days
Fort Cavazos will hold its 49th annual Retiree Appreciation Days Oct. 25-26. This will feature a golf tournament for retirees at 9 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Courses of Clear Creek, limited to the first 144 entries received from retired personnel, their family members and survivors. The entry fee is $60. Email the entry form to charles.e.mcphinoly.naf@army.mil or mail the form to DFMWR-Business Division, The Course of Clear Creek Bldg. 194, 37th St., Fort Cavazos 76444 no later than Oct. 15. For more information, call 254-287-4130.
Additionally, there will be a Bingo Social at 5.30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Phantom Warrior Center. To RSVP, email tlstmm02@yahoo.com no later than Oct. 4.
There will also be legal assistance with the Fort Cavazos Legal Assistance Office from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 25 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26, and the ID Cards Facility will be open for walk-ins for retirees and their family members from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26.
Save big with Commissary CLICK2GO. Eligible first-time Commissary CLICK2GO customers can get $15 off their first $75 pickup or delivery purchase at Fort Cavazos from July 29 to October 27. Commissary CLICK2Go is the Defense Commissary Agency’s online ordering, payment, and curbside delivery service. Patrons can sign up online at https://corp.commissar. (https://corp.commissar./).. or at the Clear Creek and Warrior Way Commissaries demonstration tables.SUBMIT: FortCavazosPAO@gmail.com (mailto:FortCavazosPAO@gmail.com) FACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmy TWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy