5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment

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SFRG INFORMATION PAGE:

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THUNDER BATTALION:

MARCHING INTO THE STORM

1264 Mississippi Ave |Fort Polk, LA 71459

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BATTALION SFRG EMAIL: THUNDER525sfrg@gmail.com__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNIT & BATTERY FACEBOOK PAGES:

5th Battalion 25th Field Artillery Regiment

Alpha (Ares) Battery Charlie (Carnage) Battery Fox (Fury) Company

Bravo (Bulldogs) Battery 10th Mountain DIVARTY HHB (Hydra) Battery

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INCLEMENT WEATHER AND EMERGENCY HOUSING WORK ORDER PHONE NUMBER:

1-866-436-2047

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Neighborhood Information:

Palmetto Terrace: Dogwood Terrace: Maple Terrace: Army Housing Office:

200 Bell Richard Ave 300 Warren Court 100 Pendelton Drive 1820 Corps Road #300

337-537-5040 337-537-5055 337-537-5065 337-531-6000

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NEW BJACH PHONE NUMBERS EFFECTIVE MARCH 31st, 2025:

You Are NOT Alone!

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember: HELP IS ALWAYS WITHIN REACH.

Our Fort Polk Community is STRONG because we look out for each other.

24/7 Military Crisis Support:

If you’re in immediate crisis, dial 988, then press 1 for the Military & Veterans Crisis Line.

You can also text 838255 or chat online.

Fort Polk Resources:

*Suicide Prevention Program Office – Support, training, and guidance for

Soldiers, families and civilians.

*Behavioral Health Services (BJACH) – Walk-in services available;

confidential mental health support.

*Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) – No records, no cost, completely confidential.

*Unit Chaplains – Someone who will listen without judgment.

*Chain of Command & NCO Support Channels – You are never a burden. Your voice matters.

REMEMBER: ASKING FOR HELP IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH, NOT WEAKNESS!

Whether you're a Soldier, spouse, or civilian, this community has your back.

Reach out. Check in. You could save a life — maybe even your own.

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5-25 FAR EVENTS & UPDATES:

PICTURES FROM JRTC 2026

TOWN HALL SLIDES:

5-25_FA_JRTC_TownHall.pptx

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Welcome to the World

THUNDER BABIES!

We are Blessed to Have You!

New Parents, make sure your Command Team

knows You're Expecting!

We want to help and support you in any way we can!

Upon the arrival of your little, contact your leadership for a special Battalion gift from our family to yours!

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DIVARTY INFORMATION AND UPDATES:

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FORT POLK Installation information and announcements:

See Something, Say Something.

To report suspicious activity, contact the

Military Desk Sergeant at (726) 780-COPS (2677)

or 1-800-CALL-SPY.

Your awareness makes a difference—stay vigilant and help protect our community.

Stay in the know, Fort Polk! If you haven't signed up for our newsletter yet, what are you waiting for?

Our newsletter is your go-to source for the latest news, exclusive updates, and everything MWR! Get the inside scoop on events, family-friendly activities, and so much more—delivered right to your inbox. Join today!

Click the link to subscribe!

https://polk.armymwr.com/happenings/want-tea-1

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FORT polk INFORMATION ORIENTATIONS:

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Preparing Your Teen for Life After High School? Army School Liaisons Can Help!

Parents, we know the transition from high school to adulthood can feel overwhelming.

That’s where Army School Liaisons step in.

They’re here to guide your senior or rising senior through every step of the journey:

• College & Scholarships: Guidance on applications, financial aid, and academic planning.

• Trade Schools & Certifications: Pathways to skilled careers in healthcare, IT, mechanics, & more.

• Military Opportunities: ROTC, enlistment, and service academies.

• Workforce Readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and connections to local employers.

• Life Skills Workshops: Budgeting, time management, and independent living.

• Community Connections: Mentorships, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

Your teen has choices and School Liaisons can help them find the right fit.

Contact your School Liaison Office today to explore all the opportunities

available for your student’s future!

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and Career Skills Program (CSP) have transitioned to the following NEW Operational Process:

Service Members have THREE excellent avenues to choose from:

*The Traditional Career Skills Program*

*DoD SkillBridge*

*The Individual Internship Program*

(Service Members are authorized to participate in ONE Army Career Skills Program during their LAST 180 DAYS in Service)

Transition to the Virtual Center (VC)

The CSP application process is now managed through a Virtual Center (VC). You can reach the VC via email, phone, or through their website (note: see flyer for information). Once you make contact, you will receive a virtual briefing outlining the required steps, and a counselor will email you the specific application packet for your chosen avenue.

Upcoming IPPS-A PAR Integration

Currently, Service Members must still hand-carry their packets to obtain the necessary command signatures. However, a major improvement is on the horizon: starting in May (exact date TBD), the process will be modernized. Service Members will be able to create an IPPS-A Personnel Action Request (PAR) to route their packets and gather all required signatures digitally.

Important Note on Individual Internships

We are currently seeing some common challenges regarding Individual Internships, specifically surrounding the vetting process.

Please be aware that Individual Internships require vetting before approval. The Unit Commander is responsible to vet the Service Members program and sign an MFR validating the verified information.

The entire application packet must be submitted to the Judge Advocate General (JAG) for a legal review.

Once the legal review is complete, the packet goes to the Service Member's Commander and is then returned to the

Service Member to be uploaded to the VC.

The TAP staff continues to provide updates on this process during the weekly Pre-Separation Briefings conducted every Wednesday. We regularly highlight these new changes and highly encourage any Service Member considering a CSP track to contact the VC to begin their process.

If you need clarification or assistance at any point during your transition journey, please stop by the TAP office.

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current fundraisers, Scholarships &

volunteer opportunities:

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RECYCLE & RAISE FUNDS!

A great way to benefit our environment AND Battalion is to simply RECYCLE! Collect and Sort your recyclables, drive through the recycling center on post during regular business hours, and tell the employee that you are recycling on behalf of 5-25 FAR.

The employee will then weigh your materials and

record it for money raised!

OPEN M-F 8am-4pm

BLDG 3622, Fort Johnson South.

337-531-7556

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Reoccurring Monthly Events & ACTIVITIES

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Do you think you can "MAKE THE CUT" and represent the U.S. Army in competition in one of ten sports vs. the other services? Sports available include basketball, cross-country, flag football, golf, marathon, rugby, soccer, softball, triathlon and wrestling.

Learn more and apply to be considered for an All Army Sports Trial Camp at www.armymwr.com/allarmysports

#allarmysports #MAKETHECUT

The Army MWR Library Summer Reading Program

(Presented by DoD MWR Libraries and Sponsored by T-Mobile)

This year's theme is "Plant a Seed, Read".

All ages can track their reading minutes, earn prizes and have fun!

Learn more at https://www.armymwr.com/read

If you haven't been to a WIE meeting yet, now is your chance! The Warrior Information Exchange happens on the first Wednesday morning of each month and provides a *ton* of useful information about programs and events on base. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The FJSCC will be present for these meetings; we usually sit in the chairs on the right side as you walk in (facing the audience- closest to the road). Board members will stay for an informal lunch at The Forge after the meeting (purchase your own meal). Lunch is open to both paid AND prospective FJSCC members. If you're new to Fort Johnson, or newly looking to get "plugged in", we'd love to meet you!

1st Thursday of Every Month!

1st Saturday of Every Month!

Second Sunday Brunch

Every Second Sunday of the month from 10am-2pm, the Forge hosts an elegant brunch, with a special menu including classic cocktails!

Reservations recommended, but not required.

Every Third Thursday of the Month at the Library!

https://johnson.armymwr.com/.../board-game.../5665053/71448

BOOKS AND BREWS

last Tuesday of every month!

Grab your Friends, your Books,

and a Cold One (brew of course)

The Forge Bar & Grill @ 5pm

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CYS UPDATES and major events:

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MAY EVENTS:

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May 1st is Silver Star Service Banner Day — a time to recognize those awarded the Silver Star Medal and honor the sacrifices of our wounded and ill Veterans.

Gen. James H. Polk, for whom Fort Polk is named,

received the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Service.

The Silver Star is described as the third-highest Military Decoration for Valor in Combat and is typically awarded for actions over a short-term and may be earned for specific acts in Combat. Compare that to other types of medals for longer-term Service, the Meritorious Service Medal, for example, which is awarded at the end of a Military Tour when conditions warrant.

Today, we Honor Polk and All Silver Star Recipients — Past and Present — and Their Families.

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May 9th and 10th:

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Something BIG is Coming to Your

Fort Polk Main Exchange…

Get Ready to Celebrate a Galaxy Far, Far Away!

(Special Promotions, Photo Ops, and In-Store Fun!)

Stay Tuned for Details—You Won’t Want to Miss This!

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JUNE EVENTS:

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Check out our 2024-2026 Events So Far!

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Our November Coffee was a success thanks to

Donna Smith (HHB Volunteer)

and this

AMAZING Charcuterie Board

she personally created and curated for the event!

Thank you, Donna!

Special Thanks to our Awesome Volunteers, who helped make this WINNING Post Card for our Battalion,

showcased at the Installation's Annual Snowflake Festival!

We are grateful to have won a $500 Visa Gift Card (to be specifically and purposefully used) for Battalion Funds!

Game Night was SO MUCH FUN!

Thank You to these special Ladies of Thunder

for bringing GREAT FOOD and GREAT LAUGHS!

We had a great time playing TRUNK DEXTING, and Aimee's very own

5-25 FAR Card Game--Think "Taco Goat Cheese Pizza",

but Thunder Battalion Style! ARES, BULLDOGS, CARNAGE, FURY, HYDRA!

OUR CARDBOARD POST CARD SUBMISSION FOR THE 2025 SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL!

Last Year, since the unit was deployed, we let Santa borrow the howitzer to shoot the presents...

BUT this year, since we're back, we took matters into our own hands!

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HELPFUL INFORMATION:

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You Don’t Have to Travel 60 Million Years to Find Fun… Just Subscribe.

The Find Fun at Fort Polk Adventure Continues, and We’re Bringing the Fun Straight to Your Inbox!

Subscribe to Our Bi-Weekly Newsletter For:

Upcoming Events & Activities

Early Access to Select Happenings & Registrations

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The Best of DFMWR Fort Polk Delivered Directly to You!

Plus, Don’t Forget about Find Fun at Fort Polk Fridays—

Where We Spotlight One of Our Awesome Facilities, Programs, or Hidden Gems Each Week!

From Family Fun to Food, Fitness, Recreation, Events, and Everything In Between…

There’s Always Something Prehistorically Awesome Happening.

Subscribe Now and Don’t Miss a Thing!

https://polk.armymwr.com/happenings/want-tea-1

Watch vs. Warning -- Explained in Louisiana Fashion with Crawfish!

In Louisiana, we are all too familiar with severe weather. Unfortunately, unlike crawfish, which has a season, severe weather is year-round.

Flood/Tornado/Hurricane Watch = Crawfish Watch

All the ingredients are ready to be put into the pot. Get those bibs on just in case.

There's no weather threat yet, but conditions are right for one to form. Stay alert, check the forecast and be prepared for worsening conditions.

Flood/Tornado/Hurricane Warning = Crawfish Warning

The crawfish is boiled to perfection and on the table — get your spot NOW.

The hazardous weather event is happening now. Take immediate action to protect your life and property. Listen closely to all alerts and follow guidance, such as seeking shelter.

Stay up-to-date with Weather Alerts!

To register for DoD Alerts (Soldiers, DoD civilians, contractors and other CAC ID holders) visit: https://alert.csd.disa.mil/

To download MAPA visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myarmypost/id6467240977

To register for Nixle alerts visit: https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/

Attention Parents, Spouses, Singles, and Service Members!

We have a GREAT Library, with resources available ONLINE!

Just log in with your

DoD # and Last Name

for books, streaming films, etc!

Register for Reconnection WorkshopsWhether you or a family member have recently entered the military or you are a long-time veteran, navigating the many transitions connected with military and veteran service can be hard. Reconnection Workshops aim to ease the stress that comes with these changes.

www.redcross.org

Dedicated Through Deployment -

Lagniappe Pass

Lagniappe Pass Benefits

Military Family Life Councils (MFLCs) provide support to individuals, couples, families, and groups for a range of issues including, but not limited to, deployment stress, reintegration, relocation adjustment, separation, anger management, conflict resolution, parenting, parent-child relationships, coping skills, home sickness, and grief and loss.

3/10 Deployment Social Hours

We are dedicated to support the needs of our children and families by fostering positive relationships during the 2024-2025 deployments. To ensure we are available and convenient to reach, MFLC will join programs and facilities for fun recreational events. We encourage you to join us for monthly socials, to meet and visit with or Fort Johnson MFLCs while enjoying our activities with lagniappe... "A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA!"

How to Register:

Who: Military Families with deployed sponsors

What: Lagniappe Pass with benefits list above

Where:

Business & Recreation Benefits:

Woodfill Hall, Building 350, Directions Here

CYS Benefits:

CYS Parent Central Services, Building 924, Directions Here

When: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

How:

Present deployment orders & NATO Orders
Dependent Military ID or Family Care Plan memo/forms

Additional Details: To access Woodfill Hall, you will need a valid form of ID. This ID cannot be your military dependent ID. You will enter through the double doors, take the elevator to the 4th floor. Once you are off the elevator, you take a left and follow the hallway to the DMFWR reception desk.

Child & Youth Services:

16 hours of free hourly care - Monthly, does not carry over to the next month*
20% Reduction to Fees for Regularly Schedule Full Time Care
Youth, Sports & Fitness: CYS Sports Event - $25 Credit - 1 use per child - Not Instructional i.e. dance/gymnastics.

Business & Recreation Division:

Klubs and Karts: Sunday–Family of 4 Putt Putt for Free
SFC Guess Jr. Pool: Thursdays - 1 Adult,1 child Free
Alligator Lake: 1st Monday – 1 free hour rental of kayak/canoe.
Warrior Lanes Bowling Center: 2nd Tuesday of the month– Free Shoes for Spouses
Play Town & Café: 3rd Wednesday of the month, FREE Entry for children
Warrior Hills Golf Course: 3rd Wednesday of the Month - 1 Free Bucket of Range Balls
Arts and Crafts: 4th Friday – Free paint fee for family of four.
Auto Skills Center: 1 Time Free Labor Support on Oil Change

MUST PRESENT DEPLOYMENT ORDERS & NATO ORDERS TO RECEIVE BENEFITS & CARD.

* No priority will be given and placement into a CDC/SAC is dependent upon availability. If you have any questions regarding CYS please email CYS. **Other questions please email, DFMWR

FREE CARE PACKAGE SUPPLIES FROM USPS:

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IMPORTANT WEBSITES EVERY

MILITARY FAMILY SHOULD KNOW:

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Army Family Web Portal Go to the Army Family Web Portal to find a variety of Online Courses ranging from Army Family Team Building to Financial Readiness to Volunteer Management
My Base Guide Gather information about your installation, local businesses, discounts, housing and job searches.
Military OneSource Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
ID Me Shop - Military Savings for Active Duty Military & Veterans
VetTix Find free or discounted tickets to various events across the nation.

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IMPORTANT LINKS:

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Newcomers sponsorship program Johnson Reception Center Soldier and Family Services Directory

Fort Johnson MWR Fort Johnson benefits Garrison Directorates and Support Offices

School Support Services MWR Monthly Calendar Childcare (CDC)

housing healthcare local events

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military apps:

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MyMilitaryOneSource

MyBaseGuide

Digital Garrison

MyPay

Military 24/7

Tactical NAV

Army First Aid

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ARMY VOLUNTEER opportunities:

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Army Volunteer Corps (AVC)

The Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) program provides opportunities for service members, Civilians, Family members, and retirees to volunteer with nonprofit organizations and support their local communities. We embrace existing volunteer programs, unite all volunteers who support Soldiers and Families, (including Active Duty, National Guard and Army Reserve), and formalize the Army’s commitment to volunteerism. The AVC Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and Army Volunteer Corps Philosophy on Volunteerism are foundational documents that show the Army’s dedication to its volunteers.

Volunteering helps both you and your community. When you participate with AVC, you will:

Gain a sense of satisfaction
Learn about the Army, the military, and your community
Acquire new skills and expand old ones
Obtain work experience
Build new friendships and become a cohesive part of a team

Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS). VMIS is the online platform that helps manage volunteerism in military communities. Within VMIS, volunteers can apply for volunteer opportunities, record and track volunteer hours, and manage their volunteer service record. Administrators can recruit volunteers online, manage military community volunteerism, and produce reports on program statistics.

Volunteer Forms: Contact the Army Volunteer Coordinator at your local Army Community Service Center to register and learn about volunteer opportunities across the Army. When you do, you will be asked to complete forms including:
Volunteer Agreement: This form acknowledges volunteer agreement before an individual is allowed to volunteer.
Volunteer Service Record. This form records essential background information on volunteers to help determine qualifications and task assignments.

*Did you know that ACS trainings and courses are available to EVERYONE?*

If you're eager to learn more about supporting your fellow army community through volunteering with 5-25,

contact your battery volunteers or call 315-408-9867.

Mobilization, Deployment and Stability

and Support Operations:

Deployment isn’t easy. Mobilization, Deployment and Stability and Support Operations (MD&SSO) helps make it as smooth as possible—for units, Soldiers, and Families.

MD&SSO provides training and publications to help commanders, Soldiers, and Families navigate the challenges of mobilization and deployment. We also have resources for rear detachment cadre and Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) leaders.

We assist the chain of command by empowering SFRG leadership and volunteers, providing them with robust training and resources to maintain a successful and effective SFRG. In addition, Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs) provide administrative and logistical support to commanders, rear detachment commanders, and SFRG leaders.

MD&SSO also assists during Noncombatant Evacuation and Repatriation Operations. During emergencies, the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPAAS) helps gain accountability, assess Family needs, and coordinate assistance.

The MD&SSO Program provides:

Deployment Support to Soldiers and units preparing to deploy or returning from a deployment. Information and referral services assist Soldiers and Family members dealing with deployment and redeployment questions, concerns, and challenges. Services can be tailored to assist commanders in meeting the deployment and redeployment needs of their SFRG. Commanders also have the virtual SFRG (vSFRG) as a tool to communicate with their SFRG membership in a secure online environment, especially during deployment.

Family Readiness Training for command teams, Command Family Readiness Representatives, and SFRG volunteers.

Emergency Family Assistance, provided when disaster strikes an Army community and accessed through multiple methods:

Through an ADPAAS electronic assessment, Soldiers and Families can identify needs, which will be assigned to the closest ACS ADPAAS case manager.

Through the Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC), a garrison-level, one-stop location for Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members to access needed recovery services.

During noncombatant evacuation and repatriation operations for personnel in OCONUS locations

Mobilization and Mobility Support

United States Field Artillery Association:

Field Artillery Association Facebook Page

Army Field Artillery Wives Facebook Page

If there is something that you'd like to include on our SFRG website, please let us know!

Click Here to provide a comment on ICE

The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system is a web-based tool that collects feedback on services provided by various organizations throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). The ICE system allows customers to submit online comment cards to provide feedback to the service providers they have encountered at military installations and related facilities around the world. It is designed to improve customer service by allowing managers to monitor the satisfaction levels of services provided through reports and customer comments.

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