Great Big Podcast

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 Assessment

Show Notes:

SUBMIT: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

FACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy

INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmy

TWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy

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! 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.

This week on the Great Big Podcast, we sit down with two subject matter experts who serve on the Fort Cavazos Retiree Council to discuss what they do for retirees from all services who live in the over 170 counties they service. They also discuss the upcoming 49th Retiree Appreciation Day coming up Oct. 25-26 here on Fort Cavazos and all the great services provided during the event. Whether you are about to retire or have been for some time, you can learn a little bit more about what services are available to you if you live near the Great Place. 

79th Street Gate to close

The 79th Street Gate is closed now 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.

‘Food for Families’ to hold grand opening

There will be a “Food for Families” event from 9-11 a.m. today at the Phantom Warrior Stadium parking lot. Anyone with access to the post is welcome to attend the drive-thru pantry. Recipients can receive over $100 worth of groceries, including fresh produce and shelf-stable foods. For more information, call the Fort Cavazos Garrison Chaplain’s Office at 254-288-6545.

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.

Attend ‘Rock for the Brave’ fest

There will be a “Rock for the Brave” military family fest from 2-11 p.m. Sept. 28 at Phantom Warrior Stadium. This event is free and open to all Department of Defense ID cardholders. There will be food, drinks, games, activities, prizes and more. The event will feature Chip Gaines, star of the HGTV show “Fixer Upper;” Duff Goldman, star of Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes;” Adam Yenser, a comedian and Emmy Award-winning writer; Kid Ace, a magician and illusionist; and Cole Swindell, a country music singer-songwriter. There will also be a pre-festivities meet and greet with four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski. For more information, visit cavazos.armymwr.com/happenings/rock-brave.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.

This week on the Great Big Podcast, we sit down with two subject matter experts who serve as counselors and intervention specialists that help save lives. Suicide Prevention and Intervention helps develop tools to both identify warning signs and assist those in a crisis.

Show Notes:

9/11 Honor the Fallen 5K Ruck on Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. at Warrior Way Fitness Center. It is free to participate and you can register at any on-post fitness center or the morning of the event.

Rock the Brave Military Family Fest is coming Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. at Phantom Warrior Stadium on Fort Cavazos. The event is free for all DOD ID card holders.

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... or at the Clear Creek and Warrior Way Commissaries demonstration tables.

SUBMIT: [email protected] 

FACEBOOK: fortcavazosarmy

INSTAGRAM: @fortcavazosarmy

TWITTER: @fortcavazosarmy

This week on the Great Big Podcast, we sit down with the III Armored Corps Voting Assistance Officer, Capt. Adam West, to discuss the voting process for Soldiers and their families. Everyone's voice and vote matters, tune in and see how you can be sure to meet all the requirements for the 2024 election cycle. 

In this episode of The Great Big Podcast, we take a closer look at the Fort Cavazos Installation Reception Center (IRC) and how it helps incoming soldiers and their families adjust to life at the Great Place. We explore the IRC’s mission of preparing new arrivals—whether that involves handling medical checkups, sorting out finances, or managing other important administrative tasks—so they are ready to join their units. The episode also breaks down the five-day in-processing schedule and explains how various on-post agencies work together to make the transition smoother for everyone.

This week on the Great Big Podcast, we discuss the upcoming school year with Killeen Independent School District's superintendent, Dr. Jo Ann Fey. Learn about the changes they have implemented for this school year and advice that Dr. Fey has for potential teachers, parents and children. 

This week on the Great Big Podcast, we discuss Fort Cavazos' pet policies, covering breed restrictions, housing guidelines, and permissible locations for pets. Learn about which breeds are banned, housing limitations, and where pets can and cannot go on post. Tune in for essential information to keep your furry friends safe and compliant at the Great Place!

Phantom Centralized Hub, U.S. Army Fort Cavazos' latest dining option, is now open for business! Great Big Podcast’s Janecze Wright sat down with Sgt. Maj. Kresassidy McKinney, Chief Culinary Management, and Chontelle Sturdivant, Installation Food Program Manager, to get the scoop on all the meal prep items Phantom Fresh has readily available and the items made to order. Whether you're on the go or counting calories, Phantom Fresh is open to everyone with base access.

Welcome to the "Great Big Podcast!" This week, we catch up with one of our favorite return guest, James Elzie! As branch manager for the Wounded and Fallen Branch of the Army Community Service, Elzie offers great insights into the past decade serving in the Army Community Service across various roles, most recently under the Fort Cavazos Survivor Outreach Services. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on everything the Great Place does to take care of its families of the fallen and how Gold Star families resemble the resiliency and perseverance of the U.S. Army.