Top Stories Nashville

Several faculty and staff members at Austin Peay State University demonstrated recent noteworthy accomplishments.

Dr. Christos Frentzos, assistant professor of history, gave a presentation July 14th during a weekly briefing of the Tennessee Homeland Security District 7. He spent two weeks this summer in Israel as a part of a counterterrorism fellowship, and he discussed what he learned about Israel’s strategies for combating terrorism during the briefing with local emergency first responders, including police officers, firefighters and emergency management officials.

Lois Jones, administrative specialist in the Office of Legal Affairs and Strategic Planning, will have an article, titled “A baseline summary of framing research in public relations from 1990 to 2009,” published in the September issue of Public Relations Review. She co-authored the paper with Dr. Jeongsub Lim, a former APSU communication professor who now teaches at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. Jones graduated from APSU with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication.

Janet Velazquez, assistant director of Career Services, was appointed to the board of directors for the Tennessee Association of Colleges and Employers (TACE) in the role of secretary.

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APSU, Austin Peay State University, Christos Frentzos, Janet Velazquez, Lois Jones

Nashville, TN – The Nashville Sounds lost to the division-rival Omaha Royals, 5-3, on Wednesday evening at historic Greer Stadium in the third game of a four-game series.

Nashville (56-48) allowed 15 hits to Omaha as five Royals recorded multi-hit contests, led by Mike Moustakas and Kila Ka’aihue each adding three hits.

Omaha got on the board in the opening frame to take a 1-0 as third baseman Moustakas hit a two-out double to right field. First baseman Ka’aihue then recorded his team-leading 77th RBI with line drive single to left field that brought home Moustakas from second base. Designated Hitter Jai Miller made it 2-0 in the Royals fourth with a solo homer to left center, his 12th of the season.

The Sounds scored two runs in the next frame to knot the contest 2-2. After right fielder Brendan Katin worked a nine-pitch walk, first baseman Joe Koshansky ripped a game-tying two-run home run to deep center over the 24-foot batter’s eye. It was Koshansky’s team-leading 18th long ball and 59th RBI on the year.

The Royals scored two more runs to regain the lead in the next inning. After Moustakas and Ka’aihue led off the frame with singles, Jordan Parraz smacked a two-out double to plate both Omaha runners for a 4-2 lead.

Nashville trimmed the lead to one in the next inning to make it 4-3. Shortstop Luis Cruz was hit by a Federico Castaneda pitch, moved to second on a Ben Johnson single, advanced to third on a Lorenzo Cain sacrifice, and scored a Norris Hopper infield groundout.

Omaha added an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning to go up 5-3, as Moustakas hit an infield groundout to score Marc Maddox who singled earlier in the frame.

Nashville starting pitcher Sam Narron (6-4) took the loss after allowing four runs on 10 hits and with one strikeout in five innings pitched. Tim Dillard contributed three innings in relief while allowing one run on four hits with a strikeout. Mike McClendon struck out one in one scoreless inning for his sixth consecutive shutout outing.

Royals starter Blaine Hardy went 3 1/3 innings while giving up two runs on four hits for Omaha. Castaneda (4-2) earned the win, adding 3 1/3 innings while allowing one run.  Louis Coleman threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up his first save of the season.

Eric Farris extended his season-long hitting streak to 12 games with a hit on the evening, while Mat Gamel went hitless to snap his season-long 11-game hitting streak.

The Sounds and Royals will continue their four-game series at 7:05pm on Taco Bell Throwback Thursday at historic Greer Stadium. Nashville right-hander Josh Butler (1-0, 2.84) will make his second start of the season against Omaha right-hander Anthony Lerew (5-3, 2.84).

Omaha Royals (54-51) 5, Nashville Sounds (56-48) 3

July 28th, 2010

WP: Narron.

IBB: Ka’aihue (by Dillard).

HBP: Cruz, L (by Castaneda, F).

Pitches-strikes: Hardy, B 51-35, Castaneda, F 42-30, Coleman 34-18, Narron 93-56, Dillard 41-24, McClendon 12-7.

Groundouts-flyouts: Hardy, B 2-4, Castaneda, F 5-3, Coleman 2-1, Narron 6-6, Dillard 7-1, McClendon 2-0.

Batters faced: Hardy, B 14, Castaneda, F 13, Coleman 8, Narron 27, Dillard 14, McClendon 4.

Inherited runners-scored: Coleman 1-0.

Umpires: HP: Tyler Funneman. 1B: Matt Schaufert. 2B: . 3B: Chuck Pack.

Weather: 93 degrees, partly cloudy.

Wind: 1 mph, Out to LF.

T: 2:37.

Att: 2,416.

Compiled by MLB Advanced Media

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Anthony Lerew, Blaine Hardy, Brendan Katin, Eric Farris, Federico Castaneda, Greer Stadium, Jai miller, Joe Koshansky, Jordan Parraz, Josh Butler, Kila Ka’aihue, Lorenzo Cain, Louis Coleman, Luis Cruz, Marc Maddox, Mat Gamel, Mike McClendon, Mike Moustakas, Nashville Sounds, Norris Hopper, Omaha Royals, Taco Bell Throwback Thursday, Tim Dillard

Parents of Clarksville-Montgomery County School students can get information about their children’s bus numbers, bus stops and pickup and dropoff times by visiting the website: http://trapezeweb.cmcss.net

The site also provides parents new to the community with the schools for which their children are zoned.

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Education

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Clarksville Montgomery County School System, CMCSS, School Bus Routes, School Zoning

Albuquerque, NM – The Nashville Sounds powered past the Albuquerque Isotopes, 12-6, on Monday afternoon at Isotopes Park in the finale of a four-game set.

With the victory, Nashville (55-47) splits the season series with Albuquerque, 8-8, for the second consecutive season.

The Sounds erupted for seven runs in the opening frame as the Sounds batted around for the sixth time this year, highlighted by outfielder Lorenzo Cain hitting two triples off Albuquerque starter Alberto Bastardo in the same inning.

Cain led off the contest with his first triple to right field and scored the first run on a Norris Hopper RBI single in the next at-bat. Bastardo then offered up a two-run home run to Joe Koshansky over the right field wall for a 3-0 lead. Koshansky’s homer was his team-leading 17th of the season and his second straight game with a long ball.

Bastardo then allowed three consecutive singles to Nashville, as catcher Martin Maldonado extended his season-long hitting streak to 13 games with an RBI base hit to center to score Ray Olmedo. After a Chase Wright walk, Cain smacked a two-out bases-clearing triple to center for a 7-0 Sounds advantage.

Cain’s accomplishment marked the fourth time that any player in the minor leagues has recorded two triples in the same inning since 2005: Peter Bourjos of the Rookie Orem Owlz in 2006, Dayton Buller of the Double-A Connecticut Defenders in 2007, and Carl Uhl of the Single-A Williamsport Crosscutters in 2009.

It was also the 11th time in Sounds history a player has tripled twice in a game, as Dave Krynzel was the last to do so on April 16, 2006 vs. the Oklahoma RedHawks.

Former Sounds outfielder Trent Oeltjen doubled to begin the next frame for Albuquerque and later scored on a Jay Gibbons RBI single to put the Isotopes on the board.

Nashville added a run in the next inning for an 8-1 lead. Brendan Katin was hit a Bastardo pitch, moved to second on a fielder’s choice, advanced to third on an Olmedo single, and then came home on an Eric Farris infield groundout.

Nashville scored two more runs in the next inning as Cain singled to begin the Nashville third and advanced on to third on an Albuquerque fielding error. Mat Gamel recorded an RBI for the eighth straight contest by driving home Cain from third with a line drive base hit, followed by Nashville’s 10th run of the contest coming on a Jesus Rodriguez wild pitch that allowed Hopper to score.

The Isotopes plated three runs on four hits in the next frame to come within six runs with RBIs from Justin Sellers, Gibbons, and Jamie Hoffmann.

The Sounds got a run back in the top of the fifth inning as the club recorded three consecutive base hits off reliever Josh Lindblom. Hopper singled to center to lead off, moved to second on a Gamel base hit, and came home on a Katin RBI base knock.

Albuquerque scored its final two runs in the next frame from RBI doubles from Lucas May and Oeltjen.

Maldonado scored Nashville’s 12th run on a two-out solo homer in the top of the eighth inning. The Sounds catcher belted the first pitch he saw from Ramon Troncoso for his third long ball of the season.

Sounds starter Chase Wright (7-6) got the win, allowing six runs while scattering 11 hits with five strikeouts over five innings thrown. In his fourth rehab appearance for the Brewers, reliever LaTroy Hawkins gave up two hits in two scoreless innings. Donovan Hand also threw a scoreless frame in relief.

Bastardo (4-2) was roughed up for eight runs (four earned) on six hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched to take the loss for the Isotopes.

Farris and Gamel each added two hits to extend their identical hitting-streaks to 10 games.

The Sounds travel back to Music City to open an eight-game homestand, beginning at 7:05pm CT tomorrow evening at historic Greer Stadium against the division-rival Omaha Royals. Right-hander Marty McLeary (4-6, 8.13) takes the mound for Nashville against Omaha right-hander Luis Mendoza (5-7, 4.97).

Albuquerque Isotopes (52-49) 6, Nashville Sounds (55-47) 12

July 26th, 2010

Troncoso pitched to 1 batter in the 9th.

WP: Rodriguez, Je.

IBB: Maldonado, M (by Rodriguez, Je).

HBP: Lindsey (by Wright, C), Lindsey (by Wright, C), Katin (by Bastardo).

Pitches-strikes: Wright, C 90-59, Hawkins 28-21, Hand 11-6, Bastardo 42-29, Rodriguez, Je 38-21, Lindblom 52-34, Troncoso 21-13.

Groundouts-flyouts: Wright, C 6-2, Hawkins 2-4, Hand 3-0, Bastardo 0-2, Rodriguez, Je 5-2, Lindblom 1-5, Troncoso 2-0.

Batters faced: Wright, C 29, Hawkins 8, Hand 3, Bastardo 14, Rodriguez, Je 14, Lindblom 13, Troncoso 5.

Inherited runners-scored: Rodriguez, Je 2-1.

Umpires: HP: Casey Moser. 1B: Tyler Funneman. 2B: . 3B: Michael Lusky.

Weather: 71 degrees, cloudy.

Wind: 1 mph, In from RF.

T: 2:41 (1:20 delay).

Att: 5,082.

Compiled by MLB Advanced Media

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Alberto Bastardo, Albuquerque Isotopes, Brendan Katin, Carl Uhl, Chase Wright, Dave Krynzel, Dayton Buller, Donovan Hand, Eric Farris, Greer Stadium, Isotopes Park, Jamie hoffmann, Jay Gibbons, Jesus Rodriguez, Joe Koshansky, Josh Lindblom, Justin Sellers, LaTroy Hawkins, Lorenzo Cain, Lucas May, Luis Mendozqa, Martin Maldonado, marty McLeary, Mat Gamel, Nashville Sounds, Norris Hopper, Omaha Royals, Orem Owlz, Peter Bourjos, Ramon Troncoso, Ray Olmedo, Trent Oeltjen

Albuquerque, NM – The Nashville Sounds had their three-game winning streak snapped with a rain-shortened 14-2 loss to the Albuquerque Isotopes on Sunday evening at Isotopes Park.

The game was called due to rain at the conclusion of the seventh inning, following a 30-minute delay.

Isotopes starter John Ely turned in a quality start and Albuquerque hitters belted a trio of three-run homers on the evening to contribute to the victory.

Ely (4-1) was credited with a complete game as he held the Sounds to two runs on five hits over seven innings, striking out five batters in the outing.

The Sounds (54-47) took a short-lived lead in the top of the first inning as Lorenzo Cain opened with contest with double to center off Albuquerque starter John Ely then scored on Mat Gamel’s one-out RBI single. Gamel’s run-scoring knock increased his longest hitting streak of the year to nine games.

Nashville starter Chris Waters struggled in the opening frame for the second consecutive outing, giving up four runs in the bottom of the inning as the Isotopes stormed out to a 4-1 lead.

Jamie Hoffmann and Russ Mitchell singled before John Lindsey (4-for-4) smashed a three-run homer to center off Waters, the first baseman’s 16^th roundtripper of the year, to put the home team on top by a 3-1 count. Former Sound Jay Gibbons followed with a double and, after Waters walked a pair of batters to load the bases, scored the fourth run of the frame on a Justin Sellers sacrifice fly. Sellers drove in a game-high five runs on the night for Albuquerque.

The Isotopes upped their advantage to 7-1 in the fourth with their second three-run homer of the night, this one coming off the bat of Mitchell against Waters. Hoffmann drew a one-out walk and Ivan DeJesus, Jr. singled before both scored on Mitchell’s 17^th longball of the season.

Waters (5-8) drew a loss for the fourth straight start after giving up seven runs on nine hits over just four innings of work. He walked a season-high five batters for the second straight outing. The left-hander has posted just one victory in his last 12 trips to the hill for the Sounds (1-7, 5.86 ERA, 38er/58.1ip).

Left-hander Chuck Löfgren took over on the Nashville hill in the fifth and fared no better than Waters, giving up seven runs (five earned) over three innings in his first relief inning of the season.

The Isotopes greeted Löfgren with a three-run fifth. Hoffmann contributed an RBI single before Gibbons plated two unearned runs with a single later in the frame as Albuquerque stretched its lead to 10-1.

The Isotopes tacked on their 11^th run in the sixth when Sellers doubled home Michael Restovich, who had drawn an inning-opening walk from Lofgren.

First baseman Joe Koshansky led off the seventh inning with his team-leading 16^th home run of the year for Nashville, a blast to center off Ely that made it an 11-2 contest.

Sellers walloped the home team’s third three-run homer of the night in the seventh off Lofgren, the infielder’s fifth big fly of the year.

Second baseman Eric Farris led off the second with a single for the Sounds to extend his PCL hitting streak to nine games. He is 3-for-7 in two games with Nashville since returning from the D.L.

The teams wrap up the series with 1:05pm CT contest on Monday afternoon. Left-hander Chase Wright (6-6, 4.25) will man the bump for the Sounds to take on Albuquerque southpaw Alberto Bastardo (4-1, 4.24).

Nashville Sounds (54-46) 2, Albuquerque Isotopes (51-48) 14

July 25th, 2010

HBP: De Jesus, I (by Lofgren).

Pitches-strikes: Waters 96-53, Lofgren 72-41, Ely 89-60.

Groundouts-flyouts: Waters 5-5, Lofgren 4-1, Ely 12-2.

Batters faced: Waters 25, Lofgren 20, Ely 26.

Umpires: HP: Michael Lusky. 1B: Casey Moser. 2B: . 3B: Tyler Funneman.

Weather: 73 degrees, drizzle.

Wind: 12 mph, In from CF.

T: 2:17 (:30 delay).

Att: 7,177.

Compiled by MLB Advanced Media

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Sports

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Alberto Bastardo, Albuquerque Isotopes, Chase Wright, Chris Waters, Chuck Lofgren, Eric Farris, Isotopes Park, Ivan DeJesus Jr., Jamie hoffmann, Jay Gibbons, Joe Koshansky, John Ely, John Lindsey, Justin Sellers, Lorenzo Cain, Mat Gamel, Michael Restovich, Nashville Sounds, Russ Mitchell

Paktika Province, Afghanistan – In the last two-years, an alarming threat has become more and more prevalent through the ranks of the U.S. Army – suicide.

According to military reports, the number of U.S. Army Soldiers who committed suicide in 2009 was a record-breaking 245. The first half of 2010 has exceeded that pace with 145 suicides in only six-months.

Last month was the highest single month of suicides of the year, claiming the lives of 32 servicemembers.  Fortunately, Task Force Iron Rakkasan has had none, thanks in part to great hands-on leadership and well-resourced training, said U.S. Army Capt. Erik Alfsen, chaplain for 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment.

Soldiers from Task Force Iron, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment listen to a recent suicide prevention class as part of a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training course. The Iron Rakkasans have not had a single suicide in their task force this year, and they are hoping the training will help them continue that trend.

Hoping to keep the trend going, Alfsen has been working with the battalion’s leaders to reinforce the skills necessary to spot soldiers in need. 

One of the recent programs developed to help train Soldiers in suicide awareness and prevention is Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.

“The two-day course shifted the focus of leaders from suicide prevention training and statistics to recognizing risk and learning to intervene,” said Alfsen.  “I think the use of visual aids, videos, and role-playing greatly helped the Soldiers’ awareness and capabilities.”

About 25 Soldiers attended the course, with each platoon having at least one leader present.  According to Alfsen, a Springfield, MO native, the goal was to help ensure leaders at all levels were informed and able to help their Soldiers.

Those who attended seemed to agree with Alfsen that the training was worthwhile.  “This program will definitely help the Iron Rakkasans, and will possibly increase the number of lives saved,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Vera, a native of Los Angeles, who is assigned to 3-187.  “I think it’s a good extension of the programs offered by mental health experts, who have helped reduce the numbers of suicides in the Army.”

“By the conclusion of the training, Soldiers were instilled with confidence and equipped with the knowledge they need to make a difference in the life of an at-risk Soldier,” he said.  “This event will have long lasting benefits for the Soldiers of this battalion.”

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News

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101st Airborne Division, Afghanistan, Erik Alfsen, Fort Campbell KY, Jorge Vera, Paktika Province, Rakkasans, Suicide, Suicide Prevention Training, Task Force Iron

Narron  Wins Fifth Straight Start For Nashville

Albuquerque, NM – Third baseman Mat Gamel belted a pair of homers and drove in four runs to lead the Nashville Sounds to an 11-8 victory in a slugfest against Albuquerque on Friday evening at Isotopes Park in the opener of a four-game series.

The win was the second in a row against the Isotopes for Nashville (53-46). The Sounds went an efficient 7-for-9 with runners in scoring position in the contest.

Gamel paced a 14-hit Sounds attack with his 4-for-5 evening that including four RBIs, four runs scored, and his sixth and seventh roundtrippers of the season.

Left-hander Sam Narron (6-3) picked up a victory in his fifth straight start for Nashville, the longest win streak by a Sounds hurler this season. The 6-foot-7 southpaw allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 11 hits over 5 2/3 frames in the hitter-friendly environment.

The teams exchanged two-run frames in the first inning before the Sounds erupted for a six-run rally in the top of the fourth to take an 8-2 lead.

Luis Cruz led off the Nashville fourth with a single and moved to third on Ray Olmedo’s double to center off Albuquerque starter Jesus Castillo. Catcher Ben Johnson followed with a go-ahead RBI single and Narron added a sacrifice fly. Later in the frame, Norris Hopper lined a run-scoring single to center to give the Sounds a 5-2 lead and chase Castillo from the contest.

Gamel greeted Isotopes reliever Jesus Rodriguez by belting his sixth home run of the season, a three-run shot to left that made it an 8-2 contest.

After Ivan DeJesus Jr. plated a run for the Isotopes with a two-out single off Narron in the fifth, the Sounds’ Brendan Katin matched with a two-out RBI knock of his own in the top of the sixth to extend the Nashville lead to 9-3.

Albuquerque chased Narron from the contest with a five-run rally in the home half of the sixth that pulled the Isotopes within a run at 9-8. Catcher A.J. Ellis plated two of the runs with a triple in the frame.

The Sounds answered with a run of their own in the top of the seventh when Olmedo and Johnson ripped back-to-back doubles off Isotopes reliever Ramon Troncoso to increase their cushion to 10-8.

Gamel struck again in the eighth, swatting a one-out solo homer to left off Jon Link, to make it an 11-8 contest.

In his third rehab appearance for the Sounds, reliever LaTroy Hawkins closed out the contest with a pair of scoreless innings to earn his first save of the year, marking back-to-back appearances for the veteran.

He retired the side in order in the bottom of the eighth on three consecutive groundouts, tossing just five pitches in the frame. In the ninth, the right-hander allowed a one-out single to Russ Mitchell (4-for-5) before inducing a game-ending double play grounder from John Lindsey.

In his three PCL outings, Hawkins has allowed two singles in 4 1/3 scoreless frames.

Castillo (1-4) absorbed the defeat for Albuquerque after surrendering seven runs on eight hits in just 3 1/3 innings.

The teams continue the series with another 8:05pm CT contest on Saturday. Right-hander Josh Butler will make his first Triple-A appearance of the year when he starts for the Sounds. Albuquerque will counter with right-hander Seth Etherton (3-2, 4.55).

Albuquerque Isotopes (51-47) 8, Nashville Sounds (53-46) 11

July 23rd, 2010

Pitches-strikes: Narron 94-58, Dillard 15-10, Hand 10-6, Hawkins 16-10, Castillo, J 62-35, Rodriguez, Je 21-13, Troncoso 37-21, Link 20-14, Dohmann 14-7.

Groundouts-flyouts: Narron 8-7, Dillard 0-0, Hand 0-0, Hawkins 6-0, Castillo, J 3-4, Rodriguez, Je 2-1, Troncoso 5-1, Link 1-0, Dohmann 1-0.

Batters faced: Narron 29, Dillard 2, Hand 3, Hawkins 6, Castillo, J 20, Rodriguez, Je 7, Troncoso 10, Link 4, Dohmann 4.

Inherited runners-scored: Dillard 1-1, Rodriguez, Je 2-2.

Umpires: HP: Casey Moser. 1B: Tyler Funneman. 2B: . 3B: Michael Lusky.

Weather: 82 degrees, cloudy.

Wind: 9 mph, Out to CF.

T: 3:02.

Att: 9,555.

Compiled by MLB Advanced Media

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Sports

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A.J. Ellis, Albuquerque Isotopes, Ben Johnson, Brendan Katin, Isotopes Park, Ivan DeJesus Jr., Jesus Castillo, Jesus Rodriguez, John Lindsey, Josh Butler, LaTroy Hawkins, Luis Cruz, Mat Gamel, Nashville Sounds, Norris Hopper, Ray Olmedo, Russ Mitchell, Sam Narron

Comptroller Justin P. Wilson introduced Joshua Helton as the state’s new small business advocate at an event in Kingsport Thursday morning. Comptroller Wilson joined House Republican Leader Jason Mumpower and Rep. Tony Shipley at the grand opening ceremony for Shipley’s new district office at 2101 Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport.

At the ceremony, Comptroller Wilson discussed a new law, approved by the General Assembly this year, which created the position of the small business advocate within his office.

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Leader Mumpower were the primary sponsors of the new law.

The small business advocate will provide information and answer questions for owners of businesses with 50 or fewer employees. The small business advocate will also act as a mediator to help resolve issues involving small businesses and state departments and agencies.

The new law also requires all state departments and agencies with regulatory authority over businesses to designate a point person who will deal directly with the small business advocate when issues or questions arise.

“This is an extremely important new law for small businesses across the state of Tennessee and I commend Leader Mumpower and Lt. Gov. Ramsey for their leadership in winning its approval from the General Assembly,” Comptroller Wilson said. “Josh Helton has done a terrific job as a member of my staff and I am confident that he will continue to excel in this new role.”

“Too often, government is in the position of placing new regulations on businesses that make it tougher for them to operate,” Lt. Gov. Ramsey said. “This law does just the opposite. Its purpose is to make the lives of those hard-working small business people easier.”

“Small businesses are really the backbone of our economy in Tennessee,” Leader Mumpower said. “However, starting and operating a small business isn’t easy. The small business advocate will be someone small business owners can turn to for help.”

Helton worked for the private law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz before joining the Comptroller’s staff as a legislative auditor last September.

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Helton said. “I look forward to hearing from small business about their concerns or questions about the way Tennessee regulates them. Working together, I hope we can make changes that will build on Tennessee’s reputation as a business-friendly state.”

Rep. Shipley expressed gratitude to Comptroller Wilson and Leader Mumpower for attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for his new office, which will be a place where constituents from Tennessee’s Second Representative District may go to ask questions or make comments about state government.

In addition to discussing the small business advocate law during his stop in Kingsport, Comptroller Wilson also talked about another new law that will reform the state’s purchasing system and provided an update on the TNInvestco economic development program.

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Business

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Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, Jason Mumpower, John Helton, Justin P. Wilson, Ron Ramsey, Small Business Advocate, state of tennessee, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Tony Shipley

The Second Comedy on the Cumberland benefit has come and gone. The charity event held on Tuesday evening brought five very funny comedian to Clarksville; raising over $4,000 to help the local chapter of the American Red Cross start on their own road to recovery after the Great Flood of 2010.

Interim CEO Randy Weddle related how they were affected by the flooding. “The flood of 2010 affected your Red Cross just as it did so many citizens of the county and surrounding areas. We had about three feet of water that came through our building, but you would never know it by the way that our strong hearted volunteers responded to the needs of our citizen”. The Red Cross spent a lot of money and expended a lot of their resources, helping local residents during the May 2010 flooding.

Chad Riden, Brian Bates, Jim Gossett, Hank Bonecutter (Center), Brian Kiley, John Bowman

Local Comedian and owner of WJZM 1400AM, Hank Bonecutter presented the $4,000 check to the newly appointed  executive director of the Clarksville-Montgomery Chapter Julie Campos and Interm CEO Randy Weddle the day after the sellout performance.

Almost every seat in the Luxurious Roxy Regional Theatre was filled as Clarksvillian Jim Gossett with assistance from Nashville comics John Bowman, Brian E Kiley, Brian Bates, and Chad Riden entertained the capacity crowd.  Hank Bonecutter served as the emcee for the evening.

Hank Bonecutter addressing the crowd

“Comedy on the Cumberland is not the charity; it’s about giving back to the community, it’s about using laughter to change your community. So the Red cross was natural, they were flooded out and devistated, and yet they were still out helping people who needed their help. A city without a Red Cross would be no laughing matter.” said Bonecutter.

Some of the notables on hand for the evening included Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, Sheriff Norman Lewis, Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper,  Merriel Bullock Neal Chairman of the Board for the Clarksville-Montgomery County Red Cross, F&M Bank CEO Sammy Stuard, Khandra Smalley, Hodgepodge Owner Paige King,Charlie Koon from Cumberland Bank and Trust, Ken Gobles Jr., Charlsie Hand Lankford, Mary Nell Wooten, and this is hardly a complete list.

Several bore the brunt some good natured ribbing by the comedians including Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper, Sheriff Norman Lewis, and of course the Kevin Kennedy. All of them took it with good humor.

The sponsors of the evening were F&M bank, Wendy’s of Clarksville, and Wyatt Johnson (Buick GMC Hyundai Subaru Mazda)  are the primary sponsors for this event, with Clarksville Online, Discover Clarksville, Ad One Advertising, and Clarksville’s Best Buys, along with CDE Lightband are serving as the media partners. Edwards Steakhouse held a pre-show reception for the Comedy on the Cumberland Comedians & sponsors.  “All of our partners agreed to support this effort without hesitation”, said Bonecutter, “We just couldn’t do it without them”. John McDonald and Tom Thayer from the Roxy Regional Theatre have been very supportive of this effort, offering the use of their theatre as the venue for this event.

More Comedy on the Cumberland events are planned for later in the year, for more information as soon as they are announced; listen to WJZM 1400AM, or read about it on Clarksville Online.

John Bowman

John Bowman

John Bowman kicked things off for the evening. His number dealt with: Growing up in New Jersey, Relationships, Watching Golf on tv, CSI shows, Tipping, and more.

When talking about Golf, he said “It’s kind of scary, because when you start watching a lot of golf, it’s like you accepted that the physically active stage of your life is pretty much up.”

Brian E. Kiley

Brian E. Kiley

Brian E. Kiley was up next. He was very funny big man. His  number covered: the obvious topic of his weight, the Cumberland Grille,  dating,  eating in Las Vegas,  Airport bathrooms, his mother,  personal trainers, divorce, boardgames, and  much more.

Talking about the Roxy Theatre he said, “This place is packed tigher than a Waffle House, on Walmart’s payday.” he continued  “I haven’t had this many staring at me since my weight watchers intervention. You can tell that went really well”

Brian is  a regular performer at Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville, TN

Brian Bates

Brian Bates

Up third was Brian Bates. He started out joking about the set on stage “I have never performed at the Rainforest Cafe before” he said.  His number covered the flood, being single, growing older, finding love, the upcoming election, and more.

“I don’t do well with women as I have already told you, it’s probably because my mom still treats me like an eight year old, girl,” he said. “Her biggest fear is I will be abducted by online predators”. He then segued that into talking about social networking.

He closed his number with a joke about selling used cd’s that he picked up at a yard sale after the show in the lobby.

Chad Riden

Chad Riden

Chad Riden was fourth and he was also very funny. “I’m a professional he said, I drink beer and tell jokes for a living”. Chad talked about a lot of different topics, including: The BP Oil Spill, the weather, the economy, gaming including Guitar Hero, UT Knoxville, organic meat, and more. He had a lot of redneck humor  in his repertoire.

“I see a deer out on the interstate, on I-40. It gets hit by a truck,” the audience awws, he continues “I think gosh this is a fantastic opportunity, that is grain fed organic venison. It’s gotta be a couple hundred pounds right there …”

Catch the rest of the story when Comedy on the Cumberland airs on Clarksville’s Best Buys in the coming weeks.

Jim Gossett

Jim Gossett

Last but certainly not least was Clarksville native Jim Gossett. He was the headliner for the evening. His number touched on: his opening acts, playing golf with Hank Bonecutter, APSU, College Football,  Relationships, Republicans and Democrats, Kevin Kennedy, Alabama, and more. He also does great impressions, though his Obama still needs some work.

When he started out he ragged on his opening acts a little bit, “You are all a part of history, we just set the Guinesses World Record for the world’s longest opening acts. I know the Red Cross is a worthy organization, but if you have any change kick in and buy my opening acts some watches.”  he said.

One of his funniest numbers was similar to Johnny Carson’s Carnac the Magnificent. He saids the first answer is “Catch 22″, opens the envelope, and states the question is  “What would Vanderbilt Receivers do with 500 forward passes”.  He then pulls out another envelope and puts it to his head “Puberty and New Providence” he says the answer is, then he opens the envelope and says “Name two things that no one enjoys passing through.

Jim Gossett specializes in corporate comedy, if you are interested in booking him for a performance check out his web site at: http://www.jimgossett.com/

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Written by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Kunar Province, Afghanistan – The back of the Chinook opened and the small team of scouts, mortarmen and infantrymen exited over knee-high piles of Meals Ready to Eat and bottled water into the darkness of Helicopter Landing Zone Hawk July 7th.

Days earlier, some of these same Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, Task Force No Slack, helped expel insurgents from the valley below during Operation Strong Eagle. Now they were back to ensure insurgents did not return by helping the Afghan National Army build a permanent outpost high above the Marawarah District.

U.S. Army Pfc. David W. Wilson, of Salisbury, NC, a grenadier with 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, Task Force No Slack, stacks sandbags in an effort to improve a fighting position at Combat Outpost Thomas above the Marawarah District here July 7th.(Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

“This particular ground is important because it allows us to provide over-watch and security,” said Maj. Eric D. Anderson, the executive officer of 2nd Bn., 327th Inf. Reg., stationed out of Fort Campbell, KY. “We are also denying the enemy the ability to use that terrain. Time and time again throughout history, the enemy has rushed to the high ground [during military operations].”

There are no hardened buildings; no dining facilities; no morale, welfare and recreation centers; and no bathrooms on this new OP. Despite the lack of amenities, the Soldiers enthusiastically make do and carry on with their mission.

ANA and U.S. Soldiers begin working early before the temperature surpasses the 100-degree mark. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Oretheous O. Reed, of Blakely, CA., a squad leader with 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, 2nd Bn., 327th Inf. Reg., Task Force No Slack, fills sandbags alongside his squad and ANA soldiers.

(Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley)

“We are helping the ANA secure their area,” said Reed. “Helping them to build better fighting positions. They get excited when we work with them.”

The Soldiers build their fighting positions with sandbags, large rocks and indigenous vegetation. They maintain situational awareness of both the elements and possible enemy movement in the area.

“Safety is number one,” Reed said. “We pick safe times to work, like when it’s overcast. When the sun comes back out, we are back down again. We never stop drinking water.”

He also takes time to mentor the ANA soldiers when needed.

(Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley)

The ANA, in turn, show their appreciation by sharing a traditional Afghan lunch of cooked rice, potatoes and beans with the American Soldiers.

During the long hot days, the Soldiers do their best to keep morale up with occasional debates about the best actors, movies and singers.

Evenings present new challenges. Soldiers create guard duty rotations and double-check their night time optical devices before being completely enveloped in darkness. The winds pick up considerably and temperatures drop substantially.

There are no mattresses. Soldiers do their best to find a comfortable spot in the dirt, ignoring the tiny rocks that poke at them through the night.

One Soldier showed ingenuity by constructing a small blanket from material found during the day and 550-cord. Some use empty MRE boxes, uniform tops and poncho liners to provide additional protection from the wind.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Orentheous. O. Reed of Blakely, CA, a squad leader with 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, Task Force No Slack, fills sandbags with his Soldiers in an effort to improve their fighting position at Combat Outpost Thomas. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Although, the valley below is almost completely desolate, the Soldiers understand the importance of being alert during their shifts.

“You do not want to let your buddy down,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Frank K. Copass, of Thomkinsville, KY, a radio telephone operator with the scout platoon.

“You don’t want someone to sneak up on you because you weren’t scanning your sector,” said Copass.

(Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley)

When daylight breaks, the Soldiers start the process all over. For four days they continue improving fighting positions, pulling guard duty, keeping cool during the scorching day and keeping warm at night.

“Local nationals have ownership of security, static posts, patrolling and the town itself,” said Anderson. Eventually this OP will be turned over completely to Afghan National Security Forces.

Until then, the Soldiers continue their rotations high above the District of Marawarah.

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101st Airborne Division, Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, Albert L. Kelley, Ana, Combat Outpost Thomas, Eric D. Anderson, Fort Campbell KY, Frank K. Copass, Helicopter Landing Zone Hawk, Insurgents, Kunar Province, Marawarah District, Operation Strong Eagle, Oretheous O. Reed, Task Force No Slack