Subject: Campus News 3-16-26

 
Monday, March 16, 2026
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Matthew 5:7
Upcoming Events       
  • Mar 14 3rd Phase & Basic Training Prep Course Starts 
  • Mar 17 Prayer & Fasting
  • Mar 18–21 Longview Fire Training (Lakefront) 
  • Mar 19–21 Cadet Father/Son Camp (Pine Lodge) 
  • Mar 19–21 Family Service Weekend
  • Mar 21 Caleb Nelson Memorial Race
  • Mar 26–30 Unit 74 In-Processing (Classroom 126) 
  • Mar 28 Cathie's Courage Marathon
  • Mar 30 Unit 74 R-Night
  • Apr 6–9 DPS Training (Classroom Bldg, Gun Range)
  • Apr 15 Staff Lunch
  • Apr 17 Secret Church (save the date)
  • Apr 18 Blood Drive (Teakwood, 7 AM–12 Noon) 
  • Apr 20–24 Family Conference
  • Apr 24–26 TCC Men's Retreat (Journey House) 
Campus playground restrooms are in Bathhouse 1414. 
March Ministry Day of Prayer
On Tuesday, March 17, we will set aside our monthly day for prayer and seeking the Lord. Please join with us on that occasion to pray for a variety of needs and situations that our ministry, our state, and our nation are dealing with around us.
Caleb Nelson Memorial Race
The Caleb Nelson Memorial Race is taking place on Saturday! If you are interested in running it, please register online by Wednesday so we have an accurate headcount for race day. Check in starts at 5:30 am, and the race kicks off outside the Fieldhouse at 6:00 am. If you would like to help with race logistics, contact Ian Walker. Feel free to come out and encourage the racers at all the usual locations.
Vehicles for Sale
Before offering these to the public, the following vehicles are available for staff purchase: Chevrolet Impala ($2500), 2003 Ford Van E350 ($500). Please contact Steve Kientz with questions. 
Register for Family Conference
Staff families are invited to join us for children's programs during the conference; there is no cost to attend, but please note that it will be a taxable benefit to employees and will show up as such on the year-end tax form. Please individually register children here by Monday, April 13. 
2026 Spring Bass Fishing Contest
In an effort to restock our upper and lower farm ponds with bass from Lake Loma, the administration is hosting a fishing contest with prizes, March 1–31. Fishing Contest details here!
Blood Drive
The next on-campus Blood Drive is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 in the Teakwood Room from 7 AM–12 Noon. Carol Blair will have paper sign up sheets in the Dining Room. 
Save the Date
This year Secret Church will be April 17 at 6:00 pm. The theme is the life of the prophet Elijah. You can find out more details here. The Battalion will have extra discounted tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you are interested in joining the Battalion for the event, please contact Capt. Winkler.
Battalion Update | Capt. Winkler
The spring quarter kicks off today! On the Battalion side, we are running Aviation with three men, Construction with seven men, EMT with 11 men, and Missions with four men. This week the men will be getting introduced to their new training phase and going through orientation, and then diving right in. It will be a busy quarter with a lot of trips and deployments. Please also note that we will have three men learning to fly, so the runway will be quite busy this quarter. Make sure to stop and look both ways, on the ground and in the air, before crossing the runway.
Basic Training Update | Maj. Hawley
Cadre Training for Unit 74 is officially underway today! The 13 men serving as Cadre will spend the next two weeks in an intensive training environment designed to prepare them mentally, physically, and spiritually for the challenges ahead. The road barriers on either side of Basic Training will be going up; please respect the boundaries so the men can stay safe in their training. 

In addition to Cadre training, eight prospective students are also on campus participating in what we are calling the Prep Course. Over the next 10 days, they will be preparing to (hopefully) enter Basic Training with Unit 74. As you interact with them, please show your support and encouragement as they go through this important time of learning and evaluation.
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Staff Fellowship Meal Details [complimentary meals of the year and monthly fellowship meal details]

MONDAY
Lunch: Salad, Korean Beef and Rice, Spring Rolls
Dinner: Salad, Honey Mustard Chicken, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Rolls

TUESDAY
LunchSalad, Corned Beef, Carrots, Colcannon, Irish Apple Cake
DinnerFish Tacos, Rich Mexican Corn, Charro Style Beans

WEDNESDAY 
LunchSalad, Philly Cheesesteaks, Fries, Oatmeal Lace Cookies
DinnerSalad, Grilled Chicken, Cheesy Broccoli Rice, Challah Bread with Honey Butter

THURSDAY
LunchSalad, Fajitas, Chips and Guacamole
DinnerSalad, Greek Bowls, Grapes

FRIDAY
Lunch: Salad, Loaded Mac and Cheese, Green Beans
DinnerSalad, Pizza, Sweet Tea

SATURDAY
Brunch: Fruit Salad, Egg Bake, Bacon, Cream Cheese Danishes

NEXT MONDAY
LunchSalad, Egg/Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Spinach Dip, Chips
DinnerSalad, Stir Fry Noodles with Chicken and Veggies, Fruit
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