Vol. 66, No. 32 Published in the interest of Division West (First Army) and Fort Carson community. Aug. 8, 2008 Visit the Fort Carson Web site at www .car son.ar m y .mil . Word of the month: Toughness Story and photos by Sgt. Rodney Foliente 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division conducted rail load and line haul operations at Fort Carson July 28-31 as the brigade prepared for its upcoming deployment to Iraq this fall. Working with contractors, Soldiers loaded and secured vehicles and equipment onto flatbed rail cars and trucks, as the equipment begins the long journey to Iraq. Preparing, coordinating and loading up all of the deploying equipment took a lot of work but the brigade pulled together to make sure that everything went smoothly, said Sgt. 1st Class John Stegmayer Jr., brigade mobility noncommissioned officer-in-charge. The rail load operations were spearheaded by the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, with 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, taking the lead with the line haul operations. Conducting the load operations helps the upcoming deployment “sink in” for many of the Soldiers, said Pfc. Ye Ko, medic, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st CAB, 67th AR, 2nd BCT. When the brigade completes the rail load operation, it will have cleared one of its last big steps prior to the deployment, said Ko. “We’ve been training hard for this deployment and I feel ready for it. This is what I signed up for,” said Ko, who entered the Army last August and is preparing for his first deployment. “We’re ready to go,” agreed 1st Lt. Matt Bauer, platoon leader, Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, who will also be deploying for the first time. “We’re proficient and versatile, well- trained and adaptable to what we’ll face in Iraq. I’m ready to get the movement portion done so we can focus on some more training and beginning our deployment tour,” he said. Spc. Lawrence Jenkins, M109A6 Paladin driver, Battery B, 3rd Bn, 16 FAR, 2nd BCT, said he also is eager to get the deployment started, but stated a different reason. “The sooner we start, the sooner we get to come back home,” said Jenkins. Page 11 Page 22 Page 29 I I N N S S I I D D E E Feature Feature Community Community Sports Sports Staff Sgt. Jesus Carlos, maintenance non- commissioned officer, Company F, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, inspects a vehicle during rail load operations at Fort Carson July 30. Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begin the last round of vehicle rail load operations at Fort Carson July 31. Loading up for moving out 2nd BCT conducts load operations
Transcript
Vol. 66, No. 32 Published in the interest of Division West (First Army) and Fort Carson community. Aug. 8, 2008Visit the Fort Carson Web site at www.carson.army.mil.
Word of the month: Toughness
Story and photos by Sgt. Rodney Foliente2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4thInfantry Division conducted rail load and linehaul operations at Fort Carson July 28-31 asthe brigade prepared for its upcomingdeployment to Iraq this fall.
Working with contractors, Soldiersloaded and secured vehicles and equipmentonto flatbed rail cars and trucks, as theequipment begins the long journey to Iraq.
Preparing, coordinating and loading up allof the deploying equipment took a lot of workbut the brigade pulled together to make surethat everything went smoothly, said Sgt. 1stClass John Stegmayer Jr., brigade mobilitynoncommissioned officer-in-charge.
The rail load operations were spearheadedby the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 67thArmor Regiment, with 1st Squadron, 10thCavalry Regiment, taking the lead with theline haul operations.
Conducting the load operations helpsthe upcoming deployment “sink in” formany of the Soldiers, said Pfc. Ye Ko,
medic, Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 1st CAB, 67th AR, 2nd BCT.
When the brigade completes the rail loadoperation, it will have cleared one of its lastbig steps prior to the deployment, said Ko.
“We’ve been training hard for thisdeployment and I feel ready for it. This iswhat I signed up for,” said Ko, who enteredthe Army last August and is preparing for hisfirst deployment.
“We’re ready to go,” agreed 1st Lt.Matt Bauer, platoon leader, Battery B, 3rdBattalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment,2nd BCT, who will also be deploying forthe first time.
“We’re proficient and versatile, well-trained and adaptable to what we’ll facein Iraq. I’m ready to get the movementportion done so we can focus on somemore training and beginning our deploymenttour,” he said.
Spc. Lawrence Jenkins, M109A6 Paladindriver, Battery B, 3rd Bn, 16 FAR, 2nd BCT,said he also is eager to get the deploymentstarted, but stated a different reason.
“The sooner we start, the sooner we getto come back home,” said Jenkins.
Page 11 Page 22 Page 29
IINNSSIIDDEE
FeatureFeatureCommunityCommunity SportsSports
Staff Sgt. Jesus Carlos, maintenance non-commissioned officer, Company F, 1st
Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision, inspects a vehicle
during rail load operationsat Fort Carson July 30.
Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade CombatTeam, 4th Infantry Division, begin thelast round of vehicle rail load operationsat Fort Carson July 31.
Loading up for moving out
2nd BCT conducts load operations
2 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008 Opinion/Editorial
“My dad was a man ofhis word, honestthrough and through,and was the toughestperson I know.”
Margie WilliamsFamily member
“My brother, becausethrough everything that went on in his life, he still made it and standing strong.”
Pvt. James Taylor10th CSH
“The chief that was on the last ship Iworked on. He madeeveryone on the shipthe best they could be because he demanded perfectionfrom everyone.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Heckel
“President Bushbecause he is the one who runs thiscountry and is doing agood job at it, too.”
Cathy CarleyBurger King employee
“God, because he is the leader of ourlives and rules all on earth.”
Alicia CodringtonWTU Supply Technician
“My wife (Shawn), becauseduring OIF one and three,she was a full-time student, mother of four,the FRG leader for thecompany, and managed to keep the house running while getting her masters degree.”
Staff Sgt.Christopher VieraWarrior Transition Unit
PPOOSSTTPPOOSSTT TTAALLKKTTAALLKKWho is the toughestperson you know?
Making the tough get goingCommentary by Master Sgt. Jose A. Colon-RiveraEqual Opportunity Advisor
Not a day goes by when you do not hear about theeconomy going down, the situation in Afghanistan is gettingworse, there are more homeless on the streets, crime of violence are going up, people losing their homes, and so,the newscasters paint a grim picture of our nation.
Someone once said that “Sometimes we are so close tothe forest, that we cannot see the trees.” For the most part,our people, the American People, have shown stoic resolvewhen dealing with adversity. During the Revolutionary War, the rich gave their fortunes to support the war effortsand even enlisted in the colonial armies.
During World War I and World War II, our proud nation rose to the occasion and our brave men and womenliberated countless human beings, averting the tragedy ofimperialism and fascism. The end result—genocide of theJews, the handicapped, the gays, the Gypsies, and countlessother minorities-stopped in Nazi Germany.
South Korea was liberated from the clutches ofNorth Korea and, more recently, thousands of people
got a taste of freedom when they were allowed to vote in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Our nation has encountered difficulties and hardshipsin the past. Our brave men and women have gone to warand come back proudly, to resume their roles as fathers,mothers and leaders of the community, forging a strongerthan ever nation.
As we see the gloom and doom presented to us daily on TV, just remember that we are a part of a great nation.Remember than most of the poorest of the poor in the U.S. have at least one TV set in their homes, that our children enjoy the benefit of free education and if theyapply themselves and achieve the required good grades,there are scholarships readily available to go to college.
When the world is in need, our nation is the first one to contribute food, money, medications and workers toassist those afflicted by natural disasters or illness.
Yes, our nation seems to be going through a roughpatch right now, but that is not new.
As always, our nation will stand up and push forward,showing our proud colors and the fact that we are the “Land of the Free.”
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MOUNTAINEERCommanding General:
Maj. Gen. Mark A. Graham
Garrison Commander:
Col. Eugene B. Smith
Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer:
Dee McNutt
Chief, Print and Web Communications:
Douglas M. Rule
Editor: Julie M. Lucas
Staff Writer: Randy Tisor
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News 3Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEER
Photo by Jon A. Cashatt
Mencia visits PostCarlos Mencia, a comedian who hosts a show on Comedy Central titled, “Mind of Mencia,” climbs a 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division tank during hisvisit to Fort Carson July 24. The United Services Organization brought Mencia to post and the U.S. Air Force Academy prior to his concert at Red Rocks.
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4 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008 News
by Heike HasenauerArmy News Service
WASHINGTON — In a Pentagonceremony Monday afternoon,Secretary of Defense Robert Gatespromoted Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli tofour-star general and Army SecretaryPete Geren administered Chiarelli’soath of office as the Army’s 32nd vicechief of staff.
Gates, who was Chiarelli’s boss inhis most recent position as seniormilitary assistant to the secretary ofdefense since March 2007, called theceremony “bittersweet,” saying, “I’llmiss him. But I can think of no onebetter to take the job (as vice).”
From moving into a position asthe Army’s director of operations amonth before the tragic events ofSept. 11 to commanding the 1stCavalry Division based at Fort Hood,
Texas, in August 2003 and deployingto Iraq as the commander of TaskForce Baghdad — from February 2004to March 2005 — Chiarelli hasn’tsoldiered from the sidelines.
Soon after he arrived in Iraq, eight1st Cavalry Division Soldiers were killed.
“He’ll never forget their names,”Gates said in his introduction to a manhe clearly reveres.
“Pete will tell you that our men andwomen (in uniform) are our greatestasset,” Gates said. The Soldiers, in turn,have referred to Chiarelli as everythingfrom “a father figure to a healthadvisor and marriage counselor,”because he cares about Soldiers.
“His beliefs (about our purpose inIraq) only solidified during his secondtour in Iraq,” Gates said aboutChiarelli’s role as commander, Multi-National Corps — Iraq from January2006 to December 2006.
“As long as there’s a single Soldierin harm’s way” or a family missingtheir Soldier who’s far from home,“Pete will never rest,” Gates continued.
Today, with 36 years in serviceto his country under his belt,Chiarelli said, “I thank you for yourconfidence, trust and this opportunity.I look forward to serving as part ofyour team,” he told Geren. “Yourcompassionate leadership has been(an inspiration).”
“This is an important day in the lifeof the Army and in the Chiarelli family,”Geren said. “We all know service (inthe armed forces) is a family affair,”Geren added, as he introducedChiarelli’s wife Beth and children, Peter,Erin and Patrick. Chiarelli’s motherTheresa, a daughter-in-law and a grand-daughter also attended the event.
On the lighter side, Chiarelli jokedthat his family has always been willing
to “forgive my Type-A-ness,” and“Beth, you’ve always been quick toremind me that I’m just Pete Chiarelli”(a regular guy.)
The new vice chief reflected onhis time in service — which beganin 1973 at Fort Lewis, Wash., as alieutenant and platoon leader andthen executive officer of the 9thInfantry Division’s Headquarters andHeadquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron,5th Cavalry — and the lessons he’slearned along the way from comrades.
“They taught me that leadership,competence and accountability count,”Chiarelli said.
In his role as the Army’s vicechief of staff, Chiarelli will serve asthe principal advisor and assistantto the chief of staff of the Army,advising and assisting the CSA onissues related to personnel, logistics,operations and plans.
Chiarelli takes oath as vice chief
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Military Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEER 5
Story and photo by Sgt. Courtney E. Marulli4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision Public Affairs Office
The 4th Brigade Combat Team WarriorsLeaders, 4th Infantry Division are ensuringevery Soldier is physically, mentally andtactically prepared for the mountainous terrainof Afghanistan. That includes ensuring allSoldiers on fire support teams are certified andready to contribute to the victory.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Eichsteadt,brigade fires operations noncommissionedofficer in charge, said certification is aspringboard to more learning.
“Further training will be done in preparationfor deployment, which will further reinforcecore skills and ensure we are able to providejoint fires in support of the warrior brigade,”he said.
With the brigade slotted for Afghanistaninstead of Iraq, the training focuses on whatto expect at higher altitudes and rougher terrain.Eichsteadt said FIST Soldiers will be expectedto provide accurate fire support using artillery,mortars or close-air support.
Eichsteadt welcomes the certification,noting that FIST Soldiers in Iraq wereafforded few opportunities to do what theywere trained to.
“Fire supporters have lost a lot of basicknowledge due to mostly being assignednon-standard missions in Iraq, the normalinflux of new Soldiers, and personnel moveswithin the brigade,” he said. “This certificationwill allow us to objectively measure where weare in our ability to support maneuver unitswith lethal fires.”
Certification consists of four days oftraining, one day of reviewing what waslearned and an after-action review.
Staff Sgt. John Krenz, the non-lethaltargeting noncommissioned officer in chargefor the brigade, said day one included aphysical training test and a written test of FISTknowledge, followed by a day land-navigationcourse. The Soldiers are given three hours tofind six points along an eight-mile course. Theyhave to find five out of six points to pass.
Days two and three are reserved fortesting on simulators, Krenz said. Soldiers aregiven three scenarios during a named area ofinterest scenario. This NAI training requiresSoldiers to move tactically to an observationpoint. Once there, they relay to their unitwhat they see.
“It’s been going pretty good,” Krenz said.“We have a lot of new Soldiers and re-classguys who came in as NCOs already. It’s agood training environment for the new firesupporters that have come into the brigade.”
Warriors clench their FIST
Spc. Stephen I. Coleman, fire support Soldier with Company A, 1stBattalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, targets anenemy cache during annual fire support team certification.
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Military briefs6 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
Miscellaneous
Joe Gmelch Wounded Warrior Welcome socials —are held the third Thursday of each month at 3:30p.m. at Alternate Escapes to recognize woundedSoldiers who come home separate from their unitsand did not participate in a welcome-home ceremony.The next social is Aug. 21 and all are welcome.The Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline —accepts calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week at800-984-8523. The call center offers wounded andinjured Soldiers and their Family members a way toseek help to resolve medical issues and provides aninformation channel to senior Army leadership toimprove the way the Army serves the medical needsof Soldiers and their Families.Behavioral health walk-in clinic — Soldiers can walkinto Psychology or Psychiatry without an appointmentMondays-Fridays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and receive same-daytreatment. The Department of Behavioral Health hasextended its hours of operation to 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Funded legal education program — The Office of
The Judge Advocate General is now accepting
applications for the Army's Funded Legal Education
Program. Under this program, the Army projects
sending up to 25 active duty commissioned officers to
law school at government expense if funding permits.
Selected officers will attend law school beginning the
fall of 2009 and will remain on active duty while
attending law school. Interested officers should review
Chapter 14, AR 27-1 (The Judge Advocate General’s
Funded Legal Education Program) to determine their
eligibility. This program is open to commissioned
officers in the rank of second lieutenant through
captain. Applicants must have at least two but not more
than six years of total active federal service at the time
legal training begins. Eligibility is governed by statute
(10 U.S.C. 2004) and is non waivable.
Eligible officers interested in applying should
immediately register for the earliest offering of the
Law School Admission Test. Applicants must send
their request through command channels, to include
the officer's branch manager at AHRC, with a copy
furnished to the Office of The Judge Advocate
General, ATTN: DAJA-PT (Ms. Yvonne Caron-10th
Floor), 1777 North Kent Street, Rosslyn, VA 22209-
2194, to be received before Nov. 1. Submission of the
application well in advance of the deadline is advised.
Interested officers should contact their local Staff
Judge Advocate for further information.
$10,000 Reward — The U.S. Army’s CriminalInvestigative Division is offering a $10,000 reward forinformation leading to the conviction of the personresponsible for the death of Joseph Eric Barker. Barker,a former Soldier, was found dead at the sewage basin ofthe Fort Carson waste water treatment plant, Feb. 21,2006. Anyone with information concerning this crimeshould contact Fort Carson CID at 526-3991 or themilitary police desk at 526-2333.$5,000 reward — The U.S. Army’s CriminalInvestigative Division is offering a $5,000 rewardfor information leading to the conviction of person(s)responsible for the theft of an M-4 carbine, serialnumber W156244, from the motor pool adjacent tobuilding 3292, Fort Carson, between 8 p.m., Oct.30, and 3:30 a.m. Oct. 31, 2007. Please provide anyinformation to the 41st and 48th MP Detachment,U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command,building 1816, Fort Carson, CO 80913-4203. Call526-0564/3991 with case Number 0318-07-CID056-20360. All information will remainanonymous. This reward expires Nov. 13.$2,500 reward — The U.S. Army’s CriminalInvestigative Division is offering a $2,500 reward forinformation leading to the apprehension and convictionof person(s) responsible for the larceny of privateproperty of Spc. Mendyka. Mendyka left for theNational Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., at the end ofApril 2008 and returned on May 18. Upon her return,Mendyka noticed her trailer and all-terrain vehiclewere missing from the parking lot adjacent to building2154. Please provide any information to the 41st and48th MP Detachment, U.S. Army CriminalInvestigation Command, building 1816, Fort Carson,
CO 80913-4203. Call 526-0564/3991 with caseNumber 0145-08-CID056. All information will remainanonymous. This reward expires May 15, 2009.DPW services — The Directorate of Public Works isresponsible for a wide variety of services on FortCarson. Services range from repair and maintenanceof facilities to equipping units with a sweeper andcleaning motor pools. Listed below are phonenumbers and points of contact for services:
• Facility repair/service orders — KIRA service order desk can be reached at 526-5345. Usethis number for emergencies or routine tasks.
• Refuse/trash — Call Larry Haack at 526-9237when needing trash containers, trash is overflowingor emergency service is required.
• Facility custodial services — Call Larry Haackat 526-9237 for service needs or to report complaints.
• Motor pool sludge removal/disposal — CallDon Phillips at 526-9271.
• Repair and utility/self-help — Call Gary Grantat 526-5844. Use this number to obtain self-helptools and equipment or a motorized sweeper.
• Base operations contract Contracting OfficerRepresentative — Call Terry Hagen at 526-9262 forreporting wind damage, snow removal concerns,damaged traffic signs or other facility damage.
• Portable latrines — Call 526-1854 torequest latrines, for service or to report damagedand overturned latrines.Self-help weed control program — Department ofDefense regulations require pesticide applicators onmilitary installations to be certified. Units who wishto participate in the Self-Help Weed Control Programmust have Soldiers trained in the proper handling,transport and application of herbicides. Once anindividual is trained, the Directorate of Public WorksEnvironmental Division can issue the appropriateproducts and equipment in order to treat weeds in turfand rocked areas around their barracks, service andadministrative areas and motor pools.
Training sessions are held Wednesdays from 10-11a.m. through the end of October at building 3708.Each unit may send up to five people for trainingunless additional applicators are pre-approved throughthe unit commander and the DPW EnvironmentalDivision. Products and equipment may be picked upand returned to building 3708 Mondays-Fridaysbetween the hours of 7:30 a.m.-noon.
To find out more about the Self-Help WeedControl Program, call the Pest Control Facility at526-5141. Housing area residents may contact theBalfour Beatty Communities work order desk at579-1605 for a complete list of approved products.
Hours of OperationCentral Issue Facility regular business hours — arelisted below. Call 526-3321 to make appointments.
In-processingMonday-Thursday from 7:30-10:30 a.m.Initial issuesMonday-Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m.Partial issuesMonday-Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m.Cash sales/report of surveyMonday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.Direct exchangeMonday-Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m.Partial turn-insMonday-Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m.Full turn-insMonday-Thursday from 7:30-10:30 a.m.Unit issues and turn-insCall 526-5512/6477 for approval.
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate services are:Trial Defense Service — Hours of operation are
Mondays-Thursdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. TDS is closedon Fridays except for appointments and emergencies.Administrative chapters and Article 15 briefings areheld Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m., and walk-insare taken until 12:50 p.m at building 6255, 526-5572.
Claims Division — Hours of operation areMondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Theoffice is closed on federal and training holidays. Soldiers must attend a mandatory briefing
before receiving a claim packet. At the briefing,Soldiers must submit a Department of Defense Form1840/1840R (pink form), at building 6285, 526-1355.
Legal Assistance — Hours of operation areMonday and Thursday 9:30-11 a.m. (appointmentsonly) and 1-3:30 p.m. (walk-ins), Tuesday 9 a.m.-3p.m. (wills by appointment only), Wednesday 9:30a.m.-3:30 p.m. (appointments only) and Friday 9a.m.-4 p.m. (power of attorney and notaries only).The office, in building 6285, is closed for lunch from11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 526-5572.DFAC hours — Fort Carson dining facilitiesoperate under the following hours:
• Defense Activity for NontraditionalEducation Support and Army Personnel Testing— Monday-Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:15-4:15p.m.; closed training holidays.
• Basic Skills Education Program/FunctionalAcademic Skills Training — Monday-Thursday 1-4 p.m.; closed training holidays.
• eArmyU Testing — Monday-Friday, 12:15-4:15 p.m.; closed training holidays.Medical Activity Detachment CorrespondenceDepartment office hours — The Correspondence(Release of Information) Office in the PatientAdministration Division hours are Monday-Friday,7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and closed on federal holidaysand Thursdays. Call 526-7322 or 526-7284 formore information.Finance in- and out-processing — In- and out-pro-cessing is held in building 1218, room 230. For moreinformation: separations 526-8473/8476/1302; retire-ment 526-4233/4234/8470; travel 526-9930/0507/0475; accessions 526-8479/8236/ 4558;and chief of in- and out-processing 526-6230.
BriefingsETS briefing — for enlisted personnel is held the firstand third Tuesday of each month. Briefing sign-inbegins at 7 a.m. at building 1042, room 310. on afirst-come, first-served basis. Soldiers must be within120 days of their ETS but must attend the briefing nolater than 30 days prior to their ETS or start date oftransition leave. Call 526-2240 for more information.Army ROTC Green to Gold Briefings — are heldTuesdays at the Education Center, building 1117, room120 at noon. For questions contact University ofColorado at Colorado Springs Army ROTC at 262-3475.Special Forces briefings — are held Wednesdays inbuilding 1217, room 305, from 10-11 a.m., noon-1p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Soldiers must be E4-E6 from anymilitary occupational specialty; have a generaltechnical score of at least 100; be a U.S. citizen; score229 or higher on the Army Physical Fitness Test; andpass a Special Forces physical. Call 524-1461 or visitthe Web site at www.bragg.army.mil/sorb.
Military 7Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEER
Story and photo by Spc. Douglas YorkMulti-National Division — Baghdad Public Affairs Office
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — The 4th InfantryDivision and Multi-National Division — Baghdad,currently headquartered at Camp Liberty, representedthe division’s “mission statement” very well at themonthly Town Hall Meeting held at the MediaOperations Center July 23. The meeting was broadcastvia satellite to friends and Family members gatheredat Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Carson.
“Mission, Soldier, Family, Team,” said Maj. Gen.Jeffery Hammond, division commanding general,speaking to those in attendance about the unit slogan.“Our glass is half full, fire is in our bellies and we’removing out and getting this done,” he continued,setting the stage for the night’s other speakers.
The other speakers came from the 4th ID’ssubordinate units. They spoke openly and candidlyabout what their different units do to aid the division’smission and to aid the campaign to help rebuild thiswar-torn country.
“In the STB (Division Special Troops Battalion)specifically, we’re executing everything from publicaffairs, signal support, medical support, staff planning,command and control, protection of the CG(Commanding General) and command group in thebattlefield,” said the DSTB commander, Lt. Col. DaleBuckner. “It’s a massive mission and everybody in theSTB is performing exceptionally well,” he continued.
Buckner also served a dual role as one of themeeting’s two masters of ceremonies. He, along withfellow Soldier Lt. Col. David Ristedt, division surgeon,
hosted the meeting and kept the mood light.“The best way to sum up what I do is to say that if
it smells like antiseptic, I’m probably the man to talkto in Baghdad,” Ristedt said. However, he quicklyshifted his tone in order to second the more seriouspoints made by Buckner.
“We’ve stabilized the country, built schools,re-established markets, opened new hospitals,built and refurbished swimming pools … assistingthe Iraqi people in every facet of their day-to-daylife,” he said.
Among others who spoke at the meeting on behalfof their units was Sgt. Seth Schott, team leader for thedivision commanding general’s personal securitydetail, Company D, DSTB. He spoke about his unit’sinvolvement as Hammond’s PSD.
“My team and I, along with our squad, escort theCG around the MND-B area of operations,” Schottsaid. “I ensure before every patrol that our weaponsystems are ready to go, along with all of ourelectrical systems, including our communications,”he added, talking about some of his specific duties.
Along with Schott, other Soldiers spoke about thespecific duties they perform within the division’s mission.
Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Fulp, an intelligenceanalyst with Headquarters Support Company, DSTB,said “My job as the detainee holding area LNO(Liaison Officer) is to assist with the in-processing ofdetainees, making sure all requirements are met toaccept the detainees, track movement of detainees,and assist in collecting information helpful to theinterrogators,” she added.
4th ID Town hall updates Families
Capt. Charlsey Mahle, left, commander of theHeadquarters Support Company, Division SpecialTroops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-NationalDivision — Baghdad, stands next to her husband,Capt. Colin Mahle, Company A, DSTB, 4th ID, MND-B,while the two address the viewers of the division’sJuly 23 monthly Town Hall meeting on the subject ofthe division’s Family ties.
See Town hall on page 10
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Military8 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
Story and photos by Maj. Mike Humphreys 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public AffairsOffice, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-NationalDivision—Baghdad
BAGHDAD — The meandering concretemonoliths of the Sadr City district of Baghdad got awelcomed facelift Aug. 2, thanks to local talent andbeautification projects initiated by the governmentof Iraq and Multi-National Division — Baghdad.
During the height of combat operations in SadrCity, barrier emplacement was an effective tactic toisolate special groups and criminals from theirrevenue extorted from the people and businesses ofthe Thawra 1 and Thawra 2 neighborhoods, home tosome of the largest markets in Baghdad.
“We were emplacing barriers day and night,24/7,” said Lt. Col. John Digiambattista, operationsofficer for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, MND-B. On this early August day, calm has been
restored to the district. Markets are flourishing andessential services are returning where less than threemonths ago rubble and sewage filled the streets.Purposely constructed gaps in the wall now allowaccess in and out of the city for residents, whereIraqi army stand guard at checkpoints to ensure theill-minded can no longer hold the city hostage.
Though in parts of Sadr City the wall remainsa gray scar, a testimony to recent battles, it’s aperception that is changing thanks to the braveryand talent of Iraqis such as Abbas Ahmed Jaffer.
Jaffer recently completed vocational trainingthat allowed him to build on his hobby of painting.He’s now part of a $100,000 contract to beautify thebarriers that protect Sadr City with murals thatrepresent Iraq’s culture and heritage.
“I’m doing something beautiful for my city,”Jaffer said painting a camel in a developing desertscene. “Instead of bad writings on the wall, whenpeople drive by they will see pictures about Iraq.”
Progress on the wall and the effect it is having onthe people even comes as a surprise to the MND-BSoldiers funding the project. Maj. Byron Sarchet,information operations officer for 3rd BCT, 4th IDsaid it doesn’t even look like Sadr City anymore. Hesaid the activity, the shops and the traffic havecreated a sense of normalcy not seen there beforeand the wall, both as a physical barrier and now anobject of pride, has had much to do with the success.
Wall murals change Sadr City skyline
One of more than 50 murals decoratingprotective barriers in the Sadr City
district of Baghdad are part of a $100,000Multi-National Division — Baghdad contract to beautify the concrete
barriers protecting the neighborhoods of Thawra 1 and Thawra 2.
Abas Ahmed Shaab, a Sadr City resident,paints a camel on a desert mural on a wallaround Joint Security Station Thawra 2 nearCircle 55 in the Sadr City district of northernBaghdad Aug. 2.
See Mural on page 10
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Story and photos by 4th Brigade Combat Team4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision Soldiers are revving up physical trainingschedules in order to prepare for the rigors offighting in Afghanistan.
Col. Randy George, 4th BCT commander, extendedphysical training from 60 to 90 minutes and madeweekly road marches standard throughout the brigade.
“The ruck marches and extra PT prepare usphysically for our next deployment,” said 2nd Lt. Eric
McAndrews, a platoon leader in 2nd Battalion, 12thInfantry Regiment. “The biggest lessons learned fromAfghanistan have been a lack of ability to deal with thealtitude and long movements over rough terrain. FortCarson offers our Soldiers a solution to both problems.”
George noted the advantage of training in an envi-ronment similar to the one where they will be deployed.
“Much of the Fort Carson training area hasmountainous terrain, as does Afghanistan, so we aretaking advantage of that to ready our Warriors forthe next deployment,” he said. “Most Soldiers inthe brigade have deployed to Iraq at least once, butAfghanistan is more spread out and requires a different
focus. Weekly foot marches now will pay bigdividends in Afghanistan later.”
For Sgt. Eric Griffin, a platoon team leader in 3rdSquadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, the extra 30minutes of physical training makes a huge difference.
“The 90-minute sessions give us enough time toproperly warm up and cool down and still pushourselves as far as possible for a good hour,” he said.“Our next deployment will challenge our endurance,so we need to challenge ourselves now.”
“This will naturally lead to improved strength andcardiovascular fitness for members of the WarriorBrigade,” George said. “We are doing everything wecan to ensure success in Afghanistan and changes inour PT regimen are a key part of that.”
Sgt. Brian T. Paquette, the training room non-commissioned officer in charge for Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 4th BCT, said extendingphysical training time “is an excellent idea. With thenew deployment coming up in more rigorous terrain,physical fitness is more important than ever.”
Paquette said that due to the harsh terrain ofAfghanistan, the brigade needs to conduct demandingphysical training, such as road marches in full gear, inorder to be prepared.
As PT has been extended past normal endingtimes, drivers on post should be aware that there willbe an increase in activity during the 7:30-8 a.m.timeframe. Roads will not be shut down, however,there will be manned crossing points at the intersectionsof Magrath and Nelson avenues and Magrath andPrussman avenues. Extra care should be taken whendriving in the area during that time.
Warriors train fit to fight
Photo by Sgt. Courtney E. Marulli
Soldiers in the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, run through the hills on post during a brigade run. Withphysical training extended from 60 to 90 minutes, Soldiers will have more time to run and conduct road marches inorder to prepare for the rigorous terrain of Afghanistan.
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Military10 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
However, the most significant remark Fulpmade was likely about the contribution her team’smission makes.
“By doing this, we ensure all proper proceduresand guidance from the standard operating proceduresare maintained and done correctly, to prevent anyincidents that would cause disgrace to the U.S. Army.”
Another Soldier who spoke at the meeting isalso the newest general officer assigned to 4thID and MND-B.
“I am absolutely honored that I have theopportunity to come and serve with the 4thInfantry Division,” said Brig. Gen. Robin Swan,deputy commanding general of support, as heformally introduced himself. “What a professionalcrew, what a professional outfit across the board.”
Along with the newest member of theircommand group family introducing himself,attention was drawn to the fact that there are severalmarried couples serving here together, not onlydivision wide, but in the DSTB specifically.
“There’s close to 25 married couples across theentire STB,” said Capt. Charlsey Mahle, commanderof HSC, DSTB. “In my company alone there are 10married couples.”
Charlsey spoke alongside her husband Colin,who, in addition to being one of the commandinggeneral’s aides, is also member of Company A,DSTB. The two spoke about the division’s Family-friendly mentality and how the various chain’s ofcommand do everything they can to keep dual-service Family members together.
“We know what the division commandermeans when he says he cares about our families,”Charlsey said. “He’s the reason we’re here togethertoday, and our situation is not unique,” she added.
The Mahles also noted that there are severalother Soldiers currently serving in this theater ofoperations with their Family members. They saidthat there are brothers serving with brothers,brothers serving with sisters, sisters serving withsisters and parents serving with their children.
Along with the contributions of the 4thID’s Family of Soldiers, the unit’s deputycommanding general of maneuver, Brig. Gen.Will Grimsley, wanted to make sure that theefforts of the division’s extended Army Familydid not go unrecognized.
“We inherited a great situation from ourfriends in the first team and just as we said we weregoing to do, we’ve made it that much better, raisedthe bar, continued the standard and we’re out theregetting after it everyday,” he said, referring to thestandards set by 1st Cavalry Division, also out ofFort Hood, Texas. “We’ll continue doing that untilthe day we get home and hand it back to our friendsin the first team.”
No matter who spoke at this meeting, onething was made clear by the command group andthat was the importance of all the contributions bytheir Soldiers.
“The staff and the folks who were representedhere tonight are doing just a phenomenal job,” saidCol. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff for the 4th IDand MND-B. “I am really proud to be associatedwith them.”
Hammond prefaced those same remarks atthe beginning of the meeting when he said,“Your Army, your division, is on the move andwe’re succeeding each and every day.” He alsogave the most important reason why the divisionis succeeding.
“How do we make this happen? Two words:The Soldier.”
See Town Hall from page 7
“Part of our campaign was to change the visibleskyline,” Sarchet said. “Here is one good message to thenext. You can stand at one (mural) and see the other.”
A portion of wall from the famed MudaferSquare, where Mohamed Sadiq al-Sadr’s image staresout over his namesake, to the intersection of the Jamillaal Quds road at Circle 55, is nearly complete withmore than 50 murals.
Sarchet said work will continue to paint andbeautify the rest of wall throughout the city but he’s notworried to see that some Iraqi entrepreneurs havegotten in ahead of the contractors.
“Let’s get some ice cream,” Sarchet calls to thedriver, spotting through the rear window of his vehiclea tempting ad painted on the wall near the JamillaMarket. “That’s progress,” he said.
See Mural from page 8
Jaffer Shaab, a Sadr City resident, paints the backgroundof a mural on a wall around Joint Security Station Thawra2 near Circle 55 in the Sadr City district of northernBaghdad Aug. 2.
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Weather in Colorado can be unpredictable.Despite last minute changes due to the weather,crowds celebrated National Night Out Tuesday.
This was the 25th year Fort Carson participated in the event, designed to increaseawareness in crime and drug prevention.
“There was one mindset — educate thecommunity on prevention, treatment, recoverywith alcohol and substance abuse,” said Eric J. Rodwell, Colorado Drug EndangeredChildren, Methamphetamine Task Force executive director.
Just as lightning was spotted within fivemiles of post, pool patrons were asked to get out of the water, but to enjoy hot dogs and sodas.
“All we did was feed people becausenever got cleared from the lightning,” Don Arms, Aquatics Director.
Fort Carson Police, Fort Carson Fire and Emergency Services, ArmyCommunity Service, Balfour Beatty Communities, ArmySubstance Abuse Program, villagemayors, Cub Scouts, Young Marines and others teamed togetherto provide crime-prevention information for adults and fun activities for children.
Activities at the youth centerincluded drunk-driving demonstrations,bounces houses and relay games. Prizes and raffles were given out through out theevening, including gift certificates donatedby the Army and Air Force ExchangeServices. The food served was provided byBalfour Beatty as well as the indoor games.
“The event was successful, despite the
weather,” said Joey Bautista, installation volunteercoordinator. “I think we had a great turnout and it is important to learn about crime.”
The evening was capped off by a showing of “Bee Movie” at the Special Events Center.
“I thought how the community came togetherand participated was awesome,” said Fort CarsonPolice Officer Jose Barraza.
Carson celebrates
Photo by Julie M. Lucas
Photo by Julie M. Lucas
Carol Graham gives directions to her husband, Maj.Gen. Mark A. Graham, commanding general, DivisionWest (First Army) and Fort Carson, while navigatingin DUI simulation goggles.
Photo by Julie M. Lucas
A frozen T-shirt contest was one of the many free games atNational Night Out.
Photo by Randy Tisor
McGruff the Crime Dog poses with Alex, left, A.J. and C.J. Gainesduring the National Night Out activities.
NationalNightOut
NationalNightOut
Free games, like the sponge relay, were available during National Night Out. Prizes,raffles and food were also given out to participants. This was the 25th year Fort
Carson celebrated the night, dedicated to educating the public on safety. Theweather dampened part of the celebration at the outdoor pool.
Story and photo by Thea SkinnerMountaineer staff
Maj. Gen. Mark A. Graham, commanding general, Division West (First Army) and Fort Carson recognized the efforts of the Fort CarsonCasualty Notification and Assistance Office.”
He visited the office and gave commander’scoins to staff members for their support of Familiesin difficult times.
The staff helps Families with such matters asfunerals, benefits and honors following the death of a Soldier.
“It made us feel special that he took time out ofhis busy life to talk to us. A lot of times we think we are the little people — it just made us feel morewilling. It boosted our work ethics,” said EmilyMorales, casualty assistance officer.
“We are hands on, and we are a big part of support to the Soldiers and Families in a sad time.We are also involved when the Soldiers are injured. We assist with travel to get the Family hereto be at their bedside. The funds come from theDepartment of the Army — we get them into on-postlodging. They can get reimbursed for off-post lodging for up to 10 days and it can be extended.”
Morales works with orders and condolence letters.Some staff members will work on-call hours in orderto have someone available at all times.
“We have so many different cases. When I firststarted here, I got a call that someone was injuredand will (have a limb) amputated,” Morales said.“When we send our Soldiers over in theater, we sendthem in one piece and they may not return that way.”
The Fort Carson Casualty Assistance Office
is responsible for five states: North Dakota, SouthDakota, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado.
“If the Family relocates, we will coordinate withthe office in that area. We make sure that they receiveall benefits entitled to them,” said Carlito Page, chief of casualty assistance.
Page trains casualty assistance officers in a four-day course that results in a one-year certification. Officers adhere to Army guidelines to assist Families. When a Soldier is deceased, acasualty assistance team is assigned to the case and reports to the office. The team will notify the next of kin and consists of area specific professionals, such as a chaplain.
“The timeframe is quick if they are in the area,”Page said. “If a Soldier passes away, a casualty notification officer is assigned to notify the next ofkin, who is equal in rank to the deceased. When thenotification is complete, we keep the Army notified.”
The Department of Army gives a casualty report from theater and a four-hour turnaroundbegins. The unit notifies the officer, who receives abriefing with the next of kin.
“The casualty assistance officer takes over to assist the Family with benefit entitlements and funeral arrangements in an order for 180days. In some cases (the assignment) lasts 30 days and sometimes six months. It depends on the benefits and entitlements,” he said.
The office also assists with military honors forretirees, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers.
“Everyone works as a team here. If someonepasses away, it is not public information until theFamilies are notified,” he said. “When a retireepasses away, then we assist the next of kin and
report to the Department of Finance” for benefits.Staff member Zita Ephron is a Human Resource
technician in mortuary affairs, a former Soldier, and a military spouse.
“It is hard work,” Ephron said. “As a veteranmyself, I find it the most rewarding job ever. Seeing awidow come in and seeing how we are able to helpthem — it gives you a great sense of accomplishment.”
Community12 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
Bobby Jackson, funeral honors officer, and EmilyMorales, casualty assistance officer, review anafter-action report for a client at the CasualtyNotification and Assistance Office.
Graham recognizes Casualty Assistance Office
13Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEERCommunity
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Questions to ask GodCommentary by Chap. (Capt.) Carl Phillips4th Engineer Battalion
Why? That is one of the most asked and unanswered questions asked. Children have anuncanny ability to drive their parents to the pointof insanity by asking “why?” Why is thesky blue? Why do I have to pick up my toys? Why does UncleBob smell? Children arecurious and are uninhibitedabout asking questions. Weeither answer them or ignorethem, hoping they’ll forget theirquestion. After all, they can wait until they growup to get the answers to many of their questions.However, when children become adults, their questions become much more serious.
How often have you wondered why somethinghappened and never found a satisfactory answer? A Soldierwho survives unharmed by animprovised explosive devicemay feel guilty knowingthat he is the lone survivor.
“Why did I survive when all ofmy buddies were either killed or seriouslywounded?” he may ask.
Another Soldier may have been seriouslywounded while all of his buddies were unharmed.
“Why me?” he may wonder.With the question unanswered, either of them
may experience a range of emotions includinganger, frustration and depression. We allyearn to know why things happen in
our lives. Why did I win thelottery? Why was I spared
from the horrible accident?We demand answers.
The Old Testament oftendetails things that occurred or
were about to occur. The prophet of God,however, was on hand to give the reason behind
the events. Why did Moses die right before thepeople he led arrived at their destination? Mosesdied because he had been disobedient to God.Why was Abraham wealthy? He was wealthybecause he was rewarded by God for his faith. So often it appeared that people were punishedfor doing wrong and rewarded for being faithfulto God. In the New Testament, we discover thatpeople still had a simplistic explanation forthings. They believed that whenever somethinggood or bad happened, it was because God wasrewarding or punishing them for their behavior.
When a man was born blind, peopleasked Jesus if it was
because the man orhis parents sinned
(John 9:1-3). Jesuscorrected their simplistic
thinking by saying it wasneither. The man was born blind so that the workof God may be displayed in his life.
Our problem with asking why, is that we often have a simplistic understanding of how
God thinks. The answer to our question maybe much more complicated than we
could ever imagine. The Bible is clear thatGod is in control
of all things. It also is clear that we are
responsible for our livesand actions. Therefore,
when things happen that are beyond our control,we should accept that God has his reasons forallowing things to happen. Often our frustrationcomes from wanting to take over God’s responsibilityand control the circumstances in life.
Why does God allow things to happen? I suspect there are a multitude of answers. Throughdifficult trials we may grow in our faith. Perhapswhat happens is a result of our own actions.
Sometimes what happens is simply the result of other’s evil
actions. Whatever the reason,instead of becoming angrywith God, accept that what
happened is in God’s hands andhe knows what he is doing; accept
you aren’t in control of the situation; andunless you directly caused the event, you aren’tresponsible. You can handle the stress by trustingGod to take care of the situation and by doing your best in the midst of the circumstances.
?Why?
?Why?
?Why?
?Why?
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ROMAN CATHOLICDay Time Service Chapel Location Contact PersonTues., Wed., Thurs. noon Mass Healer Evans Army Hospital Fr. Gagliardo/526-7412Saturday 5 p.m. Mass Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Gross/526-5769Sunday 9:15 a.m. Mass Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Gross/526-5769Sunday 10:30 a.m. CRE Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Pat Treacy/524-2458Sunday 11 a.m. Mass Healer Evans Army Hospital Fr. Gagliardo/576-7412Tuesday 6:30 p.m. RCIA Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Pat Treacy/524-2458Saturday 4 p.m. Reconciliation Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Gross/526-5769
PROTESTANTSunday 9 a.m. Protestant Healer Evans Army Hospital Chap. Pollok/526-7387Sunday 9 a.m. Protestant Communion Provider Barkeley & Ellis Chap. Mitchell/650-8042Sunday 11 a.m. Protestant Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Reid/526-8011Sunday 11 a.m. Protestant/Gospel Prussman Barkeley & PrussmanSunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Prussman Barkeley & PrussmanSunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Pat Treacy/524-2458 Tuesday 9 a.m. PWOC Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Reid/526-8011Tuesday 6 p.m. Adult Bible Study Soldiers' Nelson & Martinez Mr. Love/526-5229Sunday 11 a.m. Contemporary Veterans Magrath & Titus Chap. Ball/526-1928Tuesday 7 p.m. Youth ministry Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Pat Treacy/524-2458
JEWISHFor information and a schedule of Jewish Sabbath services, call the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel at 333-2636.
WICCASunday 2 p.m. Building 4800, corner of Harr and McNerny Arden Daigre/591-8021
COLORADO WARRIORS SWEATLODGEColorado Warriors Sweatlodge ceremonies (He Ska Akicita Inipi) are offered to military Family members and Department of Defense personnel. These lodges are tra-ditional Lakota spiritual ceremonies for cleansing, purification and prayer, and are fully sanctioned and supported by the Fort Carson Command Chaplain. Pleasecall the following for information and directions: Charlie Erwin at 382-8177 or [email protected]; or Zoe Goodblanket at 442-0929.
Daily Bible readings: To assist in regular Scripture reading, the following Scriptures are recommended. These Scriptures are part of the common daily lectionary, which is designed to present theentire Bible over a three-year cycle.
ChapelHow does one become a Catholic? — The church
offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, aprocess of spiritual, formation, catechetical instructionand faith sharing. A gradual process, it begins informallyand progresses to full initiation. If interested, call theCatholic Director of Religious Education Pat Treacy at524-2458 to schedule an appointment. The RCIA groupbegins Aug. 19, meeting Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m.
Military Council of Catholic Women — Thetheme for this year is, “Behold, I make all things new …” (Revelation 21:5) and begins Sept. 5, with a free membership drive luncheon at the ElkhornConference Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Seating is verylimited; child care is available for children registeredwith Child and Youth Services. RSVP forluncheon/child care by Aug. 20 by calling Tana at 886-4360. MCCW board positions are available.
Mary’s Mommies Playgroup — Gather with other mothers to share, talk and have adult time while children play or do a craft, learn about faith,watch a video, etc. For ages 0-6 years old.
Protestant Women of the Chapel — All womenare welcome to join PWOC for “Loving Well” by BethMoore. The next session is Aug. 19. The fall kick-off isAug. 26. All meetings are in the fellowship hall at 9 a.m. atSoldiers’ Memorial Chapel. Free child care is available,make reservations with Jennifer Hamrick 16 days prior [email protected]. For information contactDonna Castle, president, at [email protected].
Cycle of PrayerPlease pray this week for the following:Unit: Soldiers, noncommissioned officers,
officers and Families of the 29th Brigade CombatTeam of the Hawaii National Guard, headquarteredin Kalaeloa, Oahu.
Army: For the remaining members of theOriginal Airborne Test Platoon who made their historic first jump Aug. 16, 1940, and for all paratroopers past, present and future.
State: For all Soldiers and their Families fromthe state of Nebraska. Pray also for Gov. Dave
Heineman, the state legislators and municipal officials ofthe Cornhusker State.
Nation: For the members of the Senate Committee onBanking, Housing and Urban Affairs as they attempt toaddress the current mortgage crisis.
Religious: For clergy and congregations of theUnited Church of Christ and chaplains endorsed to
military ministry by this community of faith.For more information on the Army
Cycle of Prayer, or to pray for items from previous weeks, visit the cycle’s web site at
www.usarmychaplain.com.
Community briefs16 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
Miscellaneous
The Fort Carson Grant Library — will be closed
until Tuesday to install new carpeting. The Family
Fun Program originally scheduled for the library will
take place at the Freedom Performing Arts Center on
Specker Avenue and Ellis Street instead.
Volunteer Roundup — The American Red Cross,
Fort Carson Station needs your help. Over the next
six-12 months they will need an additional 80 Red
Cross volunteers to meet the needs of the Fort
Carson Community. Evans Army Community
Hospital has a need for those who will be willing to
volunteer to assist in labs, clinics, wards, records,
pharmacy and at the information booth. Dental
clinics will need volunteers to assist as receptionists.
The Red Cross Office needs willing hands to answer
the phones, help with the history preservation and
other tasks, and there is a great need for those who
would be willing to spend time with our wounded
warriors. The Fort Carson office is located on Ellis
Street in building 1217, next to the Welcome and
Farewell Center. Office hours are from 8 a.m.-
4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. The phone number
is 526-2311. Call and make an appointment for
your interview and application process. There is a
volunteer position for you.
Donated annual leave for Fort Carson civilian
employees — is currently being accepted for the
following civilian employees under the Voluntary
Leave Transfer Program, because of medical
emergencies. The employees have exhausted all
available leave and are currently accepting leave
donations: Lou Ann Armstrong, Garrison Resource
Management; Helen Crow, Bureau of Land
Management; Carl DeFranco, Army Space and
Missile Defense Command; Joshua Terrell,
Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and
Security, Range Division; Theresa Dixon, Provost
Marshal’s Office; Danette Wyatt, Directorate of
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Child
and Youth Services; Vicki Craig, Directorate of
Information Management and Genalee Coca, Dental
Activity. To donate annual leave under VLTP, contact
to assist in the rebuilding of these countries, are
encouraged to investigate the possibilities.
Information on building an increased civilian
deployment capacity can be found on the Web site
www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/pr080212
capacity.pdf. Installation Management Command
Human Resources point of contact is Diane
Blakely, 703-602-1695.
Claims against the estate —With deepest regrets to the family of Spc. Keith R. Dickson, deceased.Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to hisestate should contact Capt. Johnny Sanders, 524-3214.
Claims against the estate —With deepest regrets to the family of Sgt. Edgar Williams Dykes,deceased. Anyone having claims against or
indebtedness to his estate should contact Capt. Luis A. Menjivar, 338-6724.
Fabulous Spouses Social Group — is a groupfor the spouses of Soldiers who suffer from traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stressdisorder. The social group has activities such as getting massages, having coffee, taking bikerides and hiking. Meetings are held at HealerChapel at Evans Army Community Hospital, the second Wednesday of each month from 4:30-5 p.m. or 6 p.m. For more information contact Jackie Skinner at 261-1011.
Fort Carson Girl Scout Service Unit 17 —
serves girls who: (1) attend school on Fort
Carson; (2) live on Fort Carson; or (3) whose
parents work on Fort Carson. Girl Scout troops
are available for girls in kindergarten-high
school, ages 5-18. Currently, Fort Carson has the
following active troops: Daisy 1071, kindergarten;
Consumer Hotline — Are you about to buy a car,home, computer or other high-dollar item? Callthe Fort Carson Consumer Hotline at 526-6827with financial questions. A financial advisor willreturn your call as soon as possible, within 48hours. All hotline information is kept confidential.
Spouse Support Group — Are you feeling lonely, anxious or fearful about this deployment?Join this group of caring spouses. To register callArmy Community Service at 526-4590. Freechild care is available for registered children. Thesupport group meets Tuesdays from noon-1:30p.m. at the Java Cafe in Alternate Escapes onSpecker Avenue.
Motorcycle safety courses — All active-duty Soldiers are required to complete a MotorcycleSafety Course to ride a motorcycle anywhere, anytime, on or off post. Basic Rider Course is forthose who have never ridden or have minimal experience. For a schedule or to register visit:www.motorcycletrainingacademy.com or call 380-1448. The experienced rider course is for those who have completed the basic course, havetheir own motorcycle and want additionaltraining/refresher course. Questions can be directedto Ken Sundgren, lead instructor at 526-8045 [email protected].
Abandoned Vehicles — The Fort Carson ProvostMarshal’s Office Traffic Section has initiated a vigorous campaign to rid Fort Carson of the abandoned vehicle problem. The PMO will
continue to pursue this campaign until the problemis minimized or eliminated.
In accordance with Fort Carson Regulation 210-4, Fort Carson Regulation 190-5, and CriminalCode 18-4-509, it is unlawful to abandon a motorvehicle and or personal recreational property on the installation. A motor vehicle left unattended or unmoved upon a street, highway, right of way orparking lot for more than seven days is consideredan abandoned vehicle; failure to display currentlicense plates or identification; or has been damagedor deteriorated so extensively that it has value only for junk or salvage. All personal trailers andrecreational vehicles must be stored with theMorale, Welfare and Recreation facilities while on Fort Carson. Once a vehicle has been identifiedin violation of one of the above categories, a notification form FC 1094 will be issued. After 72 hours of the violation notice, the property will be seized and stored at the owner’s expense.After 120 days, the vehicle/property will be disposed of in accordance with state law. Any questions regarding policies and/or proceduresshould be directed to the Fort Carson Office of theProvost Marshal Traffic Section at 526-1770.
Disposition: Checker Towing (contracted) fordisposing of abandon vehicles.
Fees: $75 hook up $25 tow fee$20 a day storage. After 120 days,
Checker Towing will dispose of the vehicle in accordance with state law.
BBee ssmmaarrtt,, ddoo yyoouurr ppaarrtt,, vvootteeVoting is our civic responsibility; its importance cannot beoverstated. Colorado primaries are Tuesday. To vote in thegeneral election in November, you must register soon —contact your unit voting assistance officer for assistance.
Community 17Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEER
Community18 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
Story and photo by Thea SkinnerMountaineer Staff
Scouts at Fort Carson are in for atreat, as the Scout facility, building1909 is undergoing renovations. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club iscoordinating and making necessaryrenovations to the building.
“Our children participate in theclub,” said Master Sgt. StevenDeaderick, project noncommissionedofficer in charge. “We spent nineSaturdays working on the building.”
Deaderick is the former presidentand vice president of the SergeantAudie Murphy Club.
“The bathrooms were terrible.
We literally built the shelving in thebathroom to conceal the water heater,”Deaderick said.
Along with new toilets and sinks in the bathroom, numerousimprovements were made to the building. The trim and handrails werereplaced. The deck was extended and the rotting wood on the deck was
replaced. The inside walls werealso repainted. Rotting gutterswere replaced with new gutters.
About 125 hours of volunteerwork created the new renovations,said Staff Sgt. David Wilkins,reception center platoon sergeantand acting president of the club.
Volunteer members of theSergeant Audie Murphy Clubassisted with renovations, alongwith several members of theKiwanis Club of ColoradoSprings. A Kiwanis Club membercontributed approximately$8,000 including supplies,Deaderick said.
Wilkins explained that a shoppette may go in the oppositeside of a field behind the clubbuilding. The field is a formergolf course which the SergeantAudie Murphy Club helped alterfor the Scouts to hold activities.
Several units donated tables
and chairs. The club wants to obtainfurniture for the building and briefedGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. James Kilpatrick on the coordination of handling the furniturerequests. Kilpatrick toured the buildingwhile receiving the briefing.
The floors will require renovationand funds are being sought to replace the flooring.
Kilpatrick explained to the juniorNCOs that discussing the need forassistance in a private organizationalmeeting, in which the initiative began, is the proper forum to obtainpost assistance.
“That is how you can get help —is in the meeting,” Kilpatrick said. “I think it is very noble. You all didsome good work.”
Kilpatrick encouraged the NCOsto seek assistance through the seniorNCO volunteer group and to followthrough on efforts. He also mentionedseeking the assistance of U.S. ArmyForces Command.
Wilkins indicated that Kilpatrick’sassistance to go through the chain ofcommand was necessary.
“What I want to see is the kids in here,” Wilkins said.
Children on and off post mayparticipate. The cub scout pack isseeking a scout leader.
Scout building renovation progresses, club seeks resources
Master Sgt. Steven Deaderick, project noncommissioned officer in charge and SergeantAudie Murphy Club member, discusses the renovation of the gutters on the Scout building.The club is coordinating and making necessary renovations to the building.
Community 19Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEER
Story by Thea SkinnerMountaineer staff
Fort Carson is leaping into renewable sustainabilityefforts. The installation was recognized as the top postin Energy Efficiency and Energy Management —Renewable Energy during the 30th Annual Secretaryof the Army Energy and Water Management Awardceremony in Phoenix Wednesday.
“Getting recognition is great, but really what itdoes is it helps open the door to more opportunities,because we are recognized as a leader in sustainabil-ity and renewable energy,” said Vince Guthrie, FortCarson utilities program manager. “The goals thatwe have help create that winning team. Contractorsand private industry will become more interested inworking with Fort Carson.”
The post’s overall goal is to improve facilities andreduce consumption of nonrenewable fuel sourcesincluding natural gas and coal. Part of the post’s long-term sustainability goals involve incorporating windand solar power by 2027. Of the natural elements, FortCarson is taking steps to implement more solar powerand assess the feasibility of harnessing wind energy.
“We are getting to the point that we have to getbehind the wind. We have to take off our blindersand see what is the most sustainable,” he said.
The Assistant Chief of Staff for InformationManagement visited numerous posts to conductinterviews and view projects. Based on the informationreceived during the visits, ACSIM narrowed nomineesdown to two finalists: Fort Carson and Fort Knox, Ky. Fort Carson was selected over Fort Knox.
Fort Carson’s numerous projects conducted in
2007 earned the award including: hosting of a 2-megawatt photovoltaic array, the largest in the presentU.S. Army; continuing procurement of RenewableEnergy Certificates through a partnership with eightgovernment agencies in an agreement with WesternArea Power Administration, an agency of the U.S.Department of Energy; installation of a large transpired solar collector; and beginning a wind-analysis study to determine wind-turbine feasibility.
Fort Carson is coordinating and partnering withlocal and state nongovernmental organizations totransfer the knowledge gained from these successfulrenewable projects. The partners include the NationalRenewable Energy Laboratory, Federal EnergyManagement Program, WAPA and the ColoradoDepartment of Public Health and Environment.
Through transferability, Fort Carson provides abusiness model for other organizations. Linda Kogan,director of the Office of Sustainability at University of
Colorado at Colorado Springs, indicated that a modelof transference is key, as UCCS is researching a long-term strategy to harness renewable energy.
“I think it is great in terms of walking the talk. I don’t know if there are research opportunities. I thinkthere are a lot of obstacles in the way for organizations,”Kogan said. “There is no bullet solution. We are all in this together — where opportunities comealong. I applaud Fort Carson’s efforts.”
The campus established a memorandum ofunderstanding to collaborate and obtain wind powerfrom a wind farm in northeastern Colorado, andobtains $5 per student each semester toward the purchase of solar panels.
“Between the photovoltaic array, RECs and renew-able energy procured through the WAPA and ColoradoSprings Utilities, nearly 40 percent of electrical
Renewable energy receive awards
A solar panel powers a targetdownrange at FortCarson. The post’srange controloffice submitted a request to add100 photovoltaicsolar panels to the range.
See Energy on Page 20
Photo by James Benford
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energy supporting Fort Carson can be classified asrenewable,” according to the Fort Carson award.
The Fort Carson wind study is a discussion that is about four years in the making. In December2007, the sustainability team began the study in thesoutheast corner of Fort Carson near range 48.
In addition to NREL, the post partners with theColorado Army National Guard at Fort Carson, saidGuthrie. NREL is providing the 50 meter meteorologicaltower testing evaluation equipment and the ColoradoArmy National Guard, which has an interest in supporting wind energy here, paid for the installationof the tower. A FEMP Technical Assistance grant was established to support NREL in analyzing themetrological tower data for the feasibility study.
“We are doing a 12-month wind assessment,” hesaid. “Developers are interested and sent proposalsto Colorado Springs Utilities late last month. We arehopeful that those proposals are viable, and if itdoes not result in a contract, it will at least plant aseed until we can complete the assessment.”
Colorado Springs Utilities issued a request forproposal for up to 100 megawatts of power anddevelopers responded.
“We would purchase the power through an existing contract with Colorado Springs Utilities,”Guthrie said. “The challenge of wind is that it isintermittent. The wind does not always blow whenyou need it to blow. Our site will be good from 7- to30-megawatts of wind power, a 30 percent capacityfactor equivalent to about 2,500 homes.”
Guthrie estimates that the assessment will becomplete in January.
“The Colorado Springs military installations areworking with Colorado Springs Utilities on a largepurchase project on renewable energy,” he said. “It
could be in the 30-megawatt range. During thishigh-energy usage, hot summer days, ColoradoSprings uses over 800 megawatts.”
“Our distribution handles at least seven megawatts.A WAPA line runs through the site and back toColorado Springs Utilities, which wheels the powerback to Fort Carson or other installations,” Guthrie said.
The post’s efforts to harness solar and windpower aids in diversifying the energy portfolio andchanging the energy culture of the post community.
“I think we can work with everyone and if thepieces fit together, then it will work. Every one of theprojects we do helps us change our culture,” he said.“We have to make small investments to adhere to the
new energy economy,” of Colorado’s Gov. Bill Ritter. As the tower’s assessment answer blows in the
wind, another initiative is pending. Range Controlrequested an additional 100 solar photovoltaic panels that will power solar targets. The request wassubmitted to the Directorate of Contracting July 29.
“We will need to put this out for contracting ona bid,” said James Benford, range officer.
“They will power the individual target positions.One range is combined arms with live fire exercises.We use gasoline powered generators. We want to cut down on our usage and maintenance,” he said.
He estimates hundreds of personnel hours areused to manage generators.
“Seventy-five generators are on range and theyneed to be refueled constantly. Every time we canput in a solar panel we can eliminate a generator.
“We have 75 target positions running from solarpower on five different ranges. Just targets are runon solar and the storage building is still on commercialpower. We are headed in the right direction,”Benford said. “If I can sever the requirement downrange by using solar, wind or hydrogen, it willhave a lower utility bill for the rest of the installation.A lot of power gets pushed downrange.”
“The Combined Arms Live Fire Exerciserange will have one solar panel in a pit connectingto a target. Each target will have its own panel,”he said. “We have safety lights on each range —a solar powered rechargeable red light uses arenewable rechargeable battery.”
Team members recognized in the Fort Carsonaward included Guthrie; Scott Clark, Fort CarsonEnergy Program Coordinator; Susan Galentine,Sustainability and Environmental Team publicaffairs officer; Melanie Reed, Western Area PowerAdministration energy services manager; andStephanie Carter, Stormwater Program manager.
See Energy from page 19
Graphic courtesy of Fort Carson Range Control
The wind tower on Range 48 is shown as a potential sitefor wind turbines on the Fort Carson wind map.
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23Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEER22 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
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Feature
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Pilots from four states prepare to give Soldiersand their Family members from Fort Carson freehot-air balloon rides as part of the Second AnnualCelebration of Honor Fly. Soldiers and Familymembers not only ride, but become part of thepilots crew and help with setting up the balloons.
Fort Carson Soldiers and Family membersreceive free hot air balloon rides duringthe Second Annual Celebration of HonorFly. Pilots from four states show theSoldiers just how much their servicemeans to the country.
At the 2nd AnnualCelebration ofHonor Fly. Soldiershelp Debbie J.Fowler, the pilot of “Ms. Paint,” and her crew holdthe balloon openwhile Fowler fillsit with hot air toget initial lift.
by Sgt. Courtney E. Marulli4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
During the Second Annual Celebration of Honor Fly, Soldiers from FortCarson and their Family members were treated to a day of sky soaring via hot-air balloons, located near Hartsel off Highway 24 West July 26-27.
The Celebration of Honor Fly is a nonprofit corporation which seeks tohonor those who serve by giving them, and their Family members the chance to experience the wonder and thrill of ballooning.
The flight was the idea of Dave Charbonnel, a retired sergeant first class,who wanted Soldiers to have the opportunity to fly. His wife Jackie, the event coordinator, enjoys showing Soldiers just how appreciated they are.
“His vision of the Fly wasmuch smaller, but after consulting with DeweyReinhard and
Stephen Blucher, who held many balloon rallies over the years, they thought theidea was great and worked with Dave to make this the size it is now,” Jackie said.
More than 300 Soldiers and their Family members flew in about 30 balloons or in the tethered balloon which was set aside for small children and pregnant women who couldn’t handle the standard landing of a balloon.
“This fly is made possible by the big-hearted pilots who were honored to fly and celebrate these Soldiers and their Families, and by those companies andindividuals that donate to this event,” she said.
Soldiers and Family members were treated to free breakfast burritosdonated by Golden Corral, and pastries by Loback’s Bakery along with coffee,water and Joint Juice.
Maj. Gen. Mark A. Graham, commanding general, Division West (First Army)and Fort Carson, and his wife, Carol, came out to spend time with the Soldiers.
Graham said he has wanted to fly in a hot air balloon his whole life.“I thought you just got in and went off,” he said. “I didn’t know therewas so much work involved.”
The Soldiers and Family members who flew not only were theguests of honor but also became members of their pilot’s crew.
The baskets had to be put together and the balloons took severalpeople to get them laid out and in the air.
“These folks do this for our Soldiers because they want tothank the Soldiers,” he said. “It’s a way to thank them and an
opportunity for people to give back to us. They understandwhat Soldiers and their Families go through.”
Graham said it is important to him to be out withSoldiers and this was a great memory he can share with the Soldiers, their Family members and the pilots who made it possible.
“This is a memory we’ll always have,” he said. “It’s possible because of people like you.”
Pfc. Michael P. Clisbee, an infantryman withHeadquarters and Headquarters Company, 1stBattalion, 67th Armor, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division,and his wife, Elizabeth,
said the experience wasone of exhilaration
and it enabled the community and military to come together.“I think it’s important to get out and mingle with the community,” he said.
“It puts a more human face on the military.”Michael said it was great to see so many
people cared about the Soldiers.“It’s good to know people care,” he
said. “You hear a lot of negativity,but when you hear positive it’sa big morale booster.”
Elizabeth, who is afraid of heights, said thesensation of flying in aballoon didn’t botherher and she felt at easeonce the balloon was inthe air. She said thetime and effort the pilots put into the eventis something to be appreciated in return.
“I think it’s awesomethe people that do the balloons give up their time and money to do this for theSoldiers,” she said.
Debbie J. Fowler, a pilot, saidshe was unable to attend last year’sCelebration of Honor Fly due to priorcommitments, but was pleased to have thechance to give back to Soldiers and theirFamilies during this year’s flight.
“It’s very important,” Fowler said of giving backto those who serve. “I came through the Vietnam
era and so it’s important to let (them) know.None of us can live life in this beautiful
country with freedom without the
FlyingAmerican Heroes
See Flying on page 24
Photo illustration by Jeanne Mazerall
Photo by Staff Sgt. Frank P. Marulli IV
sacrifices, intensity and dedication (Soldiers) have.”Fowler said the entire ballooning event is to allow
Soldiers to know how much their service is appreciated.It’s also a chance to share her love of ballooning.
“Doing that makes it new again for me,” she said. Spc. Raymond A. Connolly, a track vehicle
repair specialist with Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 68th Corps SustainmentSupport Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, saidthis was his first time to ride in a hot air balloon.
“From set-up to tear-down, it was incredible,” hesaid. “I have never seen anything like it in my life.”
Connolly said the feeling of having support
from such a great group of people is something he will cherish forever.
“It was absolutely amazing that theywould be willing to do this for us,” Connollysaid. “They came together to offer this to usfor free. I looked it up and it can cost around$200. It makes me proud of what I do.”
Pvt. Kenneth L. Thomas, a signal support systems specialist withHeadquarters and Headquarters Company,43rd SB, said he enjoyed learning how toprepare the balloon, but found lookingdown upon the world from the height of ahot air balloon to be his favorite part.
“It makes me glad they appreciate usand are willing to come out hereand put this on for us,” he said.“It gives us a once in a lifetimechance to do this. I didn’t thinkI would ever be able to do this.”
Master Sgt. Charles P.Cavanaugh, the brigade opera-tions noncommissioned officer in charge of the 43rd SB, said the flight was agreat experience for Soldiers to takeadvantage of.
Cavanaugh said the initial plan wasto only have Soldiers and one Familymember go up in the balloon, but thepilots and crew made sure everyone whowanted to fly got the opportunity. It wasalso a great time for Soldiers gettingready to deploy to spend quality timewith their Family members.
“I liked going up in the balloon,” hesaid. “It was a great experience, because
I didn’t know there was that much involved goinginto a balloon ride.”
Cavanaugh said he wanted to thank theCharbonnels for getting this started the first time and for keeping it going and retired Lt. Col. Gordon T. Hamilton, past president of thePikes Peak Chapter of the Association of the United States Army.
But most of all, Cavanaugh said thanks goes out to the pilots, including his pilot, Greg Vaeth,because it was their time and money dedicated to the flight that enabled Soldiers at Fort Carson tohave a once in a lifetime opportunity.
For Soldiers wanting to fly or for more informationon ballooning go to www.celebrationofhonorfly.comand click on the local balloon club link.
See Flying from page 23
Community24 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
Photo by Sgt. Courtney E. Marulli
Pfc. Michael P. Clisbee, an infantryman with Headquarter andHeadquarter Company, 1st Battalion, 67 Armor Regiment, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and his wife, Elizabeth, climb into thebasket of “Ms. Paint” during the Second Annual Celebration of Honor Fly.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Frank P. Marulli IV
Debbie J. Fowler, the pilot of “Ms. Paint,” and her crew, along withSoldiers and Family members from Fort Carson, help pack the balloonup after flying over the mesa off Highway 24 West near Hartsel.
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Motor vehicle crimes__2_ servicemembers were cited for careless driving.__1_ servicemember was cited for failure to provide
proof of insurance.__1_ servicemember was cited for driving with expired
license plates.__2_ servicemembers were cited for driving with no
license on their person.__1_ servicemember was cited for failure to yield to a
right of way.__1_ servicemember was cited for operating a
motorcycle without proper class license.__2_ servicemembers were cited for exhibition of speed.__2_ servicemembers were cited for parking their
vehicle facing the wrong way on a one way street.__1_ servicemember was cited for driving on
the sidewalk.__2_ servicemembers were cited for traffic accidents
with damage to private property.__1_ civilian was cited for DUI.__1_ civilian was cited for driving with excessive
alcohol content.__2_ civilians were cited for failure to provide proof
of insurance.__1_ civilian was cited for following too closely. __1_ civilian was cited for driving on a learners permit
without a licensed driver.__1_ civilian was cited for failure to provide a forward
facing child restraint system.__1_ civilian was cited for operating an unregistered
vehicle.__1_ civilian was cited for failure to display
valid registration.
Drug and alcohol crimes (not including motor vehicles)__1_ servicemember was cited for distribution of a
controlled substance.
__2_ servicemembers were cited for wrongful use of cocaine.
__1_ civilian was cited for possession of marijuana.
Miscellaneous crimes__2_ servicemembers were cited for disorderly conduct.__1_ servicemember was cited for simple assault
consummated by a battery.__1_ servicemember was cited for carrying a concealed
weapon.__1_ servicemember was cited for disrespecting an NCO.__1_ servicemember was cited for communicating
a threat.__2_ servicemembers were cited for assault
consummated by a battery. __1_ servicemember was cited for disobeying
a noncommissioned officer.__1_ servicemember was cited for conduct unbecoming
a member of the military service.
__1_ servicemember was cited for larceny of private funds.
__3_ servicemembers werecited for providing falseofficial statements.
__1_ servicemember was citedfor larceny of governmentfunds.
__1_ servicemember was cited for child abuse.
__1_ servicemember was citedfor possession of unlawfulpornographic material.
__1_ servicemember was citedfor assault on a childunder the age of 16.
__1_ servicemember was cited
for larceny of government procurement funds.__1_ servicemember was cited for fraud involving
TDY pay.__1_ servicemember was cited with self injury
without intent to avoid service.__1_ servicemember was cited for violation of a
restraining order.__1_ servicemember was cited for domestic violence.__1_ servicemember was cited for assault.__1_ civilian was cited for theft.__1_ civilian was cited for two counts of child abuse.__2_ civilians were cited for assault.__2_ civilians were cited for domestic violence.__1_ civilian was cited for simple assault.__2_ civilians were cited for violation of a
protection order.__1_ civilian was cited for menacing. __1_ civilian was cited for two counts of child neglect.
Police blotterThe following crimes were committed on the Fort Carson installation between July 24-30.
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Will Shuman loses his glove, but still gets a force play at third base during action Saturday on post.
Story and photos by Walt JohnsonMountaineer staff
The Mountain Post intramural softball leaguebegins its post season Monday at the Mountain Postsoftball complex with one undefeated regular seasonteam looking to keep its perfect season intact.
Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th InfantryRegiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision finished the season with an unblemishedrecord but hoped not to meet the same fate as a professional football team did in February.
The New England Patriots finished the NFLregular season and American Football Conferenceplayoffs undefeated, but lost to the New YorkGiants in the Super Bowl, ruining an otherwise successful season.
That fate may not await the Infantry team thatis loaded with talented players and has a will
to win that is second to no other team in the intramural league. Infantry Coach Mike Whitmire said his team used a three-prongedapproach to winning this year.
“We were fortunate all year to have good hitting and good fields, and that is how we weresuccessful this year. Our defense has been solidall year and our offense has been consistent in getting the big hits all year. We have also been very good in the clutch, offensively anddefensively all year,” Whitmire said.
Whitmire said this team was a joy to coachfrom the first day of the season. He said it wasn’tvery long before he knew he had a special team to work with this year.
“Everybody on our team has played ball sincewe were in elementary school. We drive eachother to play better and one of the great thingsabout this team is that no one can do anything to
drive us more than we drive each other. We lookat it as our challenge to each other. You know on this team that if you mess up you are going to be dogged out and we think it makes us playthat much better,” Whitmire said.
The undefeated regular season almost didn’thappen for the Infantry team. The team waslocked in a close contest with the 59thQuartermaster Company and if ever there wassuch a thing as a cliff hanger, this was it.
“We were playing the Quartermaster team andthey were up by two runs. We had to hold them inthe top of the inning and then hold to see if wecould score runs to win in the bottom of the inning.We were faced with a clutch situation and we endedup doing exactly what we had to do. When we finished that game, we knew it was one of the topteams we played all year,” Whitmire said.
Maybe the best is yet to come.
Sports
Beat the
heatThe record breaking heatwasn’t all bad news for FortCarson patrons such as thisyoung man who took time to enjoy the outdoor poolfacility Saturday. The statehas been seeing record hightemperatures over the past10 days and cooling off atthe pool proved to be a greatway to beat the heat formembers of the MountainPost community.
Photo by Walt Johnson
MountaineerMountaineer EvEv ent of tent of t he Whe W eekeek
Sports30 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
On tOn the Benche Benchh
Outdoor recreation hoststwo special eventsby Walt JohnsonMountaineer staff
Fort Carson OutdoorRecreation is now offering twoclasses that will introduce peopleto the basics of rock climbing.
The Climbing Wall Instructionclass will teach knots, belay techniques and clinging commands.The classes are being held Sept. 4and 18, Oct. 2 and 16, Nov. 13 andDec. 4 and 18. The cost for theclasses is $15 per person.
Outdoor Rock Instructionclasses will introduce people tobasic body movements, routeselection, basic anchors and safety around the rocks.
The dates for the classes areSept. 14, Oct. 4 and Nov. 1. The costfor the classes is $40 per person.
Fort Carson is putting together a women’s softballteam for the upcomingColorado Springs fall season.
Tryouts for the team are todayat the softball field next to ForrestFitness Center at 5 p.m. The team
is being put together to play in the fall league Sept. 2-Oct. 3. For more information on thewomen’s softball tryouts call 526-6630 or 238-4839.
There are a number of exciting events planned for theupcoming youth fall sports season.
Registration is under way forthe youth cheerleading programuntil Monday. The program isopen to children of active duty andretired military, and Department of Defense and NonappropriatedFund civilians age 3-13 years old(the children must be at the age limitspecified on Sept. 15). There willbe teams formed in the followingage groups: 3-4 years old, 5-6years old, 7-9 years old, 10-12years old and 13-15 years old.
Registration is also under wayfor the NFL flag football leagueuntil Monday. The program isopen to children of active duty andretired military, Department ofDefense and Nonappropriated
See Bench on page 31
Photo by Walt Johnson
Safe at secondFort Carson youth center Giants shortstop Joshua Pearl, left, is beaten to second baseby youth center Yankees player Joshua Jones during action Saturday at the post youthbaseball field.
fund civilians, (the children must be at the agelimit specified on Sept. 15) 7-15 years old.The league will have three divisions: 7-9 yearsold (recreation league), 10-12 years old(juniors) and 13-15 year old (seniors).
Registration is currently under way for theyouth soccer program until Monday. The program is open to children of active duty andretired military, and Department of Defenseand Non Appropriated fund civilians age 3-15years old (the children must be at the age limitspecified on Sept. 15). There will be teamsformed in the following age groups: 3-4 years old (pre-development), 5-6 years old(developmental), 7-9 years old (recreationleague), 10-12 years old (juniors) and 13-15years old (seniors). The teams are being formedto participate in the fall youth leagues whichwill run from Sept. 13-Oct. 25. All youths participating in the program must have currentyouth sport physicals on file before a child canbe enrolled. The youth center advises to scheduleyour child for a physical early. Fort Carson iscurrently holding tryouts for a varsity flagfootball team that will be playing in ColoradoSprings and selected tournaments in the fall.
The tryouts will be held Monday at 6 p.m.at the Mountain Post Sports Complex footballfields. The team is open to all active duty military and Department of Defense civilianemployees of the Mountain Post community.
Military personnel may purchase discounted outfield box, pavilion, right fieldmezzanine and upper reserved infield ticketsfor their Family and friends for Colorado
Rockies games at Coors Field in Augustagainst the San Diego Padres, ArizonaDiamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds.
The next dates for special discount ticketsare today, Saturday and Sunday when thePadres will be in Denver to take on theRockies at 7:05 p.m. today, 6:05 p.m. Saturdayand 1:05 p.m. Sunday. Arizona will be inDenver Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.and Thursday at 1:05 p.m. The last discountedset of games will take place Aug. 22-24, whenthe Cincinnati Reds will be the competition.
Rockies officials said it is easy to takeadvantage of the discounts. When you wantto purchase tickets call 303-ROCKIES. Therewill be a $3.50 service charge per order.When ordering you must say you are militaryaffiliated and provide the reference number1064151. Seating areas are subject to availability, limits may apply and all ticketsare not available for each game.
The Community Sports ProgramNetwork is now accepting applications foranyone interested in officiating football inColorado Springs.
The association needs people interested in officiating youth tackle and flag football as well as adult flag football. CSPN is an organization that provides sports officials toleagues and places independent contractorsinto games, on a yearround basis. CSPN contracts with local sports programs, is lead by a highly qualified group of sports officialsand is currently recruiting to add selected individuals who agree to officiate.
For more information contact ClydeThomas at 635-4551.
Photo by Walt Johnson
Senior openFort Carson’s Davis Olson, an Eighth grader at CheyenneMountain Junior High, was a standard bearer during the U.S.Senior Open held at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs Sunday.
See Bench from page 30
Sports 31Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEER
Sports32 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008
Military
worldsA member of one of thefour softball teams thattook part in the ColoradoMilitary World Gamesrifles a hit to right fieldduring action Saturday atthe Mountain Post SportsComplex. The team fromF.E. Warren Air ForceBase, Wyo., won the tournament while theteam representing the204th Forward SupportBattalion, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 4thInfantry Division finished second.
Photo by Walt Johnson
MountaineerMountaineer EvEv ent of tent of t he Whe W eekeek
With so many choices to complete your degree,
WHY CHOOSECOLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY?
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Adult Studies program distinctives:
New classes begin soon!
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Specialized treatment planning for all ages
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Delta Dental, Tri Care Dental, United Concordia, Cigna and Care Credit plans accepted
Story and photos by Nel Lampe
Mountaineer staff
enver Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit, especially during summer.The 23-acre site between
downtown Denver and CityPark, where the Denver Zoo andDenver Museum of Nature andScience are located, and is one of the nation’s top botanic gardens.
It’s an oasis of blooms, grass andtrees and is a respite from the city’sbusy streets and concrete sidewalks.Wide pathways, art pieces, ponds,Japanese gardens, pavilions, morethan three dozen themed gardens and the conservatory.
More than a halfmillion visitors eachyear look at thethousands of plantsdisplayed in theBotanic Gardens.
There are gardens with children in mind. ABirds and Bees Walkshows how pollinators contributeto our environment. A Children’sSecret Path has activities and surprisesfor children.
Dozens of other themed gardensare on site.
Benches and statues are scatteredthroughout the grounds.
An outdoor café under cover is in the Monet Garden area, whereflowers grow, inspired by ClaudeMonet’s paintings. A nearby pond hasa large variety of water lilies.
The Romantic Gardens frequentlyare the site of weddings, although otherscenic places are also popular. Summerconcerts are also held in the BotanicGardens, as are other special events,
Aug. 8, 2008
Places to see in thePikes Peak area.
Tropical plants, trees and orchids are in the 85,000 square-foot conservatory, which makesDenver Botanic Gardens a year-round attraction.
Colorful gardens are throughout Denver Botanic Gardens, including those appealing to children.
Fountains and ponds are in Denver Botanic Gardens, along with colorfulplants and flowers.
including plant sales and flower shows.Although abundant plants and flowers are
throughout the site during the growing season, the conservatory is filled with plantsyear-round. Both tropical and subtropicalplants thrive in the glass-covered building.There are exotic, rare and endangeredplants, as well as exotic orchids andseveral varieties of palm trees.
Pathways inthe tropicalforest in theconservatory areimprinted with patterns of leavesand animal tracks.
An artificialbanyan tree houses anelevator. The “tree” is aduplicate of a section of a real banyon tree. Visitors can take the banyon tree elevator, or thestairs, to the upper viewing deck.
The Denver Botanic Gardenscame about when a group of localresidents wanted to create an oasisin the middle of the city. In theearly 1950s a garden was started in Denver’s City Park, but plants seemed to“disappear” from that site.
A new site was located on York Street.
Planting was started in 1959. A few years later, the conservatory was added,which made Denver’s Botanic Gardens ayear-round attraction.
Now, Denver Botanic Gardens has three other garden locations: Chatfield,Mount Goliath and Centennial Gardens.
Denver Botanic Gardens also hosts special events, such as competitions and
flower shows, as well as concerts and the “Blossoms of Light” held
during the holiday season.To learn more
about specialevents, go to
www.botanicgardens.org, or call720- 865-3544.
A gift shop isnear the front
entrance. It featuresplant-related books, flower-themed gifts and decorative
items. A small snack bar featuressnacks and drinks. The entrance to the conservatory is nearby.
Denver Botanic Gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to
8 p.m. Saturday-Tuesday in summer.Wednesday-Friday, the gardens are open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $10.50 foradults. $7.50 for those with military identification and $6 for
for children 4-15. Childrenunder 4 are admitted free.
Winter hours are 9a.m.-5 p.m.
Denver BotanicGardens are east ofdowntown Denver, at1005 York St.
York Street intersects withEast Colfax. Or, take theColorado Boulevard exit,going north to 13th, turn left,go about 17 blocks west and turn south when reaching York Street.
A free parking lot isacross the street from DenverBotanic Gardens.
34 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008 Happenings
Just the Facts• TRAVEL TIME — an hour plus
• FOR AGES — anyone•
TYPE — Gardens
• FUN FACTOR — ★★★★★ (Out of 5 stars)
• WALLET DAMAGE — $$
$ = Less than $20$ $ = $ 21 t o $ 4 0
$ $ $ = $ 41 t o $ 6 0$ $ $ $ = $ 61 t o $ 8 0
(BASED ON A FAMILY OF FOUR)
See Botanic from page 33
Below:Colorful pots andwater are used in aromantic garden inDenver Botanic Gardens.
Above: The conservatorywas added in 1966 andrenovated a few yearsago. Tropical plants, treesand orchids are in theconservatory.
Denver Botanic Gardens is a popular setting for summer weddings.
35Aug. 8, 2008 — MOUNTAINEERHappenings
Pvt. Hazardby James Boroch
Photo by Jeanne Mazerall
Farmers marketsProduce from local and Colorado growers is available at Farmers Markets aroundtown. In addition to the fresh fruits and vegetables, many markets also offer specialtybread vendors, arts and crafts and free concerts. The Farmers Market in BancroftPark in Old Colorado City, above, is Saturdays from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. through September.
At Debbie Roubal DDS, PC we can relate to the stressful lifestyle you’re living. That’s why military family members always receive the special care and attention they deserve
Now through August 29th we are offering a $25 Citadel Mall Gift Card to all new military patients.
Military life is stressful enough. Going to the dentist doesn’t need to be.
Whether you are Permanent orTDY Military, you and your dependents qualify for in-state tuition
Attention Military
Searching for a way to get ahead? Look no further.
Financial Aid Available!
You can get college credit for your Military training and experience.
ENROLL TODAY! Fall classes begin August 20
Find out more online at
ppcc.edu/military
PPCC Military Programs 502-4100
ENROLL TODAY! Fall classes begin August 18
36 MOUNTAINEER — Aug. 8, 2008 Get Out
Farmers marketsSeveral farmers markets are in the area, sellinglocal produce, jams, bread and other products:
America the Beautiful Park’s farmersmarket is Wednesday from 3-7 p.m., andincludes a free concert.
Doherty High School’s farmers market is Saturday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Memorial Park holds farmers marketsMonday and Thursday, from 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Old Colorado City farmers market is inBancroft Park Saturday 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fountain’s farmers market is in front of cityhall, at 116 S. Main St., Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m.
FootballAre you ready for some football? The
Broncos first preseason game at home is Aug.16, in Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver;call 720-258-3333. Catch the first Air ForceAcademy home game Aug. 30 at noon, whenthe Falcons play Southern Utah. Call 472-1895for tickets to the game in Falcon Stadium.
Cripple Creek honors militaryThe city of Cripple Creek honors America’s
armed forces Aug. 16-17, with meals, parades, a memorial wall dedication, fireworks, flyoversand children’s activities. There are special mealprices for those with military identification. See the complete schedule at www.visitcripplecreek.com/AmericasArmed Forces.aspx.
Soldier ShowThe Army’s “Soldier Show” will be Aug. 19at 7 p.m. and Aug. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m. atMcMahon Auditorium. Call 526-4494 forinformation.
Colorado State FairThe Colorado State Fair is Aug. 22-Sept.1 inPueblo at the State Fair Grounds. The fair has a carnival and concerts, including theSmothers Brothers, The Guess Who, ColbieCaillat and Sugarland. Go to the Web sitewww.ColoradoStateFair.com for information.
Racing trackSept. 11 is Military Appreciation Day at PuebloMotorsports Park. Drivers with military identification receive a 50 percent discount on lapping fees and 25 percent discounts ondriving courses that day. FAASST PerformanceDriving School is at Pueblo Motorsports Park,just off Pueblo Boulevard in Pueblo. TakeInterstate 25 to Pueblo and take Highway 50,west to Pueblo Boulevard, then go south. Watch for signs for the motorsports park. The2.2 mile paved track is a mile and a half west of the park entrance. The regular charge foropen lapping is $100, military discount is $50.Servicemembers interested in the $149 safetyclass get a $49 discount. Available driving classes at PMP are on the Web Site,www.FAASST.com or call 719-761-1372.
Miramont CastleMiramont Castle offers free admission forSoldiers. Located at 9 Capitol Hill inManitou Springs, the castle is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every day during summer.The 42-room Victorian-era castle also hasthe Queen’s Tea Room, which sells tea andlight lunches. Admission for adults is $6;children ages 6-15 are charged $2.
Academy showsThe Academy Concert series new
season begins with “Capitol Steps” Oct.10, followed by the U.S. Army Field Bandand chorus Nov. 9, “Movin’ Out,” themusic of Billy Joel, Nov. 16, “Nunsense”with Sally Struthers, Jan. 10, “PajamaGame,” Feb. 7, “Beach Boys,” March 6;and Sinbad, April 3. All shows are inArnold Hall’s theater at the Air ForceAcademy. For ticket information, call thebox off ice at 333-4497.
Pioneers MuseumThe Pioneers Museum has a “Hooray forHistory Day” Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-noon. Theevent highlights the 1903 El Paso CountyCourthouse, now home of the museum. There will be a band concert in the park, children’s activities, demonstrations, toursand free refreshments.
— Compiled by Nel Lampe
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