1. Vol. 70 No. 20 May 18, 2012
Word of the month: Sacrifice
Grosso
assumes
command
of garrison
Story and photo by Andrea Sutherland
Mountaineer staff
Col. Robert F. McLaughlin passed the garrison
colors during a May 10 change of command
ceremony on Founders Field. The symbolic
passing solidified McLaughlin’s departure and
welcomed Col. David Grosso as Fort Carson’s
newest garrison commander.
“The garrison commander is an invaluable and
essential part of our team. It’s an extremely
complex and demanding position,” said Maj. Gen.
Joseph Anderson, commanding general, 4th
Infantry Division and Fort Carson.
Anderson thanked McLaughlin for his three
years of service as the garrison commander, but
assured the community they were receiving an
equally qualified leader in Grosso.
“Dave is a combat-tested and proven leader,”
Anderson said. “I have the utmost confidence
that Dave will take charge with ease and give
110-percent effort in order to provide the same
level of care and support that our Soldiers and
Families have become accustomed to.”
Previously the deputy commander of the 10th
Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson,
Grosso said he was looking forward to working with
the Fort Carson and Pikes Peak community to continue
meeting the needs of Soldiers and their Families.
“Any success I’ve ever experienced came
about because of the Soldiers I’ve served with,”
said Grosso during his first address to the Fort
Carson community.
“We have been given much here at Fort
Carson,” he said. “Fort Carson and Colorado
Springs can continue to expect much from the U.S.
Col. David Grosso, left, passes the garrison colors to Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Kilpatrick, garrison senior enlisted Army Garrison and from myself.”
leader, during a May 10 change of command ceremony at Founders Field. Grosso replaces Col. Robert F. McLaughlin
See Grosso on Page 4
as garrison commander.
Message board INSIDE
The Asian Pacific
American
Heritage Month
observance is
Tuesday from
noon to 1 p.m.
at the Elkhorn
Conference
Center.
Pages 24-25 Pages 7
Page 15
2. 2 MOUNTAINEER — May 18, 2012
MOUNTAINEER Ironhorse 7
Commanding General:
Be proud of ‘Ivy’ Division heritage
Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson
Garrison Commander:
Col. David L. Grosso
Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer:
Dee McNutt
By Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall uniform they wore. These
Chief, Print and Web Communications: Senior enlisted leader, are the same kinds of
Rick Emert 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson leaders we need as we look
Editor: Devin Fisher
toward the future of our
In the six months I have served as the command sergeant Army and our nation.
Staff writer: Andrea Sutherland
major for the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, I am The Army is changing.
Happenings: Nel Lampe impressed with what I have seen. Across our ranks, great In five years, it will look
Sports writer: Walt Johnson men and women in uniform are getting at it. We have a lot nothing like the one you
Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall
of great leaders, as well as a number of junior Soldiers, see today. The reason is this
who are giving their junior leaders a run for their money. — there will be 70,000
There are people who say that this generation of fewer Soldiers in our ranks,
This commercial enterprise newspaper is
an authorized publication for members of the
Soldiers cannot compare to the “Greatest Generation” and those who remain will
Department of Defense. Contents of the of World War II — I am not one of those people. have to work harder than
Mountaineer are not necessarily the official We are an all-volunteer fighting force, which has ever before. There will be
view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or
the Department of the Army. Printed circulation
endured multiple deployments to two very different combat
theaters in the past 11 years. “Ironhorse” Soldiers have
officers, noncommissioned
officers and Soldiers
Stall
is 12,000 copies.
The editorial content of the
borne the same brunt of war as their predecessors, for a ordered to leave our formations because they are not cutting
Mountaineer is the responsibility of the Public greater duration. You have battled through the ugliness of it — troops who’ve failed to live up to their end of the
Affairs Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, war to find the goodness in restoring hope to others. Your bargain. In the past, Soldiers with discipline issues and low
Tel.: 526-4144. The e-mail address is blood and sweat have enabled people from around the world standards were maintained because we were fighting a
fcmountaineer@hotmail.com. to live a safer, more stable, way of life. You have written two-front war — that is no longer the case. It is up to the
The Mountaineer is posted on the
Internet at http://csmng.com.
new chapters in the division’s 94-year history, spanning leaders of this great division to conduct an honest assessment
The Mountaineer is an unofficial from its formation at the onset of and determine which Soldiers should be retained. It is up
publication authorized by AR 360-1. The World War I to the most recent to you, as leaders, to coach, train and mentor those troops
Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs
Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in
Your blood deployment of the 4th Brigade
Combat Team to Afghanistan in
to a standard of excellence uncommon in recent years. You
need to educate your Soldiers and encourage their growth,
no way connected with the Department of the
Army, under exclusive written contract with
Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year.
and sweat support of Operation Enduring
Freedom. Be proud of your
for they will be the ones doing your work in the future.
My point is this, all Soldiers in uniform have a
The appearance of advertising in this
publication, including inserts or supplements,
have enabled “Ivy” Division heritage, and
take pride in knowing you’ve
professional image to portray — on and off duty. As
your time at Fort Carson increases, so will the time you
does not constitute endorsement by the
Department of the Army or Colorado Springs
Military Newspaper Group, of the products or
people from set a higher standard for
your successors to reach.
spend in the surrounding communities. Now more than
ever, we need to establish and maintain relationships
services advertised. The printer reserves the
right to reject advertisements.
around the All of what Ironhorse
Soldiers have accomplished
with those communities, for they have supported 4th Inf.
Div. and Fort Carson Soldiers and Families for years.
Everything advertised in this publication
shall be made available for purchase, use or world to live could not have been done without
professional and caring leaders
Make the community proud to be the host of this great
division and its Soldiers.
patronage without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical
handicap, political affiliation or any other
a safer, more — leaders who knew the
standards and enforced them;
Most importantly, take pride in what you do and instill
that pride in the Soldiers around you. We owe this to the
nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
If a violation or rejection of this equal stable, way leaders who took the hard right
over the easy wrong; leaders who
Ironhorse Soldiers who served and fought before us, as
well as our comrades to our left and right. Let no Soldier
of life.
opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, set the example for all troops to in our ranks take for granted the privilege we all share —
the printer shall refuse to print advertising
from that source until the violation is corrected.
follow; leaders who took pride serving our country and its people. Keep getting at it.
For display advertising call 634-5905. in the work they did and the — Steadfast and Loyal
All correspondence or queries regarding
advertising and subscriptions should be directed
to Colorado Springs Military Newspaper
Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300,
Mayor welcomes home Soldiers
Colorado Springs, CO 80903, phone 634-5905.
The Mountaineer’s editorial content is
edited, prepared and provided by the Public
Affairs Office, building 1430, room 265, Fort
Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone 526-4144.
Releases from outside sources are so By Steve Bach you home to Fort Carson and the postwide security operations
indicated. The deadline for submissions to the
Mountaineer is close of business the week
Mayor, City of Colorado Springs. with the Bahraini army has made
before the next issue is published. The City of Colorado Springs Soldiers of 2nd BCT, your us all very proud.
Mountaineer staff reserves the right to edit tremendous work in support of the Your service to our country is
submissions for newspaper style, clarity and Welcome home Soldiers of Afghan National Security Forces, to deeply respected and we thank you
typographical errors. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th defend and provide for the Afghan for all you do to defend our freedom.
Policies and statements reflected in the
news and editorial columns represent views
Infantry Division, and 615th people, has made us all very proud. We hope you enjoy your time
of the individual writers and under no Engineer Company. Soldiers of 615th Eng., your with Family and friends and know how
circumstances are to be considered those of On behalf of our grateful tremendous work training with much we value your contributions
the Department of the Army. citizens, I am honored to welcome Kuwait’s army and conducting to our community and country.
Reproduction of editorial material is
authorized. Please credit accordingly.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/4THID
Classified advertising
329-5236
Display advertising WWW.TWITTER.COM/@4THINFDIV
634-5905
Mountaineer editor
526-4144 WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/USER/THE4ID
Post information
526-5811 WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/THE4ID
Post weather hotline WWW.SLIDESHARE.NET/THE4ID
526-0096
3. May 18, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 3
Engineers return from Bahrain
Story and photo by Andrea Sutherland
Mountaineer staff
Sara Lenge said she completed her degree in
animal science and began working at a veterinary
clinic while her husband, Sgt. Charles Cheesman,
In the early morning hours May 10, 115 was away.
Soldiers from 615th Engineer Company, 52nd Eng. Melissa Parker kept her children, Maverick, 2,
Battalion, returned home. and Gabriel, 6, busy throughout their father’s absence.
Family, friends and fellow Soldiers gathered at “It’s been crazy,” she said. “This is our first
the Special Events Center to welcome the engineers, deployment, but the boys did great.”
who spent the last year in Bahrain where they Gabriel said he was excited to have his father
participated in security force missions with the home so they could go to the park together.
Bahraini army. Once they were finally able to embrace and hold
“Tonight, we welcome home the great men and their loved ones, some spouses were speechless.
women of the 615th Eng. Company,” said Col. Ryan “I’m shaking,” said Nicole Dennis as she
Gonsalves, deputy commanding general for maneuver, clung to her Soldier, Spc. Greg Dennis. “This is
4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, during the the best day.”
ceremony. “No matter where you serve, no matter Tiffany Baxter welcomed home her husband,
what you do, we want to thank you.” Spc. Thomas Baxter.
“The deployment was great,” said Spc. Jessica “It’s late. I’m tired. I’m ready to go home,”
Bruce, medic. “Being home, it feels surreal. It doesn’t Thomas Baxter said.
feel like it’s happened. For the last year, home has Before he could leave, though, Thomas
been a tent.” Baxter’s commanders held an impromptu promotion
Bruce said the engineers spent the first four ceremony for the specialist.
months of their deployment in Kuwait, training with Cradling their 1-year-old daughter, Tiffany Baxter
Kuwait’s army and building guard shacks. pinned a sergeant patch to her husband’s uniform.
“In Bahrain, the mission changed,” she said. Despite being sleep deprived, Lynn Willey said
Engineers worked alongside Navy and Air Force she was thrilled to welcome her daughter, 1st Lt.
servicemembers as well as Bahraini soldiers on joint Leslie Willey home.
force missions securing Shaikh Isa Air Base. “I saw her a year ago,” Lynn Willey said. “It’s
“Working with all of the different forces, it felt wonderful to have her home. This is the best
kind of homey,” Bruce said. “I don’t regret one second Mother’s Day present ever.”
of the past year.” “It was a long trip (home),” Leslie Willey said. Tiffany Baxter pins her husband, Thomas Baxter, after
Family members anxious to see their Soldiers said “It’s been a long year. I’m glad (the Soldiers) all welcoming him home, May 10. Thomas Baxter, 615th Engineer
the past year brought challenges, but also growth. got home safely.” Company, was promoted from specialist to sergeant.
4. 4 MOUNTAINEER — May 18, 2012
Grosso
GC dedicated to from Page 1
Grosso thanked McLaughlin for his guidance
as Grosso prepared to take command.
Soldiers, Family
Story and photo by Andrea Sutherland
“Bob, you’ve set the bar high,” he said. “You’re
a professional through and through and I could
not have asked for a better friend and mentor.”
McLaughlin took command in 2009 during a
time of immense change.
“Bob’s leadership was essential to the
Mountaineer staff transformation and growth of (Fort Carson),”
Anderson said.
Col. David Grosso knows leading the Fort Carson Anderson touted McLaughlin’s accomplish-
garrison is an important and esteemed position. ments, including overseeing the thousands of 4th
“I get the privilege of commanding this Army Inf. Div. troops to Fort Carson from Fort Hood,
garrison,” he said. “It is a privilege to work in a Texas. McLaughlin also upgraded infrastructure
position that directly influences Soldiers, Families on post, which improved traffic as well as facilities
and civilians.” for Soldier and Family programs. Anderson said
Assuming command May 10, Grosso said that he McLaughlin’s efforts to build relationships with
remains committed to supporting the entire Fort the Pikes Peak communities helped Fort Carson
Carson community. reach many long-term goals and fostered a
“I’m looking forward to working with the garrison positive working relationship.
team as well as Soldiers, Family members and “His hands-on leadership style and mature
civilians,” he said. judgment both produced a positive command
Grosso said that his 30 years of military experience climate while focusing his team on the preparation
have prepared him for the position. and synchronization of this installation’s
In 1981, Grosso enlisted in the Army and served growth,” Anderson said. “Bob’s team-player
seven years as a Soldier and noncommissioned attitude allowed the division to successfully
officer. After graduating from the University of relocate, deploy, redeploy and conduct numerous
New Hampshire, Grosso was commissioned as an missions with unwavering garrison support.”
infantry lieutenant. During his farewell speech, McLaughlin said
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political he was proud of the Soldiers, Fort Carson
science from the University of New Hampshire community and the Pikes Peak community.
and a Master of Science in leader development and “Today, it feels like a family reunion,” he
counseling from Long Island University. He also said. “Many of you are just like family to me.
completed an Army fellowship in the Korbel School … Families are close. They look out for each
of International Studies at the University of Denver. other. They take care of each other. And of
Grosso’s military resume is also extensive. He course, there is a little bit of dysfunction to
is a graduate of the Army Command and General Col. David Grosso, garrison commander, addresses keep things interesting.”
Staff College, the Army Airborne School, the the audience during the May 10 change of command McLaughlin thanked numerous military and
Army Ranger School, the Army Special Forces ceremony at Founders Field. Grosso previously served civilian leaders as well as the members of his staff.
Qualification Course and Special Forces Officer as the deputy commander of the 10th Special Forces “In the beginning, (I was) peppered with
Qualification Course. He completed the Special Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson. tasks and acronyms that I didn’t understand. … I
Forces Advanced Reconnaissance and Target Analysis really didn’t know if I would make it, but the
and Exploitation Training Course, the Army Grosso served as the deputy commander of the 10th team here, the community and my Family all
Pathfinder Course, the Army Jungle Warfare School Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson. kept me on track,” he said.
and the Army Jumpmaster Course. Despite his accomplishments, Grosso said he Upon leaving Fort Carson, McLaughlin will
Throughout his career, Grosso served with knows the garrison commander position will come deploy to Afghanistan as the chief of staff for
several units, including numerous special operations with its own set of tests. U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.
forces units. He’s deployed overseas multiple times “Col. (Robert F.) McLaughlin and his team and In his final remarks, McLaughlin gave his
in support of operations Desert Storm, Iraqi the leaders of the 4th Infantry Division have prepared successor some encouraging words.
Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He also served in me for the ongoing projects and challenges,” he said. “Dave, I wish you the best of luck. I’m excited
Bosnia as part of operations Joint Endeavor and Grosso wants the community to know that he is about the future and what you and Maj. Gen.
Joint Guard; the Democratic Republic of Congo as dedicated to their needs. Anderson will accomplish together,” he said.
part of Operation Guardian Retrieval; and the former “I’ve been a Soldier for 30 years. I’m a father,” he “I’m extremely proud and honored to be a member
Republic of Georgia as part of the Georgia Train said. “I know the challenges and I’m looking forward of this community. Together, you have made Fort
and Equip Program. to working with the community to support Soldiers Carson ‘The Best Hometown in the Army —
Prior to taking over as garrison commander, and Families.” Home of America’s Best.’”
Lt. Dan Zoo holds EFMP event
returns
Exceptional Family Member Program entertainment, complimentary food and rides. Access
to the keepers and other staff will hopefully give
The Fort Carson Exceptional Family Member Families a night they won’t soon forget.
Program is working in partnership with the Cheyenne Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has provided the
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Mountain Zoo to participate in its eighth annual Fort Carson EFMP a limited number of invitations
perform Saturday at Ironhorse Park at Dreamnight at the Zoo June 1 to Dreamnight at the Zoo.
7 p.m. from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Due to the special nature of
Put on by the USO and the Directorate The invitation only, this event and the limited
of Family and Morale, Welfare and entrance-free evening at the zoo availability of invitations,
Recreation, the concert is open to all is exclusively for children with eligibility will be determined
Department of Defense identification card- critical or chronic illnesses, by EFMP staff based on
holders and their guests. children with disabilities and information documented in
“One of the goals of both our their parents and siblings. the EFMP enrollment.
organizations is to provide support to our Fort Carson EFMP Dreamnight started in
troops and Families through professional Families interested in partici- 1996 as a partnership
entertainment,” said Ann Edinger, chief, pating in the event should between the Rotterdam Zoo
DFMWR Events and Entertainment. “Gary’s contact Jessica Brown at and Sophia Children’s
work supports Soldiers and Families throughout 526-4590/6588 or email Hospital in the Netherlands.
the year through concerts and many other jessica.m.brown3.ctr@us. Since that time, Dreamnight
programs. We look forward to a great concert.” army.mil by May 29. at the Zoo has grown to
Follow weather updates and changes Children attending the become an international event
in location on Facebook at http://www. event are treated like VIPs, allowing them to get involving more than 240 zoos, wildlife parks and
facebook.com/CarsonDFMWR. a more intimate view of the zoo to include aquariums in more than 35 countries.
5. May 18, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 5
Wounded warriors reunite with formation
Story and photo by
Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
From left, Lt. Col.
Nicholas Palarino,
2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs commander, Rear
Office, 4th Infantry Division Detachment, 2nd
Brigade Combat
Their journey began approximately 10 Team, 4th Infantry
months ago in the Agrhandab River Valley, Division, leads Staff
near Kandahar, Afghanistan, when Staff Sgt. Sgt. Jason Searles,
Jason Searles, Sgt. Eric Trueblood and Pfc. Fort Carson Warrior
Jeffrey Brown sustained injuries during a Transition Battalion,
patrol, forcing them to leave their brothers- and Sgt. Eric
in-arms and return home. Trueblood and Pfc.
Jeffrey Brown,
The wounded warriors greeted redeploying
both assigned to
Soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th the San Antonio
Infantry Division, participating in their unit’s Medical Clinic
welcome home ceremony and returning to the Warrior Transition
formation, May 6. Battalion in Texas;
“It’s everything to me,” Brown said. “I to a formation
have been waiting on this for quite a while.” of redeployed
Due to their injuries, Searles completed “Warhorse” Soldiers
rehabilitation at Walter Reed National during a welcome
Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., home ceremony at
the Special Events
and recently transferred to the Fort Carson
Center, May 7.
Warrior Transition Battalion, while Trueblood
and Brown continue rehabilitation at San Antonio As the Warhorse Soldiers exited their plane, their Reuniting with their comrades on the flight
Medical Center in Texas. injured comrades welcomed the troops home with line, the wounded warriors joined the Soldiers in the
Searles said seeing his company back safe hugs and smiles. redeployment processing, reminiscing about the past
provided closure, and he welcomed the opportunity “It was really good to see them, and I couldn’t be and catching up on current events.
to reunite with his “Warhorse” Family. happier they are doing so well,” said Sgt. 1st Class Justin Following a safety brief, everyone loaded up on
“It was a great feeling seeing them come home,” Larson, platoon sergeant, Company C, 1st Battalion,
See Reunite on Page 8
said Searles. “It felt like I was coming back home, too.” 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd BCT.
6. 6 MOUNTAINEER — May 18, 2012
Miscellaneous Fort Carson dining facilities hours of operation
Supply class — The Command Evaluation and Dining facility Friday Saturday-Sunday Monday-Thursday
Training Team will hold a Unit Supply Operations Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
class Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the education Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
center, building 1117. The class will focus on the Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
Supply CSDP checklist and go over supply proce- Wolf Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
dures and trends. Contact Rene Ayon at 503-0172 or Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
email atrene.a.ayon.ctr@mail.mil to register. The Dinner: Closed Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
target audience is supply sergeants and clerks; supply
officers are welcome. Walk-ins will be accepted. Warfighter Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Self-Help Weed Control Program — Department of (Wilderness Road Complex) Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Defense regulations require training for people Dinner: Closed Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
applying pesticides on military installations. Units LaRochelle Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
interested in participating in the program must 10th SFG(A) Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
send Soldiers for training on the proper handling, Dinner: Closed Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
transportation and application of herbicides. Once
individuals are properly trained by the Directorate Directorate of Public Works services — DPW is building 381, conducts orientations Fridays from
of Public Works base operations contractor, responsible for a wide variety of services on Fort 12:30-3:30 p.m. The orientations discuss DLA
Soldiers can be issued the appropriate products Carson. Services range from repair and maintenance processes to include turning in excess property,
and equipment so units can treat weeds in rocked of facilities to equipping units with a sweeper and reutilizing government property, web-based tools
areas around their unit facilities. Weed control cleaning motor pools. Listed below are phone available, special handling of property and
training sessions for Soldiers are available the first numbers and points of contact for services: environmental needs. To schedule an orientation,
and third Monday of the month, May-September, • Facility repair/service orders — Fort contact Arnaldo Borrerorivera at arnaldo.
from 10 a.m. to noon in building 3708. Products Carson Support Services service order desk can be borrerorivera@dla.mil for receiving/turn in; Mike
and equipment will be available for Soldiers on a reached at 526-5345. Use this number for emergencies Welsh at mike.welsh@dla.mil for reutilization/web
hand receipt. Each unit may send up to five people or routine tasks and for reporting wind damage, tools; or Rufus Guillory at rufus.guillory@dla.mil.
for training. Call 492-0166 for more information. damaged traffic signs or other facility damage. Retirement briefings — are held from 8 a.m. to noon
Finance travel processing — All inbound and • Refuse/trash and recycling — Call Eric the second and third Wednesday of each month at
outbound Temporary Lodging Expense, “Do it Bailey at 719-491-0218 or email eric.e.bailey4. the Joel Hefley Community Center conference room,
Yourself ” Moves, servicemember and Family civ@mail.mil when needing trash containers, trash 6800 Prussman Ave. The Retirement Services Office
member travel, travel advance pay and travel pay is overflowing or emergency service is required. recommends spouses accompany Soldiers to the
inquiries will be handled in building 1218, room 231. • Facility custodial services — Call Bryan briefing. Call 526-2840 for more information.
Call 526-4454 or 524-2594 for more information. Dorcey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey.civ@ Reassignment briefings — are held Tuesdays
First Sergeants’ Barracks Program — is located in mail.mil for service needs or to report complaints. for Soldiers heading overseas and Thursdays for
building 1454 on Nelson Boulevard. The hours of • Elevator maintenance — Call Bryan personnel being reassigned stateside. The briefings
operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Dorcey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey.civ are held in building 1129, Freedom Performing Arts
office assists Soldiers with room assignments and @mail.mil. Center; sign-in is at 7 a.m. and briefings start at 7:30
terminations. For more information call 526-9735. • Motor pool sludge removal/disposal — a.m. Soldiers are required to bring Department
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club — The Fort Carson Call Dennis Frost at 526-6997 or email of the Army Form 5118, signed by their unit
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meets the third dennis.j.frost.civ@mail.mil. personnel section, and a pen to complete forms.
Tuesday of each month at the Family Connection • Repair and utility/self-help — Call Gary Call 526-4730/4583 for more information.
Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The SAMC is Grant at 526-5844 or email gerald.l.grant2.civ Army ROTC Green to Gold briefings — are held
open to all active members and those interested in @mail.mil. Use this number to obtain self-help the first and third Tuesday of each month at noon
becoming future SAMC members. The club was tools and equipment or a motorized sweeper. at the education center, building 1117, room 120.
originally a U.S. Forces Command organization of • Base operations contracting officer Call University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
elite noncommissioned officers but is now an representative — Call Terry Hagen at 526-9262 Army ROTC at 262-3475 for more information.
Armywide program for individuals who have met or email terry.j.hagen.civ@mail.mil for questions ETS briefings — for enlisted personnel are held the
the criteria and have proven themselves to be on snow removal, grounds maintenance and first and third Wednesday of each month. Briefing
outstanding NCOs through a board/leadership contractor response to service orders. sign in begins at 7 a.m. at the Soldier Readiness
process. Contact the SAMC president, Staff Sgt. • Portable latrines — Call Jerald Just at Building, building 1042, room 244, on a first-come,
Thomas Witt, at 526-5661 for more information. 524-0786 or email jerald.j.just.civ@mail.mil to first-served basis. Soldiers must be within 120 days
Command Evaluation and Training Team — request latrines, for service or to report damaged of their expiration term of service, but must attend
COMET provides commanders at all levels with a or overturned latrines. the briefing no later than 30 days prior to their ETS
responsive maintenance and supply assessment and The Fort Carson Trial Defense Service office — is or start of transition leave. Call 526-2240/8458.
training tool that improves the combat effectiveness, able to help Soldiers 24/7 and is located at building Special Forces briefings — are held Wednesdays in
readiness and efficiency of their units’ logistical 1430, room 240. During duty hours, Soldiers should building 1430, room 123, from noon to 1 p.m.
programs. The team identifies supply and mainte- call 526-4563. The 24-hour phone number for after Soldiers must be specialist to staff sergeant from any
nance weaknesses and problems, and provides hours, holidays and weekends is 719-358-3275. military occupational specialty, have a general
individual and unit reinforcement training based on Questions can also be submitted by email to technical score of at least 107, be a U.S. citizen, score
assessments. Results remain confidential for the unit FtCarsonTDS@gmail.com. Know your rights. 240 or higher on the Army Physical Fitness Test, and
commander only. COMET provides assistance in Legal services — provided at the Soldier Readiness pass a Special Forces physical. Call 524-1461 or
the majority of maintenance and supply management Processing site are for Soldiers undergoing the SRP visit the website at http://www.bragg.army.mil/sorb.
areas with one-on-one training, and by conducting process. The SRP Legal Office will only provide
follow-up visits. The team also conducts classes to powers of attorney or notary services to Soldiers Hours of Operation
help strengthen supply skills and improve mainte- processing through the SRP. Retirees, Family
nance readiness. Contact Tim Howarth at 503-3095 members and Soldiers not in the SRP process can • In-processing — Monday-Thursday from
or thomas.howarth3.ctr@mail.mil for information. receive legal assistance and powers of attorney at 7:30-10:30 a.m.
Recycle incentive program — The Directorate of the main legal office located at 1633 Mekong St., • Initial and partial issues — Monday-
Public Works has an incentive program to prevent building 6222, next to the Family Readiness Center. Friday from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
recyclable waste from going to the landfill. Legal assistance prepares powers of attorney and • Cash sales/report of survey — Monday-
Participating battalions can earn monetary rewards performs notary services on a walk-in basis from Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
for turning recyclable materials in to the Fort Carson 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays and • Direct exchange and partial turn ins —
Recycle Center, building 155. Points are assigned for Fridays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays. Monday-Friday from 7:30-11:30 a.m.
the pounds of recyclable goods turned in and every • Full turn ins — by appointment only; call
participating battalion receives money quarterly. Call Briefings 526-3321.
526-5898 for more information about the program. • Unit issues and turn ins — Call 526-
Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training 5512/6477 for approval.
BOSS meetings are — is held June 12-14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Education Center hours of operation — The
held the first and third the Family Readiness Center, building 6237, room Mountain Post Training and Education Center,
Thursday of each 104. This training is required for all Soldiers asked building 1117, 526-2124, hours are as follows:
month from 2-3:30 to perform this solemn duty. Per Army Regulation • Counselor Support Center — Monday-
p.m. at The Foxhole. 600-8-1, this duty is limited to those in the ranks of Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 11
Contact Cpl. Rachael sergeant first class to command sergeant major, a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Robertson at 524-2677 chief warrant officer 2-5 and captain and above. No • Army Learning Center — Monday-
or visit the BOSS office reservations are required to attend training. Classes Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
in room 106 of The Hub for more information. offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Jean • Defense Activity for Nontraditional
Text “follow CarsonBOSS” to 40404 to receive updates
Graves at 526-5613/ 5614 for more information. Education Support and Army Personnel
and event information.
Disposition Services — Defense Logistics Agency Testing — Monday-Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and
Disposition Services Colorado Springs, located in 12:30-4:30 p.m.
8. 8 MOUNTAINEER — May 18, 2012
MPs hold officer board
By 2nd Lt. Johnethan Mercer nominated junior officers to represent their units such as command supply discipline, command
759th Military Police Battalion standing before a board of the battalion’s most senior maintenance, Army programs, unit history and
officers, including the operations officer, executive current events. Board members then scored each
Leaders from 759th Military Police Battalion officer and battalion commander. candidate’s response based on knowledge, professional
implemented a new program to put junior officers to The battalion sergeant major scrutinized the demeanor and the quality of their reply.
the test, honing their leadership skills during the nominee’s Army Service Uniforms during a formal The board also graded the junior leaders on
battalion’s first officer of the quarter board. uniform inspection. their Army Physical Fitness Test scores and
“Historically, Soldiers and noncommissioned Board members quizzed candidates on topics weapons qualification.
officers have competed in monthly and To prepare for the board, candidates
quarterly competitions for the opportunity invested time in reviewing Army regula-
to represent their unit at the next higher tions and field manuals, and took advice
level,” said Sgt. Maj. Larry Orvis, 759th from their Soldiers and NCOs with
MP senior enlisted leader. previous board experience.
“These competitions bring out the best “I feel like the whole unit set me up
in Soldiers and NCOs, promote excellence for success. It was really a team effort,” said
and provide units with greater esprit de inaugural board winner 1st Lt. Amanda
corps, usually through rivalry.” Napolitani, platoon leader, 984th Military
Orvis said considering the benefits these Police Company, 759th MP Bn.
types of competitions bring to NCOs, it only Lt. Col. Christopher Burns, commander,
made sense to provide the battalion’s junior 759th MP Bn., said he will continue to raise
officers the same opportunity. the standard during upcoming boards to
“As the Army becomes more stringent intensify the experience for future contenders.
on promotions, specifically officers, there The battalion will conduct its next officer of
is no better way to set yourself apart than the quarter board competition this month.
by winning a battalionwide competition The junior officers will share and
amongst your peers” said Orvis. communicate the experience with peers,
For the battalion’s first competition enhancing the knowledge base, camaraderie
held in March, company commanders and leadership skills throughout the
battalion, he said.
“The sky is the limit, but our intent is
Officer of the quarter candidates from the to stress the importance of the direct
759th Military Police Battalion stand at attention leader; officer or NCO, (it) doesn’t matter.
as they are addressed by Lt. Col. Christopher I expect our junior officers to be striving
Burns, battalion commander and president of to be the best Soldier in their formations,”
the board, at the battalion headquarters. Burns said. “Our Soldiers should expect,
Photo courtesy of 759th Military Police Battalion and deserve, this from our leaders.”
Reunite other Soldiers when they come back.” 4th Inf. Div. to cover travel expenses Families and friends of Fort Carson.
from Page 5 Warhorse Brigade issued orders to to and from their current WTB. The Soldiers stood at attention as Lt.
authorize the temporary duty status of “They got me my orders to come Col. Nicholas Palarino, commander, Rear
buses taking them to the welcome home Trueblood and Brown, who were origi- here,” said Trueblood. “Everything is Detachment, 2nd BCT, led the wounded
ceremony at Fort Carson’s Special nally assigned to Company C, 1st Bn., paid for and covered, and I really warriors to the front of the formation
Events Center. 67th Armor Reg., so the Soldiers could appreciate it.” where three slots remained open.
All wounded warriors should go attend the ceremony at Fort Carson. Before the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Falling into the ranks with their
through the experience of seeing their “We made it a point to never forget Joseph Anderson, commanding general, fellow comrades, standing shoulder to
unit return and attend welcome home about them,” said Freeborg. “They 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, greeted shoulder, Searles, Trueblood and Brown
ceremonies, said Capt. Chris Freeborg, know they will always be a part of the the warriors with a firm handshake joined in singing the Army Song and
commander, Rear Detachment, 1st Bn., ‘Death Dealer’ family.” and a pat on the back, sharing his the 4th Inf. Div. March.
67th Armor Reg. Trueblood and Brown drove from gratitude for their service. “It was an honor and privilege to
“If it is not a tradition, it should Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in vehicles With songs of military pride playing, see them fall back into the formation,”
be,” said Freeborg. “The biggest impact specially modified by SAMC to the redeployed Soldiers entered the said Palarino. “Their recovery is always
these guys have — and I don’t think accommodate their injuries. The Death Special Events Center through a cloud on our minds, and we are glad to have
they realize it — is they really inspire the Dealers coordinated with 2nd BCT and of smoke to loud cheers from Soldiers, them back.”
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10. 10 MOUNTAINEER — May 18, 2012
Top tankers
compete in Story and photos by
Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public
Sullivan Cup Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT BENNING, Ga. — Fifteen four-man tank
crews from armor units spanning the globe competed in
the inaugural U.S. Army Sullivan Cup competition at
Fort Benning, Ga., May 7-10.
Two armor crew teams representing the 4th Infantry
Division and Fort Carson entered the contest to vie for
the honor to be the first of the Army’s best tankers.
The armor community intends to fashion the
Sullivan Cup after other prestigious Army competitions,
such as Best Ranger and Best Sapper, to test armor
Soldiers’ mental and physical strength and stamina, said
Lt. Col. Mike Bramblett, commander, 1st Squadron,
16th Cavalry Regiment, 316th Cavalry Brigade, out of
Fort Benning.
“Where these other competitions are mainly on
an individual, or at best, a buddy-team basis, the
Sullivan Cup is a competition between crews,”
Bramblett said. “It’s the crew interactions that make
this as competitive as it is, just as it’s the crew that
makes the tank as lethal as it is.”
The competition will also motivate armor Soldiers
to return their focus to core skills and training after
more than a decade of unconventional warfare, he said.
During counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and
Afghanistan, many armor troops spent deployments
conducting foot patrols, rarely setting foot inside a tank.
“I think it’s great for the Army,” said Sgt. 1st
Class Jason Mayfield, a competitor from 2nd Battalion,
A tank crew assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th 7th Infantry Reg., 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf.
Infantry Division, prepare to engage pop-up targets with pistols on a small-arms range during the Sullivan Div., out of Fort Stewart, Ga. “It’s tankers going back to
Cup competition, May 9 at Fort Benning, Ga. doing tanker stuff.”
Dr. Debbie Roubal DDS, P.C.
“We have one
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11. May 18, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 11
Staff Sgt. John Roberson, tank commander; Sgt. high-definition monitors hooked up to forward
Adam Maez, gunner; Spc. William Gunther, loader;
and Pvt. Darren Rejonis, driver; represented
“It was an honor to not looking infrared cameras — the same technology
used inside the tanks themselves.
Company D, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd BCT,
4th Inf. Div. Staff Sgt. Wilbert Martinez, tank
only compete with, but The night-fire challenge lasted to the early
morning, taking the competitors right into the final
commander; Spc. Kelly Murphy, gunner; Pfc.
Grant Hashimoto, loader; and Pfc. Ernest Shelton, to cheer for some of the day and the last task of the competition.
Targets popped up in the far distance, requiring
driver; represented Company D, 1st Bn., 66th Armor
Reg., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. best armor teams the the crews to use mounted machine guns and the
M256 120 mm main gun. During the main-gun
The Fort Carson teams registered and attended engagement, each team had five rounds to take down
a reception the day before the competition. The next
morning, the competition began with a physical
Army has to offer.” three targets in a timed event.
This was the favorite exercise of many of the
fitness test followed by the first main armor event: — Staff Sgt. Wilbert Martinez crews, including Roberson, the tank commander for
the maintenance heat. the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., team.
During the maintenance challenge, armor crews “This is what we came out here for, and this is
replaced an eight-block section of tank track marked who spent two months training for the competition. “I one of the main things we trained for,” said Roberson,
as nonserviceable on either an M1A1 Abrams or prefer driving an actual tank, though.” whose crew had one of the best runs of the day. “We
M1A2 System Enhancement Package Abrams tank. At the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, the shot the first target a second time before the tower
Graders scored the teams based on how quickly and Soldiers competed in simulated close engagement could confirm our kill on the first shot.”
safely each crew completed the task. scenarios such as building clearance and check While it was an impressive display of its
The armor crew from 2nd BCT, 1st Armored point defense. targeting skills, delayed reaction caused an increase
Div., out of Fort Bliss, Texas, placed first in the heat, Meanwhile, teams of tank commanders and in the team’s time, he said.
finishing the challenge in less than 30 minutes, more gunners tested on the Advanced Gunnery In the end, the team from 1st Battalion, 6th Inf.
than 12 minutes ahead of the runner-up. Training System, a computer-simulated tank range Reg., 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div., walked away with
“It’s not something you’re usually rushed to do, where the Soldiers worked together to eliminate first place, earning the cup and the prestigious Order
and there are a lot of little things that can go wrong,” computerized targets. of Saint George, bronze award.
said Sgt. Matthew Brandt, an armor crewmember The final simulation challenge brought the The Armor Branch selected Saint George, a
from 3rd Sqdn., 16th Cav. Reg., who served as the four-man crews together inside the Close Combat great knight of heavy cavalry, as their patron saint. In
safety observer for the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., team Technical Trainer, where armor crewmembers worked 1986, the U.S. Army Armor Association began an
during the event. “They tried a lot of different as a team to move through a virtual battlefield, award program to honor the very best of America’s
techniques, though, and really thought outside the box.” engaging multiple simulated enemies and targets. tankers and cavalry troopers. The award of knighthood
Completing the maintenance challenges, the The next series of challenges took the armor teams consists of four levels: black, bronze, silver and gold.
teams finished the first day of the Sullivan Cup with out of the simulators and put them back in the real While the crews from the 1st BCT and 3rd BCT,
gunnery skills training and the Armored Fighting world. Soldiers performed dismounted operations, 4th Inf. Div., did not fare as well as they had hoped,
Vehicle Identification exam. moving through a smalls-arms range, engaging pop-up they still get the honor of being among the top 15
On the second day of competition, retired targets representing both friendly and enemy forces. tank crews in the Army, said Staff Sgt. Wilbert
Gen. Gordon Sullivan, the nation’s 32nd Army During the scenario, the teams made their way to Martinez, tank commander for the 1st BCT team.
chief of staff, and namesake of the Sullivan Cup, a downed aircraft, recovered a casualty and sprinted “The Sullivan Cup was awesome,” Martinez
met with the competitors. back to a recovery point more than 140 meters away. said. “It was an honor to not only compete with, but
“I am enormously proud that somebody thought Following the buddy-fire exercise, teams conducted to cheer for some of the best armor teams the Army
enough of my service to put my name on that trophy, a small arms night-fire range and the first live-fire has to offer.”
but I’m even more proud of the Soldiers competing to tank-gunnery engagement. Roberson said he hopes that more crews will
win it,” said Sullivan, current president of the Spectators watched small red streaks of light attend the competition in the future using their own
Association of the United States Army, who served cross the dark terrain in the distance as thunderous tanks and equipment.
more than 36 years in active service after being booms pushed through the air around them. While “I am real proud of my crew,” said Roberson.
commissioned as an armor officer in 1959. standing on a hill overlooking the entire tank range, “They showed great teamwork out there, and I’m
After the briefing, the graders gauged the Families and supporters also viewed the action on two really glad they got to experience something like this.”
crews’ prof iciency
using tank and small
arms engagement
simulators. Both
loader and driver
navigated virtual
terrain in the Com-
mon Driver’s Trainer,
which required each
team to follow a
convoy under heavy
simulated fire.
“We don’t have
these types of simula-
tors back at (Fort)
Carson,” said Rejonis,
From left, Pvt. Darren
Rejonis, Sgt. Adam
Maez, Spc. William
Gunther and Staff
Sgt. John Roberson,
armor crewmembers
from Company C,
1st Battalion, 68th
Armor Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry
Division, affix an
eight-link section of
track to an M1A2
Abrams tank during
the U.S. Army Sullivan
Cup competition May
7 at Fort Benning, Ga.
