Capt. Joshua Howell, right, signal officer, and Spc. Eduardo Rincon, chemical Soldier, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, ignite tablets of CS gas in the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive gas chamber June 26, 2015. (Photo by Capt. Shaun T. Manley)

By Capt. Shaun T. Manley

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — Soldiers coughed and choked as they were given the order to break the seal of their protective mask in a gas chamber on Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

Soldiers of 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) gas chamber June 22-26, 2015.

“Conducting CBRNE tasks such as the gas chamber improves the Soldiers’ confidence in themselves and their equipment,” said Capt. Joshua Howell, signal officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th BSB.

The training allowed Soldiers of the battalion to familiarize and qualify on the process of donning their protective masks which is conducted and timed in several steps.

“Going through the (gas) chamber allows Soldiers to see the importance of properly sealing their masks and completing the associated tasks,” said Sgt. Magen Garner-Rizo, supply sergeant, HHC, 64th BSB. “As leaders, we have to ensure our Soldiers get qualified on their equipment, protective masks included.”

The chamber includes the use of CS tablets that are heated until they smolder. The smoke that fills the chamber replicates CBRNE contamination and usually results in temporary coughing, nasal drainage and irritation of the eyes and throat when exposed.

“As a (CBRNE) Soldier, it is my job to ensure that the chamber is prepared prior to the Soldiers entering,” said Spc. Eduardo Rincon, chemical specialist, HHC, 64th BSB. “The CS adds stress and realism to the training event.”

Once the group of Soldiers entered, they underwent a series of tasks ensuring the proper wearing and seal of their protective masks. Once all masks were checked by the range cadre, the Soldiers were ordered to break the seal of their masks, exposing them to the gases inside the chamber for an allotted time period.

“Most Soldiers don’t like having to take their masks off inside the chamber but understand the reasoning behind it,” said Cpl. Jeri Butterfield, supply sergeant, Company C, 64th BSB. “I think it makes us appreciate having protective equipment more, once going through the training event and being exposed to the CS.”

After the last group of Soldiers completed its chamber qualification, the team cleaned up the chamber and moved out to its next mission as the battalion continues its deployment in Southwest Asia.

“A lot goes into setting up and conducting this type of training but the outcome definitely makes it worthwhile,” said Garner-Rizo. “I was glad to be part of this training event and to be honest, enjoyed watching everyone in our battalion go through the chamber.”

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, center, addresses a large crowd in traditional Lithuanian dress during Statehood Day in Vilnius, Lithuania, Monday. Among those present for the celebration were the Mission Command Element, 4th Infantry Division, which is in Lithuania as part of Atlantic Resolve. The MCE Soldiers are part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on joint training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. (Photo by Sgt. James Avery)

By Sgt. 1st Class Jacob A. McDonald

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

NEMENCINE, Lithuania — U.S. Soldiers have often celebrated the nation’s independence far from home, but this year some shared their celebration with allies and friends in Lithuania.

About 80 Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Element, currently deployed to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, shared a bit of U.S. culture at a Fourth of July barbecue and learned about Lithuanian culture and history as the Baltic country celebrated its nation’s birth July 6, 2015.

Between the two days, Soldiers from both countries visited the oldest winery in the Baltic region, toured museums and historical sites, participated in celebrations and learned about each other’s nation.

“It’s always good to learn about our allies’ culture, customs and courtesies,” said Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Ramirez, fire support NCO, 4th Inf. Div. MCE. “We had a great time.”

During the barbecue, the sounds of American music filled the air while the colors of the U.S. flag decorated an area of the Gen. Adolfo Romanauskas Warfare Training Center in Nemencine, Lithuania, where the 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers worked. Lithuanian and MCE Soldiers played corn hole, tossed around a softball and enjoyed burgers as they mingled and got to know their military partners better.

“The Lithuanians enjoyed seeing some of the things we do for fun,” said Maj. Grant Brayley, information officer, 4th Inf. Div. MCE, who organized the barbecue.

On Monday, the U.S. Soldiers were honored to stand in formation in the plaza of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside some of their other NATO allies as the country kicked off its celebration with speeches, traditional music and dance, and military drill and ceremony demonstrations.

Following the Statehood Day celebrations, Lithuanian citizens thanked the U.S. Soldiers for being in their country and asked to take photos with the U.S. Soldiers.

As part of the cultural exchange, a group comprised of both countries’ armed forces traveled to the Anyksciu Vynas winery in Anyksciu, Lithuania, and to the nearby Lithuanian Horse Museum. They also attended an annual living archeology event at the country’s ancient capital of Kernave, Lithuania, and toured the archeology museum there.

“It was a good opportunity to understand our traditions,” said Capt. Darius Toleikis, information operations officer, Lithuanian Land Forces. “Each Soldier leaves us with some experience. I have learned lessons myself.”

Toleikis added he wished they had more time to share the vast Lithuanian history.

Brig. Gen. Mike Tarsa, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, who is heading the MCE, said the shared independence between the two nations is an important bond.

“(Maj. Gen. Almantas Leika, commander, Lithuanian Land Forces) has talked to me several times about how important freedom is, how important their independence is … and how important our enduring friendship is,” Tarsa said, adding that he was proud to spend the Fourth of July with the general and his team.

Sgt. Philip Plack, cavalry scout, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, sprints toward the finish line June 25, 2015, during the last of four Army Ten-Miler time trials for a chance to earn a spot on one of the Fort Carson teams. (Photo by Sgt. William Howard)

By Sgt. William Howard

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Fourteen Soldiers lined up at the starting line June 25, 2015 for the last of four Army Ten-Miler time trial runs and the chance to earn a spot on one of the Fort Carson teams.

“It’s a great race in Washington, D.C.,” said Maj. Lindsey Halter, commander, Company F, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, 224th Aviation Brigade, 11th Aviation Command. “It’s a beautiful day spent running in great weather with around 30,000 other people. It’s a terrific atmosphere and being able to represent Fort Carson is an honor.”

The Army Ten-Miler began Oct. 13, 1985, started by fitness officials connected with the Army Headquarters staff in the Pentagon. The race was originally led by staff assigned to the Pentagon with the logistic support of the Military District of Washington and was later reassigned to the Military District, where it is headed by a year-round, full-time professional staff.

“Since the inception of this race, Fort Carson has had a long history of participation with a lot of success,” said Lorri Martindale, fitness facilities manager, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. “The Fort Carson male team has won the commander’s cup for three years running.”

If the male team wins the commander’s cup again this year, it will be the first to achieve four straight wins.

Martindale said once the time trials are complete the fastest eight male and female runners are chosen to represent Fort Carson on eight-member male and female teams.

“We hope to have great teams again this year to show force for Fort Carson, and I think the outcome will be really good,” said Martindale, who’s organized the Fort Carson teams for 15 years.

Even though not all of the runners will make the teams, the time trials still serve as a personal challenge and team building exercise.

“We motivated each other. Every time someone passed me we cheered each other on, and every time I passed I did the same for them,” said Sgt. Philip Plack, cavalry scout, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “We didn’t run like we were trying to beat each other, we ran like we wanted to be better as a team. One team — one fight.”

Once the team rosters are approved by Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, the Soldiers will begin training together in preparation for the 2015 event scheduled for Oct. 11, 2015.

Soldiers and leaders of 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, tour a sea vessel June 25, 2015. The unit conducted a Sealift Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise and gained a better of understanding of port operations. (Photo by Spc. Gregory T. Summers)

By Spc. Gregory T. Summers

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, conducted a Sealift Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (SEDRE), June 24-25, 2015, moving from Camp Buehring to their port of departure.

To enhance overall mission readiness, the “Silver Lions,” with support from the 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, gathered their personnel, equipment and vehicles to embark upon their SEDRE.

“The purpose of the SEDRE is to validate our deployment capabilities, in particular our sealift capabilities,” said 1st Lt. Adam M. Campbell, battalion unit movement officer, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “We have conducted numerous deployment exercises in the past, but this is our first SEDRE and it is a great training event for our unit.”

The company assembled following the alert and quickly began loading some of the battalion vehicles onto 541st CSSB’s trucks for movement. Assembly and vehicle movement were the exercise’s first phase.

Together, Soldiers success­fully loaded a variety of tactical vehicles including an M88 “Hercules” Heavy Equipment Recovery Vehicle, M1 Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Humvees and a Shop Set Contact Maintenance Truck for convoy movement to the port.

“There is a lot of moving parts in an operation of this magnitude,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy Wilson, commander, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg. “(The SEDRE) is building expeditionary readiness capacity and developing our Soldiers and leaders for the future.”

Upon their arrival at the port, the exercise focus shifted onto the processes involved with staging equipment for movement and properly using all of the resources available at the port to rapidly deploy the Soldiers and equipment where needed.

“The training incorporates not just the loading but also the unloading of our Abrams and Bradleys,” Campbell said. “Our Soldiers have a better understanding of what it takes to deploy via sea and were able to get eyes-on and hands-on with the processes and equipment at the port.”

Soldiers of the 840th Transportation Battalion, 595th Transportation Brigade, oversaw the inspections and off-loading procedures of the equipment being shipped out. They also guided Soldiers and leaders of Company A on a tour of the port’s operations, a sea vessel and the port itself.

“Throughout each phase of this operation we worked with numerous external units, agencies and sister services,” said Wilson. “It was a great opportunity to create shared understanding with regards to roles and responsibilities, increase mission readiness across the force, and strengthen relationships.”

While testing and strengthening the company’s ability to rapidly deploy was the emphasis of the exercise, building and strengthening relationships with other units proved to be beneficial as well.

“The process for coordinating this training was very smooth,” Campbell said. “It was great to work with these other units, because they were very responsive with our timelines and requests. We’ve continued to build on that great partnership.”

Upon completion of the Sealift Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise, the Silver Lions moved their personnel and equipment back to prepare for the next mission.

“Completing this exercise is just an example of the expeditionary capability of this battalion and brigade combat team,” said Wilson. “We are a cohesive team and very fortunate to have this opportunity.”

Terry Dover, Butts Army Airfield operations supervisor and flight line driver training instructor, teaches flight line driver training to 4th Combat Aviation Brigade air crews and aircraft maintainers at the BAAF Flight Simulator Building on Fort Carson July 2, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault)

By Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault

4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Driving safely can be challenging; driving with more than 100 aircraft trying to take off and land at any point in time is risky business, if the driver is not knowledgeable of flight operations.

Butts Army Airfield Tower office held flight line driver training for 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, air crews and aircraft maintainers at the BAAF Flight Simulator Building on Fort Carson July 2, 2015.

“Flight Line Driver Training is familiarization training for personnel operating in and around the airfield,” said Terry Dover, BAAF operations supervisor and flight line driver training instructor. “We want any one working with aircraft and maneuvering around the airfield to do so safely.”

Dover said that this training is required and is necessary to keep Soldiers on the ground, and air crews safe when moving around BAAF.

“We have aircraft landing, hovering, and taking off all the time,” said Dover. “If a Soldier is not orientated to layout of the airfield, an incident could happen. An example would be a person unknowingly occupying a restricted area and an aircraft needs to make an emergency landing. We don’t always have the ability to contact that person and this training prevents these types of incidents from happening.”

The driver training is for operators of mechanized and self-propelled vehicles.

“The training is for anyone going back and forth to the aircraft,” said Dover. “This can be on four-wheeled vehicles similar to golf carts and military vehicles. But this also includes non-mechanized vehicles such as bicycles and even skateboards.”

Soldiers have to go through regular drivers training and must be qualified for whatever vehicle they are operating before attending the flight line driver course.

“Our driver training is mainly a risk management course,” said Dover. “Army Regulation 95-20, Contractors Flight and Ground Operations, governs this course. We teach orientation of the airfield, landing and nonlanding zones, and proper use of call signs to communicate with airfield command.”

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian Cawrze, AH-64 Apache pilot, Company A, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th CAB, said the training is important for airfield operations efficiency.

“Knowing airport signage, movement and non-movement areas, and operating areas prevents runway incursions and ground accidents,” said Cawrze. “The ability to maneuver around the airfield is very important to the maintainers because it allows them to do on-the-spot maintenance on aircraft if needed. It also allows air crews to get the equipment to the aircraft faster in case of emergencies.”

Engineers assigned to 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infan-try Division, employ an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) during a breaching training exercise July 9, 2015, at the Udairi Range Complex, Kuwait. (Photo by Spc. Gregory T. Summers)

By Spc. Gregory T. Summers

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

UDAIRI RANGE COMPLEX, Kuwait — Obstacles were no match for the engineers during a breaching training exercise July 9, 2015.

Engineers assigned to the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, employed an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) during their breach training at Udairi Range Complex, Kuwait.

“The MICLIC is one of the many assets the engineers have to assist them in accomplishing their mission,” said Maj. Christopher Giorgi, operations officer, 588th BEB. “It provides options to the commander for clearing obstacles standing between us and our objective.”

The MICLIC is a rocket-projected explosive line charge used to clear a path for personnel and vehicles through minefields or other obstacles.

During the training exercise, a wire obstacle was emplaced along the unit’s avenue of approach to an objective, creating a need for the engineers to react. After firing the rocket, extending the 300-foot nylon cord laced with 2,000 pounds of C-4 explosives, and detonating it, there was nothing left of the obstacle.

“The MICLIC was very effective in clearing a path wide enough for our Abrams tanks and other equipment to get through,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Tucker, squad leader, Company B, 588th BEB.

This system can be launched from a variety of assault vehicles, to include the M1 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) as it was during this exercise. It can also be towed into position and employed using a trailer.

The ABV also has a plow on the front of it, allowing the unit to push through any debris that is left in the way following the breach.

Building proficiency involved the unit not only using the MICLIC during the exercise but also incorporating other equipment assigned to them, to include the M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB).

The AVLB gives the unit a means to rapidly deploy tanks and other fighting vehicles across craters, anti-tank ditches and other mobility obstacles on the battlefield.

Giorgi said that this is not the first training exercise involving the use of a live MICLIC or AVLB for the Soldiers of the 588th BEB nor will it be the last.

“Prior to deploying, our brigade combat team went through an extensive training cycle at Fort Carson and included a rotation at the National Training Center (Fort Irwin, California),” said Giorgi. “Our Soldiers have had a lot of opportunities to become proficient on all of our engineer assets and will continue to train as we move forward.

Since deploying in February, the battalion has continued building competence and confidence in its Soldiers and leaders by continuously training on core competencies to include weapons qualifications, vehicle maintenance, vehicle operations, obstacle reduction, sustainability and survivability.

“As Soldiers, it is vital to train on our equipment and maintain an expeditionary mindset, as well as work closely with the combined arms battalions we will habitually support as combat engineers” said Lt. Col. Thomas Galli, commander, 588th BEB. “Continually training with our personnel and equipment gives us confidence in our ability to rapidly deploy and conduct any mission, anywhere.”

The first commander of the Division Artillery, 4th Infantry Division, in nearly a decade, Col. Michael T. Oeschger addresses the battalions assembled for the assumption of command ceremony on Founders Field July 10, 2015. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams)

By Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

The 4th Infantry Division welcomed Col. Michael T. Oeschger, the new commander of the Division Artillery, 4th Inf. Div., during an assumption of command ceremony at Founders Field July 10.

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony and welcomed the new commander, with whom he placed the charge of the DIVARTY colors and the Soldiers the colors represent.

“While the 4th DIVARTY has technically been activated for several weeks now, today’s assumption of command marks the official return of the DIVARTY as the division’s principal organization of fire support, integration and synchronization,” Gonsalves said. “This is a great day for this post, as we finally see the concept and goal of the 4th Inf. Div., as the only balanced division in our Army, realized.”

Oeschger and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Parsley are the division’s first artillery command team in nearly a decade.

The DIVARTY is a brigade-level element respon­sible for overseeing all field artillery units in the division, ensuring each unit receives the same standard of training. The field artillery unit is unique in its support to the 4th Inf. Div. as it provides fires support to a balanced array of light, armored, and Stryker units.

“With our 1st Stryker, 2nd Infantry and 3rd Armored brigade teams, and our 4th Combat Aviation Brigade — and as of yesterday our 4th Sustainment Brigade, and now today the 4th Division Artillery — it is a total package for the Army,” Gonsalves said.

Constituted Nov. 19, 1917, the Headquarters Battery, part of the 4th Field Artillery Brigade, served in World War I and then reconstituted and re-designated as the Division Artillery, 4th Inf. Div., for multiple campaigns in World War II and, again, later in Vietnam. This last redesignation in 1970 named the 4th DIVARTY the “Iron Gunners” and placed the mechanized field artillery unit at Fort Carson as part of the “Iron Horse” Division. With the realignment and downsizing of the Army force, the unit was reassigned to Fort Hood, Texas, Dec. 15, 1995, as, part of the 4th Inf. Div.

In December 2004, the transformation and restructuring of the 4th DIVARTY saw the inception of the Army’s first modular Fires brigade. On May 6 the unit was again redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, DIVARTY, and uncased its colors for the first time during a ceremony on Founders Field one week later.

Having served in a variety of field artillery assignments from company to brigade during his nearly 30 years of service, Oeschger arrives at the Mountain Post from his most recent assignment as a student at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa.

“Standing on this magnificent field in front of you are the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers of the best division artillery in the Army, the 4th Infantry Division’s DIVARTY,” he said to the Soldiers, Families and friends gathered for the ceremony.

“The Army recognized the importance of the DIVARTY and is bringing it back to ensure that our standards in training, certification, personnel management and development are of the highest caliber,” Oeschger said. “Our mission is to provide lethal fires to our maneuver brethren – period.”

Oeschger enlisted in the Army as an infantryman and is airborne and Ranger qualified. He served as weapons squad leader in the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and a light infantry platoon leader in the North Carolina National Guard before receiving his commission as a field artillery officer.

The DIVARTY commander also recognized his battle buddy and newest friend, the DIVARTY command sergeant major and his Family.

Since entering the Army in June 1989 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Parsley has held every leadership position from section chief to command sergeant major. He also served for two years in the Navy as an aviation boatswain’s mate on board the U.S.S. Saratoga from 1992-1994, and deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Parsley most recently served as the command sergeant major for 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery, at Camp Casey, South Korea.

“These battalions have long lineages in history and have lost Soldiers fighting our nation’s conflicts,” Oeschger said. “They have been led by amazing (brigade combat team) commanders and continue to be led by the finest Armor and Infantry commanders our country can produce; and I want to personally thank each of you for taking care of them.”

He said he looks forward to building and training the best DIVARTY in the Army.

“To the Soldiers and Families of this DIVARTY, my door is always open. If you see me and have a question, then ask. I am your commander and I stand ready to serve you in any way that I can.”

Oeschger closed the ceremony with the commanding general, standing in the reviewing box for a pass in review as the DIVARTY Soldiers left the field.

Col. Matthew Cody, incoming commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives the brigade colors from Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, during a ceremony at the Special Events Center July 8, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. Nelson Robles)

By Sgt. Nelson Robles

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Col. Matthew Cody assumed command of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a ceremony at the Special Events Center July 8, 2015.

Cody replaced Col. Brian Pearl, who commanded the brigade for 29 months, to include a deployment to Afghanistan and unit realignment.

“Whether it was Mountain Strike, the National Training Center (at Fort Irwin, California) or the mountains of Afghanistan, your enthusiasm, technical and tactical proficiency and great passion has drawn the admiration of every organization you’ve encountered,” said Pearl. “You are remarkable Soldiers and great Americans, and it’s been my honor to serve with you.”

As Pearl recognized the Soldiers in his ranks, he left parting words for Cody.

“You are inheriting a first-class organization with first-class talent at all ranks,” said Pearl. “I’m sure you will lead them to greater heights and achievements.”

Cody, a distinguished military graduate from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degrees in biology and philosophy, was commissioned as an armor second lieutenant. He also earned a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a master of military art and science degree from the School for Advanced Military Studies.

Cody most recently served as commander for the 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, and assistant chief of staff and operations officer for 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas.

His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, numerous campaign and service medals, the Ranger Tab and Parachutists Badge.

“The hallmark of this organization is this formation of physically and mentally tough Soldiers and leaders built on mission command, teamwork, discipline and fundamentals,” Cody said. “To that end, I will focus all my energy to serve the great Soldiers and Families of this brigade.”

As Cody assumed command of the 2nd IBCT, Pearl headed to the Pentagon to serve as the deputy chief of staff for Planning and Operations.

“Brian, your leadership and your service lived up to and exceeded every expectation that the Army and your Soldiers had of you,” said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. “I wish you the best of luck in the nation’s capital and in the Pentagon.”

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, outlines for local media outlets the impact of the Army’s announcement for force reductions to the Fort Carson, Colorado Springs and the greater Front Range communities, outside Mountain Post’s Gate 1 July 9, 2015. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams)

By Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Fort Carson will incur a minimal loss of personnel due to the Department of the Army’s force restructure plans.

Army officials announced the force structure decisions and stationing plans for the reduction of the active Army from 490,000 to 450,000 Soldiers, during a July 9, 2015, press conference at the Pentagon.

About 350 active-duty Soldiers are projected to be cut from Fort Carson’s force of approximately 24,000 Soldiers, said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson.

“We feel pretty special here at Fort Carson based on it is a reduction, and every person counts, but much less than what was anticipated and what other posts, camps and stations are having to deal with here in the very near future,” Gonsalves said.

The reduction consists of a 25-percent decrease of the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in line with the Army decision for all two-star and above headquarters to reduce the number of personnel assigned to division, corps and Army commands.

The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., will also be reorganized in line with the Army Operating Concept, and elements of the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) companies on Fort Carson, part of the 71st Ordnance Group (EOD), will also be affected by reductions.

The reduction of 40,000 Soldiers will occur through fiscal years 2016 and 2017 and represents a cumulative cut of 120,000 Soldiers from the active- duty Army, or 21 percent, since 2012. Cuts to the force will be accompanied by a reduction of about 17,000 Department of the Army civilian employees.

Fort Carson officials extend their continued gratitude to the Front Range communities for their selfless support to its Soldiers, Families and civilians as the Mountain Post works through future restructuring and possible sequestration, said Gonsalves.

“We truly appreciate the community support,” he said. “Fort Carson will continue to soldier and do all the great things and work within our community.”

As the Army implements its drawdown strategy to balance the force and sustain capability and readiness, the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson will treat all of its Soldiers and Families with dignity and respect while continuing to recognize their service and sacrifice, he said.

The commanding general said he will not speculate on any future force restructuring decisions, however, if sequestration occurs, every Army installation, including Fort Carson, has the potential to be impacted.

The mission of the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson is to provide the Army with mission-trained Soldiers for worldwide deployments. The 4th Infantry Division is the most balanced division in the Army, comprised of an armored brigade, a Stryker brigade, a light brigade, a sustainment brigade and an aviation brigade.

There is no more capable division in the Army, and the 4th Infantry Division remains ready to bring its diverse capabilities at the nation’s call, said Gonsalves.

Col. Ronald R. Ragin addresses his Soldiers for the first time after assuming command of the newly redesignated 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, during a ceremony at the Special Events Center July 9, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. Benjamin Kullman)

By Sgt. Benjamin Kullman

4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers assigned to the 43rd Sustainment Brigade assembled before Col. Anthony K. Whitson for one final formation at the Special Events Center (SEC) July 9, 2015.

Whitson relinquished command of Fort Carson’s 43rd SB to Col. Ronald R. Ragin in a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, which also redesignated the unit as the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.

Ragin previously served as commander, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (Delta), at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Whitson will assume the responsibility as the U.S. Army Materiel Command chief of staff at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

“It is with both great humility and excitement that I assume command of the 4th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade,” Ragin said. “As a member of the Army team for over 20 years, I have been enormously fortunate to engage with many sides of our great institution. I have seen how our military has transformed and adapted to meet the nation’s requirements.”

In addition to accepting the mantle of responsibility for the brigade, Ragin’s first official duty was to oversee the redesignation of the unit to the 4th SB. The change in unit name and organizational colors is part of the Army’s plan to realign autonomous sustainment brigades directly under divisions and integrate the sustainment unit into the overall 4th Inf. Div. command structure, which will allow the brigade to increase its direct support to 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers and units.

“In a very short time I’ve gained a profound appreciation and respect for the ‘Iron Horse’ Division and ‘Rough Rider’ Brigade — their history, their lineage and their sacrifice to keep our nation free,” said Ragin. “There is no finer community of dedicated, smart, innovative and capable sustainment professionals and warfighters devoted to solving some of the nation’s most complex security problems. I look forward to vigorously executing Maj. Gen. Gonsalves’ priorities, supporting my fellow brigade commanders, maintaining strong community bonds, caring for our Families and leading a world-class sustainment team of teams.”

During his time with the 43rd SB, Whitson supported six combat training center deployments, three exercises at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, provided more than 22,000 miles of heavy equipment transport for the 4th Inf. Div., executed more than 500 transportation lift movements and built and ran an installation materiel yard. He also oversaw the deployment of the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed two companies to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Whitson was inducted into the Fort Benning, Georgia, Officer Candidate School’s Hall of Fame and led the brigade in support of the local community during fires and floods.

“I (started) my command on a snowy day in December of 2013 at the SEC, when I took command after provisional command, so I might as well finish here,” Whitson said at the ceremony that was moved indoors due to inclement weather.

Whitson assured the Soldiers and Family members assembled before him that he will remember his time in command of the ‘Rough Riders’ fondly.

Sgt. 1st Class Todossii Short, lead master resilience instructor, Headquarters and Headquarters Battal-ion, 4th Infantry Division, teaches NCOs how to build connection with their Soldiers during a master resilience class at the HHBN Company Operations Facility July 13, 2015. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Rob Oson)

By Staff Sgt. Rob Oson

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, paused normal training activities to work on comprehensive Soldier and Family fitness by conducting master resilience training (MRT) July 13, 2015.

As part of the Army’s Ready and Resilient Campaign, the MRT program enhances the performance and improves the overall strength and resilience of Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians, said Sgt. 1st Class Todossii Short, lead master resilience trainer, HHBN.

Short instructed a class about effective praise and active constructive responding, a tenant of the overall MRT program, which leads Soldiers to develop coping skills and behaviors and increases an individual’s capability to handle life’s stressors.

“It’s one of the 14 master resiliency skills,” she explained to the Soldiers attending her block of instruction. “The primary target of that skill is connection. Connection builds relationships, and it builds a greater sense of belonging.”

Short discussed how fostering a Soldier’s sense of belonging helps to minimize a Soldier’s inability to cope with challenges.

The goal for leaders and Soldiers alike is to pay attention to each other, get to know each other and work together to address problems in the early stages.

“When they have someone they can share their positive experiences with in the workplace, or at home, it builds that connection; it strengthens that relationship and gives that Soldier a greater sense of optimism,” said Short.

Soldiers attending the training learned the importance of camaraderie, how to strengthen relationships with each other and the impact of building a team.

“I’ll try to talk to more people, to reach out and meet people more often, because it can make a difference,” said Spc. Alexis Powell, a human intelligence collector, HHBN, 4th Inf. Div. “Even just saying, ‘Hi,’ to someone instead of just walking by can mean a lot.”

The last class of the day thoroughly examined the Army’s Soldier Leader Risk Reduction Tool (SLRRT), and how the Army survey can facilitate a conversation between leaders and their Soldiers. The SLRRT easily identifies issues of concern and connects Soldiers to appropriate local and national resources when necessary, while enabling early intervention.

“I saw the effect suicide can have on a unit early in my career,” said 1st Sgt. James Middleton, Company C, HHBN. “It’s important for leaders to make sure their Soldiers know all of the resources available to help someone when they are feeling down.”

While Army regulations establish training requirements, some Soldiers believe topics such as suicide prevention and MRT will always have value.

“It’s so important, because (suicide is) so easy to prevent,” said Sgt. Patrick Jarvis, multichannel transmission systems operator, Company C, HHBN. “If we’re going to lose a Soldier, it should be on the battlefield not at home because they feel alone. All you have to do is let a Soldier know you care.”

It is important for everyone to remember help is available, said Middleton. If a Soldier, Family member or friend is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it is important for them to talk to someone about it.

No matter the problem, Soldiers should remember they are not alone, and there are always better solutions available, he said.

Soldiers can call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-235-TALK (8255), and press “1” if a veteran or current member of the military, or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Soldiers can also contact their chaplain or a Fort Carson behavioral health provider.

Then Col. Timothy J. Daugherty, deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, passes a coin to Retired Army Col. John “Jack” Madison during a surprise ceremony July 16, 2015, to honor Mad-ison for his actions during the evacuation of U.S. Embassy personnel and South Vietnamese from Sai-gon, Vietnam. Daugherty was promoted to brigadier general July 23. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

By Alexandra Flodin

Garrison Public Affairs Office

The last Army officer to leave the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, Vietnam, was honored in a surprise ceremony July 16, 2015, at the Valley Hi Golf Course in Colorado Springs.

Then Col. Timothy J. Daugherty, deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, spoke about Retired Army Col. John “Jack” Madison’s actions during Operation Frequent Wind and presented him a coin during the ceremony. Daugherty, who was promoted to brigadier general Thursday, was invited to honor Madison by The Argonauts, a group for local retired professionals.

Daugherty said it is important to recognize veterans because “when the nation calls, we are there.”

He said there is respect among the generations of veterans and today’s Soldiers can always learn from veterans’ experiences of past wars and conflicts.

“I think Jack will be surprised, but humble about (being honored during the ceremony); only about five people know what’s about to happen,” said Retired Air Force Col. Rick Schlegal, The Argonauts vice president.

Madison served as the chief of the four- party negotiation group that was outlined by the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, which started troop withdrawal from Vietnam that same year. He was stationed at the U.S. Defense Attaché Office in Tan Son Nhut Airbase, just a few miles north of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, when North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam, taking the country by force in just 55 days.

“I about got blown out of bed. The north Vietnamese decided to give us a final push out of there by rocketing the Tan Son Nhut airfield,” Madison said of the April 29, 1975, morning of the attack.

He said those morning rockets began Operation Frequent Wind, an evacuation plan that would last about 24 hours. Marine aircraft flew nonstop sorties between the embassy compound to awaiting U.S. naval ships in the South China Sea. Knowing that South Vietnamese persons found to have been working or supporting U.S. efforts would be killed or imprisoned in re-education camps, then U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin insisted they be evacuated as well. The helicopters were packed to capacity with workers and only two or three American personnel in attempts to save as many South Vietnamese as possible.

A few of the ambassador’s staff and military officers, including Madison, began the process of bringing in the nationals and organizing the airlifts to safety. Though the gates were closed and manned by Marine guards, the embassy grounds were surrounded by thousands of South Vietnamese, ranging from infants to the elderly, seeking refuge inside the compound.

“I had to tell them they couldn’t take any baggage with them, and we made them throw all their weapons in the pool, so it was quite chaotic,” Madison recalled. “I’m glad they didn’t leave us there like they had planned.”

Madison and his team were ordered to stay in Vietnam after the evacuations since his team was issued paperwork recognized by North Vietnam. After President Gerald Ford officially ordered the ambassador to finally board an aircraft for evacuation, the decision was made to take Madison’s team as well. His flight was one of the last.

As Operation Frequent Wind ended in the early hours of April 30, 1975, Marine pilots would log a combined 1,054 flight hours and complete about 682 sorties to safety. Madison and his team would help save more than 1,300 Americans and 5,500 South Vietnamese and foreign nationals.

“It was a really amazing moment for me to be a part of an event recognizing Col. Madison’s contribution to this country and service to the nation,” said Daugherty. “What he did in Vietnam is absolutely remarkable.”

Pfc. Michelle Leonard, food service specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, serves a main dish to Col. Gregory Sierra, brigade commander, as Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims, awaits his plate to judge during the Iron Strong Cook-off on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 9, 2015. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Grady Jones)

By Staff Sgt. Grady Jones

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — Red velvet napoleon with cookie drizzled in zest orange cream sauce, cream of potato soup served with tortilla cracker and southwestern home style seasoned steak served with mashed potatoes and seasoned spinach were a few of the dishes created by food service specialists during the Iron Strong Cook-off July 9-11, 2015.

The Company I, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, culinary team of Staff Sgt. Christopher Sprivey and Sgts. Michelle Mckinney, Francine Talley and Nicholas Davis took top honors in the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, event at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

“The purpose of this event is for our culinary specialists to demonstrate food service proficiency with field equipment while showcasing their culinary skillset,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Isaac Russell, 3rd ABCT food adviser.

The culinary specialists created their concoctions using a containerized kitchen (CK), a military field expedient kitchen. Battalion teams from across the brigade were given two hours to cook a meal fit for Soldiers using the available ingredients.

The Soldiers chopped and prepared food while a team leader provided guidance; teamwork proved to be essential to the culinary artists.

“I learned that members of my team work well together as well as on individual tasks,” said Spc. Sabrina Kriner, food service specialist, Company E, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion.

During the course of three days Soldier culinary teams created meals using three main ingredients: steak, potato wedges and corn. Soldiers used their creativity, along with garnishments and seasonings, while competing for top honors.

“My team is making steak fajitas, corn O’Brien, mashed potatoes and a Mexican salad as an appetizer,” said Spc. Tyler Carter, food service specialist, Troop D, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment.

The panel of judges consisted of 3rd ABCT Commander Col. Gregory Sierra; Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims; Carlos Ortiz-Sierra, safety officer; and Sgt. 1st Class Lavera Lane, maintenance — materiel branch sergeant, Directorate of Logistics-North, Area Support Group-Kuwait, U.S. Army Central.

“I want the judges to feel as if my team’s meal is something different, unique,” said Sgt. Jigme Dolker, food service specialist, Company F, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment. “I want them to remember our dish.”

Davis shared how the winning team came up with their menu.

“We took about two weeks to plan our meal,” he said. “We wanted to create a simple meal.”

Each team presented an appetizer followed by a main dish. Desserts were optional additions counted as bonus points.

“My team used red velvet cake to create our dessert,” said Pfc. Michelle Leonard, food service specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion.

Meals were rated in areas such as presentation, taste and proper preparation as each dish was presented to judges.

A self-declared “food nerd,” Sims told the culinary teams how food has helped him during his military career.

“I like to cook for my Family,” said Sims. “It’s therapeutic for me.”

The contest marked the first time competing in culinary arts for some of the Soldiers. The experience allowed for increased leadership abilities, Kriner said.

“I learned how to make tomato garnish from one of my NCOs,” Kriner said. “This experience helps prepare me to train and lead Soldiers in the future.”

Temperatures in the kitchen reached 131 degrees, but the battle-hardened and conditioned Soldiers held their ground and focused on the task at hand.

“In here it’s about 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature,” said Staff Sgt. Olivia Montgomery, food service sergeant, Troop D, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.

Culinary specialists are an important asset to overall mission success as Soldiers’ morale improves when they get hot meals during training events and contingency operations, said Sierra.

“Never confuse the importance of your job with its proximity to the front lines,” he said. “Being a culinary specialist is one of the most important and difficult jobs in the Army.”

Soldiers of Company A, 299th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infan-try Division, wait for a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from Company B, 2nd General Support Aviation Battal-ion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., during sling load training for the Rapidly Emplaced Bridge System July 9, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. William Howard)

By Sgt. William Howard

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers struggled to stand against the rotor wash from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter while enjoying the rare sight of a 45-foot, 11,000-pound bridge being lifted into the air July 9, 2015.

Soldiers of Company A, 299th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, partnered with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew of Company B, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., to sling load a Rapidly Emplaced Bridge System (REBS) to a gap crossing in the Fort Carson training area.

“Sling loading the REBS is unique, and we’ve learned from our training at the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site that there’s a lot of air assault operations within a Stryker brigade,” said 1st. Lt. Ryan Hall, platoon leader, Company A, 299th BEB. “This training gives us a new facet and new ability to help provide more mobility to the brigade.”

Spc. William Rundle, bridge crewmember, Company A, 299th BEB, said the REBS is typically emplaced using an M1977 Common Bridge Transporter and 26 steps are performed in about 20 minutes to launch the bridge.

“Normally deploying the bridge takes a lot of work and troubleshooting,” said Rundle. “With the bridge already on the ground and sling loading it in, I think this is going to be a lot easier than emplacing manually.”

Before transporting the REBS, the ground crew prepared a sling load by securing heavy cables and tie downs to the bridge. The CH-47 Chinook carefully lowered to just a couple feet over the heads of the Soldiers as they hooked the bridge to the underside of the aircraft.

“Both during hookup and emplacement, we’ll have ground guides and they’ll be giving us hand and arm signals which direct us,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan Ramsey, CH-47 Chinook pilot, Company B, 2nd GSAB. “We’ll also have one of the squad leaders on board visually watching everything that happens and providing feedback.”

The Soldiers successfully attached the REBS and then ran 100 meters off to one side as the helicopter slowly lifted off the ground with the bridge and flew to a nearby gap crossing without the help from an existing standard operating procedure (SOP).

“When you’re trying to do a gap crossing you have certain places it can go; there must be improved abutments on each side and the gap has to be a specific length. So right now we’re developing a marking SOP,” said Hall. “If this does become a standard, then it’s something we can provide to improve the capabilities of this type of bridge and bridging units across the Army.”

At the end of the day the sling load training was just as important for the helicopter crew as it was for the Soldiers on the ground.

“It’s pretty unique. We’ve never done this before. We’ve done bridges in the past but nothing like this specifically,” said Ramsey. “Every lesson learned will be passed along and potentially published in a specific SOP.”

Sgt. 1st Class Liela Cowhig, left, master fitness trainer instructor, U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, Fort Jackson, S.C., corrects the form of 4th Infantry Division Soldiers during a power skip exercise July 15, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. Nelson Robles)

By Sgt. Nelson Robles

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Instructors from the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School wrap up the second phase of the Master Fitness Trainer Course with 4th Infantry Division Soldiers July 24, 2015.

This two-week course, normally held at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, employed mobile training teams in an effort to reduce training costs and provide the force with more certified master fitness trainers (MFTs) to serve as unit advisers on physical readiness issues. The trainers will also be responsible for monitoring unit and individual physical readiness programs.

“This mobile training team allows us to come to an installation and work with people directly at their home station,” said Capt. Trevor Shirk, mobile training team leader, U.S. Army Physical Fitness School. “What’s great is (that) we can train Soldiers at the same gyms and facilities that they use daily.”

The two-phase course starts with a self-paced distance learning course taught online.

“They have to pass this in order to move into phase two, which is either a resident course at Fort Jackson or taught by a mobile training team,” said Shirk. “At the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School we have great equipment that we can expose them to, but then when they get back to their units they don’t have it. The reality is we are going to show them (how) to work with the equipment they have available.”

Although properly conducting physical readiness training (PRT) is a key piece of the training, being an MFT encompasses more than PRT.

“The MFT (course) encompasses becoming a stronger tactical athlete — how to optimize your performance, not just PRT,” said Sgt. 1st Class Liela Cowhig, NCO in charge of the mobile training team. “It also covers performance nutrition (how to properly fuel for individual training), physical readiness training program design (how to tailor training to the unit’s needs) and running form analysis.”

Certified MFTs are expected to increase Soldier physical readiness, decrease accession losses, reduce injury rates and standardize unit training in accordance with Army training doctrine.

“It’s about analyzing someone’s (running and lifting) form so that … you can ensure it is correct as opposed to waiting for them to get injured. It’s so important,” said Cowhig. “It’s more of a (prehabili­tation) approach instead of a rehab.”

Soldiers may be surprised at how much information is presented in the course.

“Fitness is something that has always been an interest of mine, and I’ve learned something new through each class,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Cody, platoon sergeant, 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. “This knowledge will actually make people master fitness trainers as opposed to NCOs conducting PRT. They will be able to better help Soldiers.”

Soldiers can talk with their training NCOs or visit the U.S. Army Fitness School’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/PhysicalFitnessSchool for more information.

1st Sgt. Jason Dickerson, right, Company A, 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regi-ment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, discusses repairs to be made on a U.S. Army UH-1 Huey July 12, 2015, with Spc. Adam Johnson, left, and Pfc. Ricky Gutierrez, both aircraft structural repairers with the 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th CAB, during a restoration project at Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault)

By Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault

4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

An everyday drive to work and a nasty storm led an aviation first sergeant on a yearlong journey to restore a piece of history important to the lineage of the Fort Carson aviation community.

1st Sgt. Jason Dickerson, Company A, 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, and aircraft structural repairers from 404th Aviation Support Battalion, all with the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, began work July 12, 2015, to restore the historical U.S. Army UH-1 “Huey” aircraft displayed at Fort Carson’s Founders Field.

Dickerson said he believes the Huey is a representation of 4th CAB to everyone who visits Fort Carson.

“After a really bad storm, I saw that the Huey was in really bad shape,” said Dickerson. “Founders Field shows a lot of history of 4th Infantry Division’s units, and the Huey is my unit’s representation. I just wanted to do as much as I could to give back to the aviation profession that I am very fond of, and this became a prime opportunity.”

Dickerson said only after obtaining permission from the 4th Inf. Div. historian and the help of the CAB’s Chief Warrant Officer 5 John Moseley, the brigade’s chief warrant officer, could they begin to restore a piece of the installation’s aviation history.

Dickerson said it was hard to get parts for an aircraft model that was used during the Vietnam era.

“Once we were given the green light to start the restoration, we started searching for parts everywhere,” said Dickerson. “I had to burn through about 18 years’ worth of favors and a year worth of searching to get all the parts before they get decommissioned in the next few years. It’s still going to take about two weeks’ worth of work spread out over time. Not to mention, the service manuals don’t really exist anymore.”

Sgt. Kelly Dunn, aviation structural repairer, 404th ASB, said she was motivated to volunteer to help restore the Huey because of nostalgic stories from an old mentor.

“I thought it would be interesting to work on a Huey,” said Dunn. “I had an old mentor who was a Huey mechanic that changed over to a Black Hawk mechanic. He used to tell me stories about them. So when this opportunity arose, I wanted to jump on board and be able (to) say that I’ve worked on a Huey.”

Dunn said of all the oppor­tunities for a Soldier to take pride in their profession, the Huey restoration project was her opportunity.

“Years down the road, I might be visiting Founders Field with my Family and it would be nice to say ‘I fixed that at one point in time,’” said Dunn.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno speaks to media July 23, 2015, at the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters. (Photo by Amanda McNutt)

By Sgt. William Smith

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno met with leaders July 23, 2015, during a visit to the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson to address challenges Soldiers face daily.

“As I make visits to different installations, I realize how busy our Army continues to be,” Odierno said. “As I stand here today, there are over 140,000 Soldiers deployed and forward stationed around the world doing a variety of missions.”

During the visit, the chief of staff of the Army met with company commanders and first sergeants to discuss the importance of taking care of Soldiers and maintaining a high state of readiness.

“As the CSA, the biggest fear that I have is we ask one Soldier to deploy who hasn’t been properly trained or is not ready to do their mission,” he said. “It is something that we should never tolerate.”

The Army has invested significantly in Family programs and will continue to do so, said Odierno, and it is vital to have the full support of Families as the Army faces changes to personnel numbers and the challenge of trying to bring peace and security to the world in a time when insecurity is growing rapidly.

1st Sgt. Michael Dills, Medical Company, Medical Department Activity, said he was humbled by the opportunity to engage the Army chief of staff.

“The CSA is trying to help us by reducing requirements in some areas to ensure we have time to focus on making sure all of our Soldiers are adequately trained and ready to deploy,” Dills said. “It is reassuring to hear how much he cares, and how he is trying to empower leaders as we face challenges heading into the future.”

Formerly the 53rd commander of the 4th Inf. Div., Odierno said he is proud of all the 4th Inf. Div. is doing right now with a brigade deployed to Kuwait and Jordan, Regionally Aligned Forces in Europe, a brigade that is preparing for Afghanistan and another getting ready to deploy to the National Training Center.

“There has never been a more important time in our Army for our Soldiers to continue to be focused, prepared and ready to do their mission,” he said. “We are trying to add as much predictability as possible for them so they have the ability to plan. For me, it is about us sustaining a high level (of) readiness that enables us to respond to events.”

Odierno said the Front Range community will continue to play a critical part in the success of the Army’s future missions.

“I am incredibly proud of the support that the 4th Inf. Div. gets from the surrounding community,” he said. “It is critical to our success, and it is critical to the future of our units as we continue to conduct the many operations.”

Capt. Todd Rossbach, commander, 59th Military Police Company, 759th MP Battalion, said it was surreal to be able to discuss the challenges he faces as a company commander with the Army’s highest ranking officer.

“After speaking with Gen. Odierno, I am excited about the transition period we are going through,” Rossbach said.

“I joined the Army because I wanted to make a positive impact in the world.”

Madeleine Daugherty, daughter of Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Daugherty, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, presents him a general officer pistol during his promotion ceremony on Founders Field July 23, 2015. Since about 1972, the manufacturer of the Army’s standard service revolver produces a special issue for general officers. The exclusive firearm has a slightly nicer finish and a serial number beginning with “GO.” Chief of Staff of the Army General Raymond T. Odierno, second from right, hosted the promotion ceremony for Daugherty at the Mountain Post. (By Sgt. William Smith)

By Sgt. William Smith

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson deputy commanding general was promoted to the rank of brigadier general by the Army chief of staff during a ceremony at Founders Field July 23, 2015.

Assisting the Army’s 38th chief of staff, Becky Daugherty pinned the new rank on her husband, Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Daugherty, who has served as the 4th Inf. Div. deputy commanding general since his arrival to the Mountain Post in May.

“Today is a great day for our Army,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, who commanded the “Iron Horse” Division from October 2001 to June 2004. “We are here to recognize a great leader and a great Family. Most people don’t understand how difficult it is to get selected as a brigadier general in the Army. When you start out from being a lieutenant, only 0.8 percent become general officers.”

Prior to arriving at Fort Carson, Daugherty served as executive officer for Headquarters, Department of the Army G-3 Operations at the Pentagon.

“Today we live in a very challenging and dynamic era where security requirements continue to grow around the world,” the CSA said. “We need leaders who can lead. We need leaders who are dynamic. We need leaders who understand how to be adaptive, innovative and capable of doing the important things that are necessary for us to be successful. We need leaders who are competent, committed and have incredible character — all of these define Tim Daugherty,” he said.

The CSA explained that in a few days Daugherty will be taking the most important position in trying to bring peace and security in Europe. Daugherty will serve as the commander for the 4th Inf. Div. Mission Command Element for the Regionally Aligned Forces mission in Europe. The MCE serves as an intermediate headquarters for U.S. Army Europe under the Army’s Regionally Aligned Forces concept. The 4th Inf. Div. is the first division-level headquarters to deploy to Europe as part of the RAF concept.

Daugherty’s Family — wife, Becky, and children, Madeleine, Katherine and Jacob — joined him for the promotion.

Katherine presented her father with a new beret adorned with his new rank, followed by Jacob and Madeleine, who gave their father, respectively, the ceremonial general officer belt and pistol.

The general officer belt dates back to 1843, when then Army Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall decided that all generals needed a belt when carrying side arms, except in combat.

During Daugherty’s 27 years as an Army officer, he has led in command at every position from platoon to brigade and deployed as a battalion and brigade commander.

“To the Soldiers on the field today, your presence is a tremendous honor,” Daugherty said. “To me, you represent every Soldier who I have ever worked with. They have given me an amazing effort and have inspired me to be the leader that you deserve.

“I have four keys to success. First, pick the right people to admire. Second, treat people well and have fun,” he said. “I firmly believe the only way you will have a unit perform at its very highest levels is if each Soldier believes that the leadership cares about them, cares about the mission and cares about their Families.

“Number three is simple: work hard,” he added. “So, simple as it may be, never let a lack of effort be a factor in whether you succeed or fail. Work hard and do your very best; you never know what might happen. The final key to success is Family.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, poses with Korean War veterans Saturday during a wreath laying ceremony at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, July 25, 2015. The ceremony was in honor of the 62nd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, which was signed July 27, 1953. (Photo by Sgt. William Smith)

By Sgt. William Smith

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

COLORADO SPRINGS — Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, honored Service members during a wreath- laying ceremony at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs July 25, 2015.

The wreath laying commemorated the 62nd anniversary of The Korean War Armistice Agreement. The agreement was signed July 27, 1953, signifying the end of what is commonly known as “Americas Forgotten War.”

In 1952 President Harry S. Truman spoke from the White House about the conflict.

“We have taught the enemy a lesson,” Truman said. “He has found out that aggression is not cheap or easy. Moreover, men all over the world who want to remain free have been given new courage and new hope. They know now that the champions of freedom can stand up and fight.”

Crosby said he was extremely humbled and honored to be able to address the veterans who have set the conditions which make our Army so strong today.

“As we commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the cease fire of the Korean

War, we pause to acknowledge and recognize you … those champions President Truman referred to, who undoubtedly halted that aggression against freedom over half a century ago.”

Crosby said he would like people to know that the service the military men and women gave during the conflict contributed in establishing the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, which has marked one of the forward lines of freedom in East Asia for the last 62 years.

“You deployed to a distant land in the name of a noble cause,” Crosby said during his speech. “You put your lives on the line not only for this country, but also the South Korean people. Your actions made the world a safer place and continue to shape and facilitate democracy in Asia and across the globe today.”

Retired Staff Sgt. Victor Santiago said he was humbled and honored to lay the wreath in memory of his fallen brothers.

“I want people to know what we sacrificed was not in vain. I want everyone to remember those sacrifices that we not only made but those of the Korean people — we are free because of it. Freedom belongs to everybody.”

Capt. Brett Weir, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, teaches a basic life support class to a group at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, July 18, 2015. The class focused on maintaining blood circulation, airway and breathing through the use of CPR and the proper use of automated external defibrillators. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class William Jackson)

By Sgt. Nelson Robles

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

COLORADO SPRINGS — Soldiers from 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, taught volunteers at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church basic lifesaving techniques July 18, 2015.

This four-hour certification course provides the church with first responders to medical emergencies that may arise during a service or church function by teaching proper CPR techniques and the use of automated external defibrillators.

“I’ve been a basic lifesaver (BLS) instructor for four years,” said Capt. Brett Weir, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th BSB and American Heart Association certified instructor.

“While I was deployed as the brigade nurse, I instructed the course to Service members from all branches and different nations. I’m a nurse by trade and BLS certification was a requirement to become a nurse. Becoming an instructor allows me the privilege of providing that knowledge to others.”

The course focuses on main­taining blood circulation, airway and breathing.

“We taught the class for people to become certified as basic life support providers,” Weir said. “The class went great. They were happy to be able to react and possibly save a life; they understand how important it is.”

The new partnership will continue to educate others to help save lives.

“I’m part of a medical ministry for our church, and I wanted our volunteers to be ready for any medical emergencies that happen,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Jackson, brigade medical operations NCO in charge, 704th BSB. “The more people prepared, the better.”

Sgt. Leonard Garcia, medic, 704th BSB, said he enjoyed being able to give back to the community.

“This is the first time I taught a class for civilians,” said Garcia. “I think it went well and I felt like they appreciated it. I became a medic to help people. It’s the reason that many of us joined, to help and protect the citizens of the U.S. We help our fellow Soldiers and also give back to the community.”