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Raider Mungadai builds trust to fight, win in complex world

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Soldiers and Family members with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, cheer on leaders from across the brigade as they finish the Raider Mungadai three-day leader certification Nov. 9, 2016, on Fort Carson. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

“Anybody who says this generation of young leaders is not fit or resilient enough for the threats of the future has not seen the company commanders in the ‘Raider’ Brigade.”

— Col. Curtis D. Taylor

Leaders with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, clear an area on Fort Carson, Nov. 9, 2016, during Raider Mungadai. Mungadai originates from the time of Genghis Kahn. It was his way of testing leaders in his elite Cavalry units, stressing them with demanding physical tasks, lack of food and sleep and assessing what kind of decisions they made under pressure. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

Leaders with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, clear an area on Fort Carson, Nov. 9, 2016, during Raider Mungadai. Mungadai originates from the time of Genghis Kahn. It was his way of testing leaders in his elite Cavalry units, stressing them with demanding physical tasks, lack of food and sleep and assessing what kind of decisions they made under pressure. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

By Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo

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

An “enemy recon force” has crossed the “international boundary” on Fort Carson and seized several areas of critical infrastructure in preparation for a larger attack. The Mungadai Platoon must identify key enemy positions and targets and get information to leadership with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, so they can plan their attack on the enemy.

The 1st SBCT held a leader certification, Raider Mungadai, Nov. 7-9, 2016, with commanders from across the brigade. Leaders had to work as a team to identify and defeat enemy recon elements, establish a secure zone for the brigade and utilize enablers to expand the zone.

Mungadai originates from the time of Genghis Kahn. It was his way of testing leaders in his elite cavalry units, stressing them with demanding physical tasks, lack of food and sleep, and assessing what kind of decisions they made under pressure.

“Leader certification is the essential prerequisite of mission command; without certifying our leaders we can’t build the trust that is necessary to fight and win in a complex world,” said Col. Curtis D. Taylor, commander, 1st SBCT.

Curtis and battalion commanders mentored and evaluated the candidates during the three-day event.

Company commanders began Mungadai with the usual Monday tasks of their company, such as physical fitness and maintenance of vehicles, but at 3 p.m. it was time to go to war with their fellow commanders.

Leaders with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, cover difficult terrain on a reconnaissance mission during Raider Mungadai on Fort Carson Nov. 9, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

Leaders with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, cover difficult terrain on a reconnaissance mission during Raider Mungadai on Fort Carson Nov. 9, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

“I have learned a lot more about the limitations of the human body then what I knew before,” said Capt. Thomas Daniel, incoming commander, Headquarters and

Headquarters Company, 299th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “What Col. Taylor was saying about the demands we put on our Soldiers, it is so much more real going out there and putting in the leg work yourself.”

The first night the Soldiers marched 15 kilometers carrying 55 pounds or more of equipment to a training area on Fort Carson and then set up a patrol base.

Day two started at 2 a.m. as the Mungadai Platoon had training lanes to go through — medical, air to ground integration, fixed site security and developing a recon plan. The lanes simulated real-word emergencies on each of these warrior tasks.

“We really shrunk the formation in regards to leaders so guys who I just knew as names on slides before are now peers and friends,” said Capt. Derek Johnson, forward support officer, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment. “I think it helps the efficiency of our brigade. We fight as combined arms so the engineers, the infantry, the artillery, the support all fight together. This exercise really brought all the important leaders shoulder to shoulder to start and finish together. I think that was really invaluable for the brigade.”

Capt. Thomas Daniel, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 299th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, loads a magazine prior to heading out on the first day of the Raider Mungadai on Fort Carson Nov. 7, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

Capt. Thomas Daniel, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 299th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, loads a magazine prior to heading out on the first day of the Raider Mungadai on Fort Carson Nov. 7, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

The last day was a reconnaissance mission traveling more than 7 kilometers on foot over difficult terrain and included three air insertions to identify enemy positions.

The last air insertion was to a training area close to the brigade, a short walk back to first sergeants and Soldiers who greeted their commanders with congratulations and a barbecue.

“Anybody who says this generation of young leaders is not fit or resilient enough for the threats of the future has not seen the company commanders in the ‘Raider’ Brigade.

I am beyond impressed with their heart and with their willingness to rise to a higher standard because that is what the Army expects of them as commanders,” said Taylor.

Leaders with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, load on to a UH60 helicopter during Raider Mungadai on Fort Carson Nov. 9, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

Leaders with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, load on to a UH60 helicopter during Raider Mungadai on Fort Carson Nov. 9, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)


Veterans Day: Soldiers showcase equipment, capabilities

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Soldiers with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) provide a parachute exhibit Nov. 8, 2016, at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)
Students try on protective equipment Nov. 8, 2016, during a Veterans Appreciation Day event at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

Students try on protective equipment Nov. 8, 2016, during a Veterans Appreciation Day event at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

By Capt. Stephen Sampson

1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

COLORADO SPRINGS — Operators demonstrated the capabilities of a Stryker fighting vehicle and two Humvees during a Veterans Appreciation Day at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School Nov. 8, 2016.

Cheyenne Mountain Elementary faculty members expressed their appreciation for the support they received from the Fort Carson Soldiers.

Students and faculty climb into a Buffalo Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle provided by 576th Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, during a Veterans Appreciation Day at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School Nov. 8, 2016. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

Students and faculty climb into a Buffalo Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle provided by 576th Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, during a Veterans Appreciation Day at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School Nov. 8, 2016. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

“It was a great opportunity to garner a relationship between the school and Fort Carson. It was a complete success,” said Eric Paugh, principal, Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School. “The kids loved it.”

The students took advantage of the opportunity to talk with each other through the headsets, while wearing improved outer tactical vests, and working with the remote weapon system.

In addition to the Stryker and Humvees from the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, the 576th Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, provided a demonstration on the RG-33 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle and bomb-disposal robots. The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) exhibit included parachutes, radios and dive equipment.

“Today was a great day for the Soldiers to get out and show the students about some of the equipment we use. It was a good experience for everyone, and it helped continue the bond between Fort Carson and the community,” said Sgt. Cody Yinger, infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn. 38th Inf. Reg.

Staff Sgt. Arturo Franco, platoon sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, demonstrates communication capabilities Nov. 8, 2016, at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

Staff Sgt. Arturo Franco, platoon sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, demonstrates communication capabilities Nov. 8, 2016, at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

A student sits in the driver seat of a Humvee from the 1st Battalion 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a Veterans Appreciation Day Nov. 8, 2016, at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

A student sits in the driver seat of a Humvee from the 1st Battalion 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a Veterans Appreciation Day Nov. 8, 2016, at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Sampson)

‘Rough Riders’ honor Veterans Day

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Col. Ronald R. Ragin, center, commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and Retired Air Force Tech Sgt. Leonard Anderson, left, military working dog handler, lead a 4-mile ruck march with Soldiers of 4th SB Nov. 10, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. David Freydin)

By Sgt. David Freydin

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

In the modern era it is said that history is becoming a fading memory.

At the same time, many Soldiers experience less stressful lives than their previous counterparts, who, through their selfless service were able to set the favorable conditions of current military life.

“It can be easy to forget the hardships we’ve been through as a nation, an Army; which is why remembering and honoring those who came before us is more vital than ever,” said Col. Ronald R. Ragin, commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

“Rough Riders” from the 4th SB did just that Nov. 10, 2016, coming together for a Veterans Day remembrance.

Led by Ragin and a special guest veteran, Soldiers from 12 companies that make up the brigade met at Pershing Field at 6:30 a.m. to conduct a ruck march in honor of the holiday.

After 4 miles of weaving in and out of Fort Carson roads with 35 pounds on their backs, they gathered to listen as Retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leonard Anderson, military working dog handler, spoke about his military experiences.

“There are a lot of veterans who have sacrificed everything and have not been as lucky as me and you,” said Anderson, who participated in his first ruck march since he had his arm amputated after an improvised explosive device explosion in 2012.

Anderson said he was supposed to be in the hospital for eight months, but he got out in two.

“It was a very challenging time in my life,” he said. “I could have been depressed or gave up on myself, but I was reminded that others have had it a lot worse. When you are faced with adversity or pain, it’s absolutely necessary to keep a positive mentality. If they did it, so can you.”

Following the morning activities, the Soldiers and their Families convened at the National Guard Readiness Center (NGRC) in Colorado Springs.

Lt. Col. Robert Le’iato, commander, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th SB, reminded Soldiers about the importance of Veterans Day.

“As we break bread with our loved ones, remember that this couldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the tireless work of the veterans before us,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Charles Arnold, transpor­tation management supervisor, Head­quarters and Headquarters Company, 4th STB, 4th SB, came with his son to the potluck at the NGRC.

“Events like this, (where) we can share with our Family and remember the veterans before us, are really great,” he said.

Noting the brigade has several upcoming deployments, Ragin said he wanted to take the Veterans Day mentality into the fight.

“Being a warrior is in your heart,” he said. “As many of us begin to deploy … we need to stay strong and get the mission done just like veterans before us have always done.”

Armored brigade begins movement to Europe

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Soldiers with 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stage tactical vehicles for loading on to trains at Fort Carson Nov. 7, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

Soldiers with 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stage tactical vehicles for loading on to trains at Fort Carson Nov. 7, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

By Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor

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

The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, has begun its movement to Europe, loading the first trains that will send a heavy brigade’s worth of tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and other equipment overseas in support of Atlantic Resolve.

“Iron” Brigade Soldiers, led by 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, with the help of 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., began to stage and load vehicles and containers at the railhead Nov. 7, 2016, to kick off operations that ultimately will send more than 2,000 pieces of rolling stock to eight countries in central and eastern Europe.

“A movement of ABCT assets like this from the United States into Europe hasn’t occurred in decades,” said Capt. Kenneth Kloeppel, railhead officer in charge and a unit movement officer for 1st Bn., 66th Armor Reg. “It’s huge for this type of brigade effort to unite and lean forward with this mission.”

Spc. Ishwar Bartraula, water treatment specialist, Company A, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, locks down a container to a palletized load system while helping stage tactical vehicles for loading onto trains at Fort Carson Nov. 7, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

Spc. Ishwar Bartraula, water treatment specialist, Company A, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, locks down a container to a palletized load system while helping stage tactical vehicles for loading onto trains at Fort Carson Nov. 7, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

The full set of equipment will arrive in Bremerhaven, Germany, and then move by rail, commercial line haul and military convoy to Poland, where 3rd ABCT will consolidate before dispersing units to Germany and across six other countries from Estonia to Bulgaria.

The ability to mass and move heavy equipment rapidly will be an integral part of the brigade’s mission to provide an increased U.S. Army presence across Europe. The 4,000-Soldier ABCT will contribute to and strengthen the NATO alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities.

“During our nine-month rotation, we’ll routinely exercise, mass and move throughout the European theater to refine our ability to maneuver an armored force across alliance member states,” said Warrant Officer 1 Abraham Rosales, 3rd ABCT mobility officer. “The first example of this will be our arrival to Bremerhaven and demonstrating our ability to move all of our equipment to Poland within a couple of weeks of the equipment’s arrival to Germany.”

The first leg of this movement — rail operations at Fort Carson — will persist over the next month.

“There are a lot of moving pieces, checks and balances, inspections, etc., to ensure that the mission runs smoothly,” said Kloeppel. “There were a lot of things that took place to get to this point. We performed meticulous equipment maintenance and had inspections at the lowest level all the way to the top. Everything gets accounted for and we label hazardous material accordingly.”

Once the equipment clears final inspection, it is moved onto rail cars.

“It is necessary to have all paperwork for these vehicles done properly so that we can move them onto the rail cars,” said Sgt. 1st Class Freddy Drayton, motor transport operator and platoon sergeant, Company A, 64th BSB. “The Soldiers are trained and prepared to do their mission up to standard. It’s an opportunity for them to take on leadership roles and gain more experience on a bigger scale because this is a huge mission. I applaud them for being motivated, for knowing what to do, how to do it and executing. None of this happens without them.”

The 4th SB is also providing vital support, not only at Fort Carson but when the equipment will be transferred from trains to sea vessels at a port in Texas and again when it arrives in Germany.

“We are providing mainly maintenance and recovery as well as fuel support for them before they go overseas,” said Capt. Charles Pearson, plans officer, 4th SB, who has served as a liaison between his brigade and the 64th BSB.

Kloeppel is confident the movement to Europe will go well.

“We have a lot of continuity within the battalion and the brigade,” he said. “We have Soldiers and leaders who have experience with loading equipment on the railhead through previous operations, including when we transported our equipment to the National Training Center (at Fort Irwin, California) a couple of months ago, and for our deployment last year to the Middle East.”

A Soldier with the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guides a heavy expanded mobility tactical truck onto a rail car during the brigade’s rail-load operations on Fort Carson Nov. 8, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

A Soldier with the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guides a heavy expanded mobility tactical truck onto a rail car during the brigade’s rail-load operations on Fort Carson Nov. 8, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

Leadership conducts site survey in Poland

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Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, left, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, speaks with Col. Christopher R. Norrie, commander, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., about different range capabilities during their predeployment site survey at Camp Karliki, in Zagan, Poland, Nov. 3, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. William Tanner)

By Sgt. William Tanner

24th Press Camp Headquarters

WROCLAW, Poland — When it comes to strategic planning for a deployment, there are several factors that need to be considered: open space for training, living quarters for personnel, hygienic facilities and even the transportation of equipment to and from the site. Everything must be planned out and accounted for in order for the mission to be successful.

Leaders assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, took these factors into consideration as they conducted a predeployment site survey in Poland Nov. 3, 2016.

“This predeployment site survey is part of the U.S. commitment to deterrence here in Europe,” said Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, who leads the 4th Inf. Div. Mission Command Element for Atlantic Resolve in Baumholder, Germany. “It’s the first of consecutive nine-month, what we call ‘heel-to-toe,’ rotations of our armored brigade combat teams.”

Besides conducting site surveys in Poland, where 3rd ABCT will operate from multiple training areas, brigade leaders also visited future operational sites in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Germany during their 10-day trip from their home station at Fort Carson.

Each of the training areas that will house the “Iron” Brigade’s Soldiers is built up to varying degrees, from austere living conditions to installations with complete amenities. An emphasis is being placed on living and operating as their allied counterparts do.

Atlantic Resolve is a U.S.-led effort being conducted in Central and Eastern Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region. The upcoming “heel-to-toe” deployments, starting with the 3rd ABCT, signal the beginning of a change in U.S. and NATO policy as allied forces start to focus more on deterrence.

“The United States has committed to rotating consecutive ABCTs into Europe nine months at a time,” Kamper said. “This is where the ‘heel-to-toe’ phrase has come from: where there are no gaps between armored brigades in Europe.”

The rotations throughout Europe will demonstrate the continued U.S. support of its NATO allies while simultaneously allowing Soldiers to bilaterally train with their foreign counterparts.

“The Polish, from national leadership down throughout their military, are great partners and are very committed to anything we need to bring our ABCT into western Poland,” Kamper said. “There will be many training opportunities over the next couple of months between the Polish and the U.S.”

404th ASB conducts TOC exercise

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A CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, delivers a supply container to the Soldiers of 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th CAB, during a tactical operations center exercise conducted in the Fort Carson training area, Oct. 17-21, 2016. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Erin Williams)

Soldiers assigned to 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, unload a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th CAB, during a tactical operations center exercise conducted in the Fort Carson training area Oct. 17-21, 2016. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Erin Williams)

Soldiers assigned to 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, unload a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th CAB, during a tactical operations center exercise conducted in the Fort Carson training area Oct. 17-21, 2016. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Erin Williams)

By 2nd Lt. Erin Williams

404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

Providing critical support to an aviation brigade can be challenging. Simultaneously conducting a field exercise including sling-load operations increases the challenge.

The 404th Aviation Support Battalion Soldiers did just that in the Fort Carson training area Oct. 17-21, 2016.

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters Support Company, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, deployed roughly 75 Soldiers and staff members during the tactical operations center exercise (TOCEX).

Starting with an early morning vehicle convoy, the unit moved necessary equipment and personnel out to the location where Soldiers would set up their battalion tactical operations center and conduct critical training on the battalion’s battle drills, validate tactical standard operating procedures and verify the unit’s mission essential task list.

“It is imperative that we train as we fight,” said Lt. Col. James Barber, commander, 404th ASB. “Conducting this training event afforded us the oppor­tunity to validate our procedures and collectively train on our battle drills.”

As the battalion prepares for upcoming training, this exercise serves as the second phase of the Army’s “crawl-walk-run” training model and incorporates the staff functions.

“Possessing the ability to deploy and establish our operations center in a tactical environment is a critical task,” said Maj. Toshihide Sasaki, executive officer, 404th ASB. “After completing this exercise we have proven our ability to not only do this but also learned some valuable lessons as to where we can improve to maximize our efforts and abilities.”

After establishing the TOC, which included the primary staff functions, a functional medical aid station and a mobile dining facility, known as a combat kitchen, with the capacity to provide hot meals to the troops. The site also included a maintenance tent and company command post providing mission control over the exercise.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of this exercise, starting with the convoy out and ending with a fully operational operations center,” said Capt. Jason Dingbaum, commander, Headquarters Support Company, 404th ASB. “The goal was to validate our process of deploying and establishing a TOC, and I am confident that we met that intent.”

While in the field, the unit focused on multiple mission essential tasks, one of them being conducting and supporting sling-load operations.

Coordination for a CH-47 Chinook helicopter was completed, affording the unit a delivery of critical supplies to the training areas. The cargo helicopter crew with support from Soldiers on the ground successfully delivered the supply container and then conducted a tactical movement of numerous Soldiers.

“It was great to be able to get out to the field and conduct realistic training with actual aircraft,” added Sasaki. “Some of these Soldiers had never even been in a Chinook before, so that was a great opportunity for them.”

Once the training objectives were met, the TOC was taken down and packed, but the training was not complete.

A convoy back to the unit head­quarters was followed by the beginning of recovery operations.

“To ensure the readiness of our unit, it is important that we train hard and also that we factor in time to recover the equipment that we heavily rely upon,” said Dingbaum. “By properly taking care of ourselves and our equipment, we will ensure our readiness to complete any mission.”

The Soldiers are better prepared to move through the battalion’s upcoming training progression, according to Barber.

“I am proud of the competence and professionalism displayed by all our Soldiers throughout this exercise,” said Barber. “It better prepares them for the upcoming training events which will include full-scale operations including a battalion-level field training exercise.”

Kosovo mission more than security

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Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conduct a support-by-fire training exercise during their deployment to Kosovo. (Photo courtesy 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division)

By 2nd Lts. Alexander Cullen and Jason Dvorak

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

KOSOVO — Decisive-action training at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California; peace support operations at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC), Hohenfels, Germany; and nine months of operations and sustainment training have kept 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, busy over the last year.

Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Company A, 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg., 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, currently deployed to Kosovo, have balanced operations in crowd riot control, enforcement of the Military Technical Agreement between NATO and Serbia and United Nations Security Resolution 1244 with multiple platoon and company decisive-action training exercises.

After NTC, the battalion deployed to JMRC in Hohenfels where its Soldiers received additional training on crowd riot control and peace support operations. Unique to the event was the integration of the battalion’s first multinational soldiers with the attachment of Albanian and Romanian rifle companies.

“JMRC was really difficult because we are used to only working with other Americans. By having the Albanians and Romanians, it really tested our communication,” said Pfc. Christina Meadows, forward command post intelligence analyst, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg. “However, it was a really great experience, and I learned a lot from it.”

Crowd riot control (CRC) training taught Soldiers to maintain close-quarter discipline while aggressors threw live Molotov cocktails, rocks and rolled tires at packed lines of Soldiers. The Soldiers learned firsthand the value of the riot line and not to become emotionally charged while they dispersed or captured the instigators.

“CRC is very important in an area like this,” said Sgt. 1st Class Seth Taylor, platoon sergeant, Company A. “It enables us to use minimal force in order to prevent civilian injuries during a riot.”

The battalion then deployed to Kosovo where Soldiers quickly became familiar with the 400-kilometer mountainous administrative boundary line between Serbia and Kosovo. While this was more akin to normal operations for the Soldiers, it was still grueling foot patrols with the Serbian armed forces through mountainous terrain followed by long hours in observation posts.

As the Soldiers from Company A were conducting patrols and security, the battalion headquarters provided mission command for German, Hungarian and Polish rifle companies and integrated officers from Romania, Hungary, Switzerland and Denmark into the staff.

“Working as a multinational unit gave U.S. Soldiers the opportunity to experience other countries’ planning procedures, tactics and training,” said Capt. Patrick Hughes, forward command post operations officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company. “Our multi­national partners brought a wealth of understanding and experience to the unit. Without their contribution, the forward command post could not have succeeded in its overall mission.”

In the city of Mitrovica, home to some of the most intense ethnic conflicts in the country, the Soldiers of Company A played an integral role in ensuring safety for local citizens as well as aiding them in strengthening their country and public institutions.

“The citizens here in Kosovo have been through a lot of hard times, and it’s important for us to keep a safe environment for them,” said Pvt. Ernest Gibson, Company A. “You can tell they really appreciate us here, because almost everywhere you go people are happy to see you.”

Kosovo offered many training opportunities for Soldiers across the battalion to maintain readiness in decisive-action operations and enforce the importance of interoperability with other NATO forces.

“As a light infantry battalion, one of our key mission essential tasks is to conduct offensive operations,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Ehrhart, commander, 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg. “One of the most difficult types of offensive operations is to conduct an air assault to seize an urban area against a near peer competitor.”

Ehrhart said the complexity of the operation increases when adding partnered operations with other NATO members, citing different levels of training, equipment and experience.

“The training really tested our planning process, staff integration, interoperability and communication. It was a rare opportunity and a great success.”

Despite the intensity of missions and a multitude of training events, many of the Soldiers enjoyed the experience of living and operating with such a diverse group of international allies and partners.

“Working with the multinationals really made me see that there are several different ways to do things,” said Sgt. Genaro Lopez, Company A. “Our way may not always be the best. It is important to keep an open mind and to learn from our multinational partners. This way we are continually improving ourselves.”

The battalion’s Soldiers are scheduled to return to Fort Carson later this year.

Donahue receives 1st star

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Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division stand in formation during the Nov. 21, 2016, promotion ceremony for Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. (Photo by Antonio Francis)

 

By Staff Sgt. Diandra J. Harrell

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

A 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson deputy commanding general was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony at Founders Field Nov. 21, 2016.

Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue received his first star during the ceremony officiated by Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command. Devon Donahue pinned the new rank on her husband, who has served as the 4th Inf. Div. deputy commander since his arrival to the Mountain Post in August.

“This is a huge day for Chris Donahue and the Donahue clan,” said Thomas. “It marks the culmination of 24 years of extraordinary service in the most demanding positions in our Army and joint force.”

Donahue’s previous assignments include director of operations for Joint Special Operations Command and a special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also led platoons in Korea; Fort Polk, Louisiana.; and 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Following Thomas’ speech, the master of ceremonies called Donahue forward and published the orders as he was flanked by his wife and their five children.

Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, receives the first artillery shell fired during his promotion ceremony to brigadier general Nov. 21, 2016, at Founders Field. (Photo by Antonio Francis)

Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, receives the first artillery shell fired during his promotion ceremony to brigadier general Nov. 21, 2016, at Founders Field. (Photo by Antonio Francis)

During Donahue’s 24 years as an Army officer, he has led in command at every echelon, from company to brigade, and has deployed 15 times in support of operations in Afghanistan and throughout the Middle East.

“To the NCOs, officers and civilians in formation and who helped put this together, thank you for honoring us today with your professionalism,” Donahue said. “I do understand your presence on the field represents the trust and faith you have in Army leaders and the trust and faith that we (as leaders) have to earn every day. Hold me accountable and each time you see me let me know how I’m doing.

“To the 4th Infantry Division and our great separate formations out in front, thank you … what you do every day is amazing. Thank you for letting me be a part of your ranks.”

After thanking Family and friends, Donahue acknowledged the Soldiers and leaders on the field one last time.

“And again, to the men and women out there in formation, I know you love being out there, but I also know that I have to earn this promotion and that’s my promise to you,” said Donahue. “Steadfast and Loyal, Iron Horse.”


Salute to Service: Halftime show honors service to nation

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Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Spencer Ware enjoys time with Mountain Post Soldiers during pregame activities at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Nov. 27, 2016. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

By Walt Johnson

Mountaineer staff

Fort Carson Soldiers joined members from each of the nation’s military organizations stationed in Colorado during the annual Denver Broncos Salute to Service game Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

The final NFL military appreciation event of the season, sponsored by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), provided tickets and a pregame tailgate for 200 military members.

Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, second from left, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, talk with former U.S. Marine Marcus Burleson who was injured while serving the nation in Afghanistan. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, second from left, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, talk with former U.S. Marine Marcus Burleson who was injured while serving the nation in Afghanistan. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

Mountain Post Soldiers arrived for the event around 3 p.m. to take part in practices that warmed up a chilly stadium when the game began at 6:30 p.m. As the pregame ceremonies were taking place, Denver Broncos’ and Kansas City Chiefs’ players eagerly greeted the military members as they came on to the field for pregame warmups. The NFL players said they wanted to show their appreciation for the sacrifices and the outstanding work the nation’s military does on a daily basis.

The pregame activities let the Soldiers know what their role would be during the halftime military appreciation ceremonies. The military members convened for a brunch inside the stadium where they received commemorative medallions and camouflaged hats.

The day held special significance for Warrant Officer Eric Mason, who said his father was a lifelong Broncos fan, and he could think of no other team he would rather be on the field with than Denver. He said the memory of this day will stick with him for quite some time.

“When I got stationed here at Fort Carson, I thought it was great that I would finally get to see the Broncos play,” he said. “To be able to be a part of the Salute to Service activities is like a cherry on top of the cake for me. I am so looking forward to halftime when we go on the field to be recognized. I don’t think you will be able to take the smile off my face for months. I never dreamed of this as a child, but if I did, this would be exactly the way I would’ve dreamt it to be.”

Garrison Commander Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., second from right, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burton lead a line of Fort Carson Soldiers to meet a Denver Broncos player during pregame activities Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

Garrison Commander Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., second from right, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burton lead a line of Fort Carson Soldiers to meet a Denver Broncos player during pregame activities Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

“We are the proud sponsors of military appreciation day since 2011,” said Kent Fortune, vice president of the USAA Colorado Springs campus.

“We do this to make sure (the military members) know how much we and the fans of the NFL and the Broncos appreciate what (they) do for our country. This is our way to let (them) know we appreciate what (they) do each day and the sacrifices that (they and their) family make to serve our great country,” Fortune said.

Denver Broncos President Joe Ellis offered his heartfelt thanks to the military community during the brunch prior to the game.

“Thank you to all of you for being here today,” he said.

Fort Carson Soldiers pose for a photo with members of the Denver Broncos’ cheerleading team at halftime of the Salute to Service game Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

Fort Carson Soldiers pose for a photo with members of the Denver Broncos’ cheerleading team at halftime of the Salute to Service game Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

“This is one of my favorite games of the year. November is a great month around the NFL as military members get recognized, and you should. Tonight we play a game, but what you do every day is important and we are ever grateful for your service.”

The military members were greeted by a thunderous ovation from Broncos’ and Chiefs’ fans as they walked onto the football field for the halftime show. Former Broncos’ great Billie Thompson presented a ceremonial game ball to Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., garrison commander, who along with Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. David Burton, led the Fort Carson contingent onto the field.

 

Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., garrison commander, receives a ceremonial game ball from former Denver Broncos legend Billie Thompson during Salute to Service halftime activities Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. Fitch and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. David Burton, third from left, led the Fort Carson Soldiers onto the field to be recognized for their service at the halftime of the military appreciation game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Soldiers were among 200 Colorado service members honored during the National Football League’s final Salute to Service game of the season. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., garrison commander, receives a ceremonial game ball from former Denver Broncos legend Billie Thompson during Salute to Service halftime activities Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. Fitch and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. David Burton, third from left, led the Fort Carson Soldiers onto the field to be recognized for their service at the halftime of the military appreciation game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Soldiers were among 200 Colorado service members honored during the National Football League’s final Salute to Service game of the season. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

 

Carson gives back for Thanksgiving

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From left, Pfc. Jonathan Curtis, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Ornelas and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Davis cut and prepare turkeys Nov. 22, 2016, at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy. The trio was part of a 25-Soldier team that volunteered to prepare holiday meals during this year’s Salvation Army holiday meal effort. (Photo by Scott Prater)

 

By Scott Prater

Fort Carson Mountaineer

Fort Carson’s Culinary Academy kitchen bustled for more than 48 straight hours Nov. 22-23, 2016, as 25 Soldier volunteers cooked, cut and prepped turkeys, starches and vegetables for a grand Thanksgiving Day meal.

This is the 27th year that Fort Carson culinary specialist volunteers have partnered with the Colorado Springs Salvation Army to provide holiday meals for roughly 3,000 community members.

“The biggest challenge has been getting all these birds in and out of the oven,” said Sgt. Mark Scozzafava, culinary NCO at Fort Carson and five-year veteran of the Salvation Army holiday meal effort. “It’s just been a constant rotation, but we’ve got the system down pretty well now.”

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, serve Thanksgiving dinners at the Colorado Springs Salvation Army Nov. 24, 2016. Fort Carson Soldiers volunteered their time to prepare the holiday meal. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams)

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, serve Thanksgiving dinners at the Colorado Springs Salvation Army Nov. 24, 2016. Fort Carson Soldiers volunteered their time to prepare the holiday meal. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams)

The volunteers worked around the clock in eight-hour shifts to prepare 350 turkeys, 50 pounds of potatoes and 50 pounds of green beans.

A lot of labor went into the preparation. Culinary specialists did all of the cooking, basting and seasoning before cutting the turkeys into portions and prepping them for storage and delivery.

“We’ve got a big group of dedicated culinary specialists who all volunteered for this task,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Davis, culinary NCO. “All of the credit for this effort goes to them. They are the people putting in the work to get this food prepared and delivered on time.”

All of the turkeys, vegetables, potatoes and stuffing was donated by local entities. The culinary specialists prepared the meals, Salvation Army volunteers handled pickup and delivery, and Fort Carson leaders helped serve the dinners at the

Salvation Army locations on Thanksgiving Day.

“I’m just glad there is something we can do as Soldiers to give back to the community,” Scozzafava said. “Every time we go down to help serve, there are so many people giving hugs and saying thank you. It really makes it all worthwhile.”

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby laced up aprons and served community members during holiday meal festivities Thanksgiving Day at the Salvation Army Colorado Springs location.

Culinary specialists unload frozen turkeys at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy Nov. 18, 2016. Fort Carson volunteers prepared 350 turkeys, 50 pounds of potatoes and 50 pounds of green beans for the Salvation Army Thanksgiving meal. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

Culinary specialists unload frozen turkeys at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy Nov. 18, 2016. Fort Carson volunteers prepared 350 turkeys, 50 pounds of potatoes and 50 pounds of green beans for the Salvation Army Thanksgiving meal. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

“We really appreciate the opportunity to help out with folks who are less fortunate than us, but also to give back to the community that gives back to us,” Gonsalves said. “The Colorado Springs community has been very gracious to us.”

It marked the second consecutive year that Gonsalves served meals to community members as part of the partnership and the first for Crosby.

“This is a big impact to show our Soldiers giving back to the community,” Crosby said. “It’s going to affect people’s lives all day. We saw our volunteers this morning and thanked them for their exceptional work, selfless service, volunteerism and giving back to people who are not so privileged, so that they can have a nice hot meal on Thanksgiving day.”

Soldiers help students gear up for winter

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Soldiers from the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, help Abrams Elementary School students find new coats Nov. 4, 2016, at the school located on post. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tre Marris)

By Sgt. 1st Class Tre Marris

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

The winter season in Colorado can be bitterly cold at times and often requires extra layers of clothing in order to keep warm. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a good 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Faculty from Abrams Elementary School on Fort Carson teamed up with Soldiers from the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Nov. 4, 2016, to outfit school children with jackets.

Cpl. Kelly Nguyen, signal support systems specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps second-grader Madelayna Canez try on a coat Nov. 4, 2016, at Abrams Elementary School. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tre Marris)

Cpl. Kelly Nguyen, signal support systems specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps second-grader Madelayna Canez try on a coat Nov. 4, 2016, at Abrams Elementary School. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tre Marris)

“This was a fantastic oppor­tunity for the school as a whole,” said Debbie Jones, art teacher and school liaison with Koats for Kids, a local organization that donated the coats to the school. “To be a part of this is humbling, knowing how many people in the community are willing to give coats and help the kids.”

As part of the program, the students drew pictures of themselves doing something they enjoyed and, in turn, the drawings were given to donors as a reward for their donation.

Being able to help the children proved to be more than just a volunteer opportunity for one Soldier.

“One of the kids I was helping out humbled me because he said he had never had a new coat before,” said Cpl. Kelly Nguyen, signal support systems specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th BSB. “It was nice knowing it was doing something for a specific person rather than an organization.”

Spc. Christopher Karssen, radar repair specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps second-grader Fernando Pedrego try on a coat Nov. 4, 2016, at Abrams Elementary School. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tre Marris)

Spc. Christopher Karssen, radar repair specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps second-grader Fernando Pedrego try on a coat Nov. 4, 2016, at Abrams Elementary School. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tre Marris)

Jones said it is always nice to see Soldiers come to the school and give of their time.

“Seeing the looks on the kids’ faces when they have one or both parents in the military, and then seeing the Soldier there helping them, it was amazing,” Jones said. “Having the number of Soldiers show up that did was just overwhelming. We are fortunate that we are on Fort Carson and have that kind of access to them to come out and help.”

Nguyen said she is going to continue volunteering and would encourage others to join the volunteer effort.

“Take every opportunity the Army gives you,” Nguyen said. “It gives you a chance to do something outside of the Army and get involved with the community.”

4th SB welcomes new CSM

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Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza, center, outgoing 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, command sergeant major, addresses Soldiers with the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th SB, prior to the brigade’s change of responsibility ceremony Nov. 21, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Cortez)

 

By Sgt. 1st Class John Cortez

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

Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza relinquished responsibility of the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, to Command Sgt. Maj. Demetrius Brown during a ceremony Nov. 21, 2016, at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center.

The ceremony officially marked the changeover of the “Rough Rider” Brigade senior NCO.

Image and pull quote by Command Sgt. Maj. Demetrius BrownBrown comes to Fort Carson from Fort Riley, Kansas, where he last served as the command sergeant major for Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as a brigade command sergeant major,” Brown said. “To all the Soldiers and leaders within the 4th Sustainment Brigade, I’m ready. I’m ready to raise the bar Command Sgt. Maj. Garza has set so high. This brigade has a long history of great leadership, and I will strive every day to continue that history.”

Col. Ronald R. Ragin, commander, 4th SB, thanked Garza for his service to the brigade.

“For the last 17 months, I’ve had the privilege and honor of serving with the leading example of a strong sergeant,” said Ragin. “Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza (is) a leader of high character, a leader committed to something that is greater than himself, a leader guided by a higher calling, a leader of extremely high values … a Soldier of Soldiers. Thank you Command Sgt. Maj. Garza for a job well done.”

From left, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza; Col. Ronald R. Ragin, commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division; and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Demetrius Brown stand at attention during the brigade’s change of responsibility ceremony Nov. 21, 2016 at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Cortez)

From left, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza; Col. Ronald R. Ragin, commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division; and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Demetrius Brown stand at attention during the brigade’s change of responsibility ceremony Nov. 21, 2016 at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Cortez)

Garza was quick to thank the 4th SB Soldiers, civilians and Family members for their hard work and support during his time as the brigade’s command sergeant major.

“We are asking more out of our Soldiers at this time in our military history than ever before,” Garza said. “Anyone who is anyone in the military knows you cannot win in the crucible of combat without the continuous sustainment support from sustainers. I am very proud of each and every one of you, and, from the depths of my heart I thank you Rough Riders.”

During Garza’s tenure, he witnessed many changes within the brigade including the redesignation from the 43rd Sustainment Brigade to the 4th SB, 4th Inf. Div., as well as the imple­mentation of 4th SB’s campaign plan, “We are Only as Strong as Our Sergeants.”

Tanks put on rails for Europe driven by safety

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Sgt. Arnulfo Ramos, M1A2 Abrams tank crewman, Company B, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secures the chains on a tank after it was loaded onto a rail car at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016. , 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

By Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor

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

Safety was a prime concern during railyard operations Nov. 15, 2016, as Soldiers from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, began loading the first tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles onto rail cars for movement to Europe.

The 3rd ABCT is the first armored brigade to send its heavy equipment to Europe from the United States since the 1980s, and putting more than 2,000 pieces of rolling stock — particularly tracked vehicles — onto trains is no easy task. But as the first tanks rolled up to train cars narrower than their cargo at the railhead at Fort Carson, the loading task went smoothly and efficiently thanks to strict safety measures implemented by the brigade.

An M2A3 Bradley fighting vehicle crew from Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secures its vehicle to a rail car at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

An M2A3 Bradley fighting vehicle crew from Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secures its vehicle to a rail car at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

“The biggest thing that we do to maximize safety is to have the proper amount of ground guides,” said Capt. Kenneth Kloeppel, officer in charge at the railyard and a unit movement officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, which oversaw the brigade rail-load operations.

Putting those ground guides in the right position also is key, said Kloeppel. For example, as a Bradley drove up onto one train car, he pointed out that the ground guide would move to the next car to ensure a safe standoff from the heavy equipment.

Pvt. Lafayette Johnson, indirect fire infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, inspects a rail car before an M1A2 Abrams tank is loaded onto a train at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

Pvt. Lafayette Johnson, indirect fire infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, inspects a rail car before an M1A2 Abrams tank is loaded onto a train at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

“At no point are any of the ground guides walking backwards. On the side, additional ground guides are present,” said Kloeppel. “They are there to ensure the vehicles don’t veer off the track. There are various safety personnel who are present and will continue to ensure we are holding up to standard.”

A week prior, 3rd ABCT Soldiers sent off more than 600 pieces of equipment, mostly support and maintenance vehicles, by train to a seaport in Texas.

But the loading of trains from Nov. 15-19, 2016, marked the movement to Europe of the first armor combat vehicles, including tanks, Bradleys, Paladin self-propelled artillery and mortar carriers.

Beyond safety measures, Soldiers focused specifically on vehicle maintenance before, during and after rail loading to ensure readiness as soon as the equipment arrives in Germany.

Pfc. Tanner Nigh, M1A2 Abrams tank crewman, Company A, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, inspects chains securing his tank to a rail car at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

Pfc. Tanner Nigh, M1A2 Abrams tank crewman, Company A, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, inspects chains securing his tank to a rail car at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

“The most important thing to do when you’re dealing with moving vehicles for shipment is to ensure you conduct maintenance on them to standard,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Avila, a squad leader and Bradley commander for Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment. “It can take a lot of time to get a vehicle up and running without proper maintenance. That’s the biggest issue we try to avoid.”

This is particularly true for 3rd ABCT, which conducted nearly two months of intense field training in the months leading up to its deployment in support of Atlantic Resolve.

“When you move the vehicles off road or through the desert, it wears on the vehicles,” said Avila. “That is why maintenance is one of the key elements to our mission. We’ve trained hard for this mission, and our equipment is just as ready as our Soldiers.”

Spc. Alexzander Boehmer, right, an M2A3 Bradley gunner, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guides his vehicle onto the rail platform at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

Spc. Alexzander Boehmer, right, an M2A3 Bradley gunner, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guides his vehicle onto the rail platform at Fort Carson Nov. 15, 2016, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

The brigade ultimately will set up operations in eight countries spread across central and Eastern Europe, as U.S. Army Europe increases its presence across the region to help strengthen NATO’s defense and deterrence measures. Although Atlantic Resolve has been ongoing since 2014, 3rd ABCT’s deployment marks the beginning of what is being termed “heel-to-toe” rotations of heavy brigades sent from the United States

“So far there aren’t any safety concerns,” said Spc. Alexzander Boehmer, M2A3 Bradley gunner, Troop A, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. “Overall, it’s a steady process, and safety is key. We have a briefing every morning.”

Logisticians lead way for deployment

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“4th (Sustainment Brigade’s) main objective … is to deploy expeditionary and help generate combat power …”

— Col. Ronald R. Ragin

By Sgt. David Freydin

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

Combat and explosions come to many people’s minds when they think of the Army, but one of the most important elements on the modern-day battlefield happens completely behind the scenes.

It’s not as glamorous and often overlooked, but for troops to be successful the logistics element must equipment, personnel and finance to successfully accomplish the mission.

The 4th Infantry Division recognizes the importance of logistics in the ever-changing and uncertain environment and called upon the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., to assist in its Exercise Iron Horse Challenge (EIHC) command post exercise (CPX) Nov. 15-18, 2016, at the Mission Training Complex on Fort Carson.

Image of logo“The purpose of the exercise is to assist 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team for its upcoming deployment to Europe and validate our emergency deployment readiness,” said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Bush, tactical command post NCO in charge, 4th SB. “Even though there are no real moving units in this exercise, we still need to prepare for every possible scenario and execute as if we were actually in theater.”

The 3rd ABCT will send roughly 4,000 Soldiers and equipment to Europe this winter and will be the first heavy brigade to serve as part of continuous nine-month armor rotations in support of Atlantic Resolve, the Department of the Army announced Nov. 3, 2016.

“4th SB’s main objective in EIHC is to deploy expeditionary and help generate combat power for 3rd ABCT,” said Col. Ronald R. Ragin, commander, 4th SB. “To get this accomplished, we will synchronize everything, continuously update data, put out the most accurate information possible, project all movement and provide the most up-to-date analysis possible.”

To help meet Ragin’s intent, Soldiers within the tactical command post spent nearly two weeks preparing for the CPX; one week setting up the area of operations and another focusing on executing tactical operations.

With a surplus of oversized maps, projection screens, laptops and whiteboards filling a tent, Ragin said that even though he has the utmost confidence that 4th SB will get the job done, anticipating things on the battlefield can be difficult and will require a lot of discipline and attention to detail.

“We had to do a lot of research and preparing for the exercise,” said Sgt. John Mondragon, petroleum supply specialist,

Headquarters and Headquarters Com­pany, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th SB. “I have to make sure those in combat get their supplies and track supply requests. Executing this requires knowing a little about everything.”

Simultaneously, Soldiers with the 152nd Movement Control Team, 4th STB, were participating in Operation Iron Horse Load and moving supplies such as tanks, Bradleys and other vehicles onto vessels for 3ABCT’s deployment.

“Crosstalk has been great between us and the 4th Infantry Division,” said Bush. “Because of their support and constant updates, we’ve been able to successfully execute at every stage. I am confident this exercise will set the conditions for 3rd ABCT and future missions to succeed for the next four years.”

 

 

Brigade makes quick work of loading equipment

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Soldiers with the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, provide fuel to vehicles from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., during rail-load operations at Fort Carson Dec. 2. The 68th CSSB has provided logistical support since 3rd ABCT began loading its entire set of equipment onto trains Nov. 5, 2016. (Photo by Capt. Scott Walters)

By Capt. Scott Walters

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

With the temperature dipping below freezing and snow starting to fall, a typical Colorado December day didn’t hamper 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Soldiers from wrapping up a week’s worth of work to load trains with equipment ultimately bound for Europe.

A Soldier from 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares to tie down an M88A2 recovery vehicle to a train car at Fort Carson Dec. 2, 2016. The train is the last of 12 hauling more than 2,000 pieces of rolling stock ultimately destined for Bremerhaven, Germany, where the Brigade will receive its full set of equipment before movement to Poland for its deployment in support of Atlantic Resolve. The arrival of the heavy brigade will mark the beginning of a continuous presence of an armored brigade combat team in central and eastern Europe, strengthening NATO deterrence and defense efforts. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

A Soldier from 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares to tie down an M88A2 recovery vehicle to a train car at Fort Carson Dec. 2, 2016. The train is the last of 12 hauling more than 2,000 pieces of rolling stock ultimately destined for Bremerhaven, Germany, where the Brigade will receive its full set of equipment before movement to Poland for its deployment in support of Atlantic Resolve. The arrival of the heavy brigade will mark the beginning of a continuous presence of an armored brigade combat team in central and eastern Europe, strengthening NATO deterrence and defense efforts. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

The rail-load operations concluded Dec. 2, 2016, nearly a week ahead of schedule, in what is the first transportation step toward re-establishing a continuous presence of U.S. Army armored brigade combat teams in Europe. The “Iron” Brigade is deploying 4,000 Soldiers and its full set of equipment for a nine-month rotation to bolster the collective defensive capability of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in support of Atlantic Resolve.

On this particular Friday morning at the Fort Carson railhead, as gray clouds loomed low and the breaths of Soldiers exhaled like thought balloons overhead, one particular thought pervaded: load this last train.

“If anything, this weather motivates our Soldiers to get the job done,” said Capt. Kenneth Kloeppel, rail operations officer in charge, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment. “Everyone is really pulling together today so we can finish before the first snowflake hits. Being a Colorado unit, snow brings out the best in us — the ‘harder’ times bring us closer together.”

Just as with the first train loaded Nov. 5, 2016, Soldiers secured a mix of tracked vehicles, fuelers, Humvees, engineer equipment and more to the last train without incident.

“Our Soldiers have been extremely dedicated, regardless of conditions, to upload the more than 2,000 pieces of equipment we have onto rails. The result is we’re wrapping things up about a week ahead of schedule,” said Kloeppel.

A Soldier from the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guides an M88A2 recovery vehicle onto a train car at Fort Carson Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

A Soldier from the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guides an M88A2 recovery vehicle onto a train car at Fort Carson Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

“There’s still a good bit of work to be done, but this phase of the operation has been very successful; and we’re looking to carry that success onto the next stage,” he added.

That next stage will focus on loading Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, Paladin self-propelled artillery and the rest of the brigade’s equipment set onto sea vessels at Beaumont, Texas. Those ships are scheduled to arrive at the port of Bremerhaven, Germany. The equipment will then be loaded onto trains or travel by convoys to sites in Poland where 3rd ABCT Soldiers will aggregate prior to further disbursing to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and southern Germany for partner training with NATO allies.

Supporting the movement is the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., and 597th Transportation Brigade out of Fort Eustis, Virginia. The 21st Theater Sustainment Command and its 16th Sustainment Brigade are spearheading the logistics of moving the brigade across Europe.

“This is a monumental push, and it’s a total team effort to move this much equipment to and across central and eastern Europe,” Kloeppel said.

A Soldier from 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and a civilian railhead operator guide an M88A2 recovery vehicle onto a train car at Fort Carson Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

A Soldier from 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and a civilian railhead operator guide an M88A2 recovery vehicle onto a train car at Fort Carson Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)


Warrior spirit part of American Indian heritage

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Army veteran Brad Bearsheart speaks to the large crowd at the Elkhorn Conference Center attending the Native American Indian Heritage Month observance Nov. 30, 2016. He spoke about Lakota heritage and his family’s military service. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

By Lally Laksbergs

Mountaineer staff
An elaborate beaded costume was discussed during the Native American Indian Heritage Month observation Nov. 30, 2016. Dancers create their own beadwork designs and sew their own costumes. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

An elaborate beaded costume was discussed during the Native American Indian Heritage Month observation Nov. 30, 2016. Dancers create their own beadwork designs and sew their own costumes. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

Stories of perseverance, determination and culture were celebrated during the Native American Indian Heritage Month observance Nov. 30, 2016, at the Elkhorn Conference Center.

This year’s theme was “Serving Our Nations” and was hosted by the Fort Carson Equal Opportunity Team and the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

Currently, there are 566 federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes that speak more than 200 languages across the U.S. and there are more than 140,000 American Indian veterans, according to recent Department of Defense statistics.

A Soldier looks over the cultural display at the annual Native American Indian Heritage Month observance at the Elkhorn Conference Center Nov. 30, 2016. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum provided several exhibits of Native American artifacts for display during the event. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

A Soldier looks over the cultural display at the annual Native American Indian Heritage Month observance at the Elkhorn Conference Center Nov. 30, 2016. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum provided several exhibits of Native American artifacts for display during the event. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

Several American Indian leaders who have contributed to the success of the United States were highlighted in a presentation because of their leadership as Soldiers, Medal of Honor recipients and artists. In many cases, these leaders served in their tribal nations.

“I have always been very patriotic, proud of our country and the military as well,” said D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas, guest speaker and a former military officer. “It was an honor to be invited and come to Fort Carson and celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Being a military veteran and tribally-enrolled member of the Odawa nation, this is a perfect venue.”

Nathaniel Bearsheart, part of a local multigenerational Native American family dance group, performs a hoop dance during the Native American Indian Heritage Month observance Nov. 30, 2016, at the Elkhorn Conference Center. During the dance, he created various designs, to include mother earth, eagle and wrangler, with up to 14 hoops at one time. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

Nathaniel Bearsheart, part of a local multigenerational Native American family dance group, performs a hoop dance during the Native American Indian Heritage Month observance Nov. 30, 2016, at the Elkhorn Conference Center. During the dance, he created various designs, to include mother earth, eagle and wrangler, with up to 14 hoops at one time. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

Vanas imparted Native American warrior concepts and teachings into his discussion about history, the military and how to better contribute to the community.

“The (warrior spirit) isn’t about what you can get, it is about what you can do. It isn’t about who you can dominate, it’s about who you can protect and defend,” said Vanas. “It’s also fighting for something bigger than us, and setting a good example when we do. I’m sure that path sounds very familiar, because everyone in this room is on it.”

He shared several little-known facts about Native American contributions to sports, language, crops and space travel. He described how the U.S. Constitution, to a great degree, was modeled after the Great Law of Peace, which bound six tribal nations into the Iroquois League.

“One of the concepts our elders have promoted, and still do today, is the fact that we are all connected,” said Vanas. “The reason why that is so important is that when we realize that we are part of a unit, team, nation or the planet as a whole, we are all connected. The actions we take and the words we say don’t happen in a vacuum — they affect other people. What you do impacts other people, and we have to be aware of that.”

Brad Bearsheart performs the man’s fancy dance in full Native American regalia during a performance at the annual Native American Indian Heritage Month observance at the Elkhorn Conference Center Nov. 30, 2016. An Army veteran who left the military from Fort Carson, he is part of the Lakota tribe. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

Brad Bearsheart performs the man’s fancy dance in full Native American regalia during a performance at the annual Native American Indian Heritage Month observance at the Elkhorn Conference Center Nov. 30, 2016. An Army veteran who left the military from Fort Carson, he is part of the Lakota tribe. (Photo by Lally Laksbergs)

The Bearsheart family, a local multi­generational Native American family dance group, performed native dances that included grass, fancy and hoop dances. The group is active in local cultural heritage presentations to schools and works with other inter­national Indian cultural dance groups.

“It’s important that we attend all these observances because it is truly making us better Americans by understanding what each and every other culture brings to our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson. “All those American Indians that have served before us gave greatly to our nation and continue to serve today.”

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum provided several exhibits of Native American artifacts for display during the event.

NCOs focus on caring for Soldiers

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Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Ayala, 1st Stryker Brigade Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks with NCOs from across the brigade about the importance of taking care of Soldiers and their Families at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

 

“If we, as leaders, are not teaching them what is available … how do they know where to go to find the resources …”

— Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Ayala

 

By Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo

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

NCOs from across the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, dressed in their Army Service Uniforms for payday activities, made their way to the McMahon Auditorium Dec. 2, 2016, to discuss engaged leadership and what they can do to support their Soldiers.

The purpose of this NCO professional development session (NCOPD) was to ensure the NCOs knew what resources were available to help them take care of their Soldiers and their Families, said Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Ayala, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div.

“There is a delicate balance for taking care of Soldiers,” he said. “I think we are continually focused on our wartime mission and don’t give enough time to train the art of caring for Soldiers in garrison. If we, as leaders, are not teaching them what is available to them, how do they know where to go to find the resources available to them?”

Army Community Service (ACS), Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), behavioral health and suicide prevention were among the topics briefed. Leaders heard from the brigade command team and chaplain, and were trained to respond to Soldier issues.

NCOs from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, learn about the resources available on Fort Carson during an NCO professional development session at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

NCOs from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, learn about the resources available on Fort Carson during an NCO professional development session at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

“The NCOs have to continually train themselves so they can better take care of their Soldiers. Many times Soldiers will come to (their NCOs) with problems they have never heard of, and (the NCOs) will think if they don’t know the answer right away (they may question) themselves as a leader,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Dutton, sexual assault response coordinator, 1st SBCT. “They don’t have to have the answer; they need to know who can get the answer for them and what resources they need to provide for that Soldier.”

The NCOPD is a way to help leaders tackle problems that may arise over the holidays, a time known to bring out the best and worst in people.

“I learned where some of the resources are for when the Soldiers have problems. I have been here about three months (so) it is good to know where ASAP and ACS are located,” said Sgt. Joseph Gutierrez, team leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment. “It will provide me with the tools I’ll need to help Soldiers when they come to me (for assistance).”

Artistic touch gift to unit morale

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Capt. Shaloe Green, left, administrative operational attorney, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, shows Spc. Christian Gmelin, paralegal specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd ABCT, a painting Sgt. 1st Class Christopher LeDuc, brigade paralegal NCO, made for her. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

 

By Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor

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

Many leaders have ways of doing things for others without any expectations — a form of selfless service that quietly boosts morale within an organization.

For one Soldier with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, the generosity comes in broad strokes.

“Painting is something I enjoy doing,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher LeDuc, paralegal NCO in charge, 3rd ABCT. “I am able to escape for a few hours to create an image, an original painting that I can give to a friend, loved one or co-workers.”

LeDuc spends his weekends painting.

“Since moving here, I haven’t painted as much as I would like to,” said LeDuc, who is part of a brigade that has been busy preparing over the past year for a U.S. Army European Command mission beginning in January.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher LeDuc, paralegal NCO in charge, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begins a painting for one of his Soldiers at his home in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher LeDuc, paralegal NCO in charge, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begins a painting for one of his Soldiers at his home in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

“With deployment on the horizon, it’s understandable. Honestly, when I am painting, it’s one of the few times where I can clear my mind of all outside noise and distractions and just focus on the pure enjoyment of painting. The only thoughts are what I want to create, and that usually changes the entire time I am creating a painting.”

LeDuc tries to bring the same sense of peace that comes from painting to those who receive his artwork as gifts.

“I have given my paintings to my Soldiers, friends, Family and co-workers and kept none for myself,” said LeDuc. “One day after retiring, I would love to start a career in art. This will give me a head start by getting my name out there.”

Soldiers in 3rd ABCT appreciate the artist’s talent.

“One day he will be recognized for his talent,” said Capt. Shaloe Green, administrative operational attorney. “I believe he will gain worldwide experience. He is a genuine person, and he takes note of your interests. By doing that, he brings it out through his artwork.”

In the process, LeDuc attempts to increase the morale of his peers through his artwork.

“One of the paintings he did for me was of the Buffalo Soldiers,” said Green. “It really touched my heart to see that he’s creative and very diverse with his creations. The Soldiers, leaders, his peers all stop by his office to admire his work.”

LeDuc has always had a love of art — from drawing to tattooing and everything in between.

“I had been away from doing art for several years and wanted to get back to it, and had never tried painting before, so I decided I would give it a shot,” he said. “I found it to be instantly enjoyable, challenging and relaxing all at the same time. I’ve painted on and off for just shy of two years; about six months in total over the past two years.”

When LeDuc completes a painting the first thing that comes to mind is what he’s learned from his painting, how can he apply it to his next painting and improvements he can make. But he has no expectations when he paints for others, except to make them happy.

“When they see them and show admiration for them, I can’t say no,” he said. “I like seeing my art bring someone else joy. It helps show my art to more people than I would be able to on my own. Eventually, after my Army career is done, I would like to do this as a career.”

 

4ID celebrates birthday, holiday season

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Four Soldiers clad in uniforms, which represent the various eras 4th Infantry Division, has been through in honor of the division’s birthday during a Holiday Concert at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 10, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Diandra J. Harrell)
Members of the 4th Infantry Division Band perform a holiday classic at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 10, 2016, during the annual holiday concert. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Diandra J. Harrell)

Members of the 4th Infantry Division Band perform a holiday classic at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 10, 2016, during the annual holiday concert. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Diandra J. Harrell)

By Staff Sgt. Diandra J. Harrell

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson community celebrated the 99th birthday of the division and honored the heritage of some of the nation’s finest Soldiers during the holiday concert conducted by the 4th Inf. Div. Band Dec. 10, 2016.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is now 1917,” said Retired Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Borrelli, clad in a World War I “doughboy” uniform, as the curtains at Fort Carson’s McMahon Auditorium opened to unveil Camp Greene, North Carolina, the birthplace of the “Ivy” Division. Four Soldiers, dressed in various vintage combat uniforms, led the audience through stories of the inception of the 4th Inf. Div. and Christmas 99 years ago.

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, hosted the concert and thanked all community leaders and guests who attended the event to celebrate another year’s sacrifice and excellence for the “Iron Horse” Division.

“This year’s theme ‘Home for the Holidays’ is most appropriate,” Gonsalves explained. “Perhaps the greatest present to me this holiday season is that all of our brigade colors, to include the 4th (Combat Aviation Brigade) and 2nd (Infantry Brigade Combat Team), are back at Fort Carson to spend this special time with their children and Families.”

Before closing, he asked the audience to keep the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, that will deploy to Eastern Europe next month, and the Soldiers currently deployed around the world in their prayers as they celebrate the season’s festivities.

Following Gonsalves’ remarks, the 4th Inf. Div. Concert Band, led by bandmaster Chief Warrant Officer 3 George T. Bauer, performed classical and contemporary musical sets during the holiday performance.

Spc. Kayla Winslow, musician, 4th Infantry Division Band narrates as the “Ivy Winds” perform Hanukkah Medley during a Holiday Concert at McMahon Auditorium in honor of the 4th Inf. Div.’s birthday and to bolster the community’s holiday spirit. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Diandra J. Harrell)

Spc. Kayla Winslow, right,  musician, 4th Infantry Division Band narrates as the “Ivy Winds” perform Hanukkah Medley during a Holiday Concert at McMahon Auditorium in honor of the 4th Inf. Div.’s birthday and to bolster the community’s holiday spirit. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Diandra J. Harrell)

Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. Band selected and arranged 11 Christmas classics from “Winter Wonderland” to “(It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus,” and concluded with “Stille Nacht” and “Sleigh Ride” as part of the salute to the division’s first Christmas in 1917.

The concert showcased the many talents of the 4th Inf. Div.’s music performance teams, featuring Iron Brass, Barkeley Avenue, Brass Authority and Mile High.

“I hope that this event has given you a chance to pause and taken you home,” Bauer said.

Bauer then told a story about how powerful music can be and the effect it can have on people.

“I have seen more than once in my career where music can make us pause and take us somewhere else,” he explained. “In 2003, I found myself in east Fallujah … with the rock band and the 76th Army band. We played for a battalion of Marines. Afterwards, a young Marine who was 19 years old, came up to me and said, ‘Thank you, I just forgot where I was for two hours.’”

“That’s the power of music and that’s the power that these musicians can project. I hope that this has given you pause and taken you home as well.”

Bauer then thanked the Soldiers and NCOs of the band for their work and preparation for the evening’s event. He then led the band on a boisterous rendition of “Sleigh Ride,” which earned the band a standing ovation to end the night.

‘Steadfast and Loyal’: Qualities define division, Soldiers for nearly 100 years

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Our Iron Horse legacy is a testament to the long, proud traditions of America’s Soldiers.

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. GonsalvesBy Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves

Commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson

It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we celebrated the 99th anniversary of this storied division Dec. 10, 2016. This week, it is my distinct honor to kick off our centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years of the 4th Infantry Division and the men and women who have donned the “Ivy” patch. I encourage everyone to join us this year in celebrating the prestigious and accomplished history of the “Iron Horse” Division.

On Dec. 10, 1917, Maj. Gen. George H. Cameron assumed command and organized the division as America prepared to enter the Great War. Four infantry and three artillery regiments constituted the backbone of the force that Maj. Gen. Cameron built along the hills and valleys of Camp Greene, North Carolina. A few months later, Maj. Gen. Cameron would adopt our division’s insignia which was derived from the numerical designation from the Roman numeral IV; hence the nickname, the “Ivy” Division. The insignia consisted of four green ivy leaves on a khaki background. The ivy leaves are symbolic of tenacity and fidelity which formed the basis of the division’s motto, “Steadfast and Loyal.”

The division received men from across the Army to fill the ranks of units whose lineage dated back to America’s initial conflicts. From that point forward, the veterans whose history resided under the banners of the old regiments diligently trained and imparted standards on the new recruits.

In April 1918, the nation’s finest Soldiers embarked for France on a trans-Atlantic transport and in the summer of 1918 the discipline and training of 4th Division Soldiers would be proved fighting in the final offensives of World War I.

Over the course of five days in July, the 4th Division measured up for the first time against the enemy in the trenches of France, joining allied forces as part of the Aisne-Marne Offensive. From there to Sergy, Vesle, St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne, Ivy Division Soldiers proved their determination and strength was matched only by their courage and honor; nowhere was this more evident than the Battle of Meuse-Argonne, where the 4th Division would go further than any other American division in action.

Within six months of its arrival, the 4th Division defeated 16 German divisions and advanced 35 kilometers across France. The victories came at the cost of more than 14,000 men from the second Battle of the Marne through the signing of the Armistice Nov. 11, 1918. Many of the names which populate this Roll of Honor rest among the heroes buried in the cemetery of the Meuse-Argonne at Romagnesous-Montfaucon.

Our Iron Horse legacy is a testament to the long, proud traditions of America’s Soldiers, and no one knows better than the American Soldier the meaning of service and sacrifice to defend our great nation.

As we close out this amazing year and begin to recognize 100 years of Steadfast and Loyal service,

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby and I want to thank the Soldiers and Families of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson for their unparalleled service to the nation.

The competency, resiliency and motivation of today’s Iron Horse Soldier is truly inspiring and builds upon the legacy of those veterans that have preceded us.

A rare gift has been given to us this holiday season as we fly all our unit colors here on Fort Carson for the remainder of 2016. The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team “Warhorse,” 4th Combat Aviation Brigade “Iron Eagles” and 10th Combat Support Hospital “Mountain Medics” are home for the holidays following deployments across the globe.

While we celebrate this Christmas season, Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson continue to train and fight at home and abroad. From Europe to Afghanistan and Iraq, our Soldiers never fail to accomplish their mission. So, let us not forget those who cannot celebrate this holiday season at home with their Families and offer our prayers and gratitude to the 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers deployed around the world. Let us also keep in mind and offer our full support to the “Iron” Soldiers of the 3rd

Armored Brigade Combat Team as they prepare for the start of their nine-month deployment to Europe as part of Atlantic Resolve in January.

Command Sgt. Maj. Crosby and I wish all a safe and blessed holiday season, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. From everyone here at Fort Carson, and all our men and women forward deployed, safeguarding our freedom for just such occasions, thank you for your service and sacrifice in honor of this great nation and the Iron Horse Division.

Steadfast and Loyal.

 

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