Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves
By Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves
Commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson
To the Soldiers, civilians and Families of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, merry Christmas and happy holidays. As we celebrate this holiday season, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby and I want to thank each of you … the Soldiers, Families, joint service members, civilian employees and the great Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado community. Your hard work, sacrifice and selfless service are what make this organization and its Soldiers a success and a true blessing to be a part of. Your steadfast support truly makes Fort Carson the Army’s “best hometown.”
This holiday season is a time of celebration to be enjoyed by all with Families, friends and loved ones. We encourage everyone to enjoy this special time, but to do so responsibly. Look out for each other, and take a moment to remember our fellow Soldiers and service members who are deployed in harm’s way or who are separated from home in service to this great nation.
The “Iron Horse” Division has much to be thankful for as we reflect on all that our Soldiers have accomplished this past year. Iron Horse and Fort Carson Soldiers have distinguished themselves as the division supported missions in United States Army Europe, operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and many others across the globe. The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted training at the Army’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California; supported the Cadet Summer Training program at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as well as provided support to United States Northern Command. Their efforts add to the already-distinguished history of the 4th Infantry Division.
We will celebrate that distinguished legacy Thursday as the division celebrates its 98th birthday. This year’s is a special birthday as the colors of all six 4th Infantry Division brigades are present on Fort Carson. For the short time we are all together let’s make the most of it. I encourage everyone to join us this year in celebrating the history of the “Ivy” and Iron Horse Division at the free Holiday and Division Birthday event at 7:17 p.m. Thursday at McMahon Auditorium.
As we commemorate the achievements of this division, let us remember that for many this holiday season is bittersweet. On Dec. 11, the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade will case its colors in preparation for its deployment to Afghanistan. Early next year Soldiers from 2nd IBCT will deploy in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Soldiers from the division headquarters continue to support Army Europe’s Atlantic Resolve mission.
From everyone here at Fort Carson, to all the men and women forward deployed safeguarding our freedom, we thank you and honor you for your service to our nation, our Army and the Army’s finest division — the 4th Infantry Division. From the deserts to the mountains, from Europe to the Front Range, our Soldiers, our sister service members, civilians and Families continue to serve and sacrifice in answer to our nation’s call.
To everyone who is a part of the Mountain Post team, have a joyous and safe holiday season and a happy new year. Thank you for all you do. You are truly America’s best.
Steadfast and Loyal. Iron Horse.