PUEBLO, Colo. — Sgt. Hunter McLain, combat medic with 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, directs a Pueblo community member to the observation waiting area April 13 after receiving a vaccination in Pueblo. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing continued, flexible DOD support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. (Photo by Spc. Jacob Moir)
By Spc. Jacob Moir
49th Public Affairs Detachment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
PUEBLO, Colo. — Nearly 140 Soldiers with 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were deployed to provide vaccinations to members of the Pueblo, Colorado, community in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Soldiers departed April 12, 2021, in support of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) COVID-19 response operations.
This team will join more than 4,800 troops from across the DOD supporting the federal vaccination effort. Nationwide, DOD personnel have administered upward of 2.6 million vaccinations across 38 cities in 23 states, including the U.S. Virgin Islands territory.
“We’ve been training and preparing for a COVID(-19) vaccination mission somewhere in the U.S.,” said Lt. Col. Gary McDonald, commander, 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd SBCT. “When we were told we were going to Pueblo, we were very excited.”
Last week, Gov. Jared Polis announced FEMA will transition the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo into a FEMA pilot site to increase vaccination distribution efforts to community members. The site aims to provide 3,000 vaccinations per day, seven days per week. This is an improvement from just over 1,700 vaccinations per day prior to the transition to a pilot site.
PUEBLO, Colo. — Sgt. Casey Bergmann, left, and Staff Sgt. George George, right, combat medics with 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, screen a Pueblo community member April 13, 2021, prior to receiving a vaccination in Pueblo. (Photo by Spc. Jacob Moir)
“Until it’s done and until there’s no more people showing up at the vaccination site, we’ll be there,” McDonald said. “It really depends on the locals, if we can get the citizenry to show up and get the shots.”
Current Pueblo resident and Staff Sgt. Joshua Montelongo, combat medic with 2nd SBCT, was born and raised in Pueblo and is eager to support the community members of his hometown. He has many family members who still live in Pueblo, and the opportunity to practice his craft in his hometown — taking action to help save American lives — is one that he cherishes and never thought he would have.
“Not once did I think that I would be able to support not only Colorado, but my local community,” said Montelongo.
In addition to protecting the community and supporting federal partners, this unique mission also serves as a way for medical professionals throughout the brigade to enhance their readiness.
“This is right up their alley; this is what they are trained to do,” said McDonald. “Whether it’s here or abroad, this is their mission.”
Members of the Pueblo community have been both welcoming and grateful for the support of the Soldiers from Fort Carson.
PUEBLO, Colo. — Spc. Jackson Greene, cavalry scout with 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, greets community members April 13, 2021, as they enter the Pueblo Community Vaccination Site in Pueblo. (Photo by Spc. Jacob Moir)
“They’re excited, you should see some of the people who drive through the gates,” said Montelongo. “They’re hooting and hollering at us and thanking us for being out there to help support the community and thanking us for our service at the same time.”