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)
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)
“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)
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)