Sgt. Qwenton Franklin, culinary specialist assigned to Warfighter Dining Facility, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, dispenses pancake batter onto a grill during the 57th Annual Western Street Breakfast June 21, 2017, in downtown Colorado Springs. Culinary specialists from all of Fort Carson’s dining facilities served breakfast and coffee as country music artists sang on stage and rodeo enthusiasts crowded the intersection of Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon Street. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)
By Sgt. Gregory T. Summers
4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
COLORADO SPRINGS — The roar of light medium tactical vehicles could be heard in the early morning hours June 21, 2017, in downtown Colorado Springs as 4th Infantry Division Soldiers moved into position to prepare for their upcoming volunteer mission.
The mission was to serve pancakes, eggs and coffee to thousands of community members gathering at the intersection of Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon Street in celebration of the city’s 57th Annual Western Street Breakfast.
As part of the historic, Western culture of Colorado Springs, the street breakfast marks the official kickoff for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo held in July 2017.
Culinary specialists assigned to the 4th Infantry Division serve breakfast in downtown Colorado Springs during the city’s 57th Annual Western Street Breakfast June 21, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)
Fort Carson Soldiers have volunteered for the event for over 40 years.
“This annual breakfast is more than just a promotion of the upcoming rodeo and celebrating Western lifestyle and culture,” said Brett Axton, a Pikes Peak Range Rider and organizer of the Street Breakfast.
“It’s a bonding experience between our community and Fort Carson and we are so thankful that our Soldiers show up every year to support and feed (the community at) this event.”
Culinary specialists from across Fort Carson and 4th Infantry Division’s dining facilities served about 500 gallons of coffee, 1,500 pounds of eggs and 1,200 pounds of pancake batter and made sure that no one left the downtown intersection hungry.
Col. Ronald R. Ragin, commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, assists culinary specialists with preparing pancakes June 21, 2017, during Colorado Springs’ 57th Annual Western Street Breakfast. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)
Chief Warrant Officer 2 David W. Geier, brigade food service adviser, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., said it was an honor to volunteer and support the community despite the long hours required.
“We get to work early, but it’s a great opportunity for our Soldiers to serve on such a big day for the Pikes Peak community,” Geier said. “They welcomed us with open arms, and it makes all the early hours and hard work preparing to cook well worth it.”
Country music echoed throughout the downtown streets as gatherers sat on hay bales eating their Army breakfast in cowboy hats and boots.
After the breakfast, the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard and 4th Inf. Div. Chief of Staff Col. Miles Brown joined by the garrison command team of Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. David K. Burton joined by mounted their horses and led nearly 200 Pikes Peak Range Riders out of the downtown square as the riders set out for their five-day trail ride.
“We absolutely appreciate the support of the 4th Infantry Division and without them this event would never be possible,” Axton said. “The fact that we work together to do this to make people happy — it’s surreal. We thank you, Fort Carson.”
Spc. Kayla Winslow, vocalist, 4th Infantry Division Band, sings the national anthem as Garrison Commander Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., salutes the colors while on stage at the Colorado Springs’ 57th Annual Western Street Breakfast June 21, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)
Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard prepare to lead the way for nearly 200 Pikes Peak Range Riders out of the downtown square as the riders set out for a five-day trail ride following the 57th Annual Western Street Breakfast June 21, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)
Soldiers and leaders from throughout the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson serve breakfast while conversing with attendees at the 57th edition of the Annual Western Street Breakfast June 21, 2017, in downtown Colorado Springs. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)