43D SB Soldiers practice lifesaving medevac skills during training exercise

Contents
Commander:
COL Anthony K. Whitson
Command Sergeant Major:
CSM Anthony A. Traylor
Public Affairs NCOIC
Sgt. 1st Class Joe Stone
Public Affairs NCO/Editor:
Staff Sgt. Alexis Ramos
Design and Layout By:
Front Cover Photo By:
Back Cover Photo BY:
Spc. Travis Lyssy
Contents photo By:
Spc. Travis Lyssy
Email:
Joseph.k.stone4.mil@mail.mil
alexis.r.ramos2.mil@mail.mil
Rough Riders is an authorized publication for members of the 43D Sustainment Brigade. Contents
of Rough Riders are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,
Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the 43D Sustainment Brigade. It is published
biannually according to AR 360-1. Editorial content is prepared, edited and approved by the 43D
Sustainment Brigade’s Public Affairs Office.
R R Page 2
Chaplain Message pg.3
Rough Rider 6 message pg. 4
Rough Rider 7 message pg. 5
Stories highlighting Brigade pg.
6-13
Snapshots pg. 14 & 15
Stories continued pg. 16-22
R R Page 2

Chaplain’s Corner
Greetings! As the newest member of the brigade chaplain team, I want to serve our
Soldiers, Families, and other members of the Department Of Defense (DOD). In addition to
being a chaplain, I am also a marriage and family therapist with training regarding anxiety
issues. I hale from Fort Bliss, where I was a member of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier and
Family Fitness program. I provided resiliency training programs within the Spiritual, Social,
and Family pillars of this program. My programs included classes concerning values and beliefs
and how these concepts contribute to personal resiliency. We also had focus groups addressing
the challenges of single parents and single Soldiers. Moral leadership training for E-4 (P) and
new E-5’s were also available. I taught a class concerning responsible living that was very
successful while I was in the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion some 14 years ago.
All of these programs we have made available to the brigade. I would love to share these
measurable and result oriented programs with your units.
As a chaplain, my door is always open for the total Army Family. As your ministry
team, Staff Sgt. Adam Blackwood and I will strive to provide quality help within all of our
professional capabilities. If we can’t help directly, we are competent to direct you to the best
help available. Within my twenty plus years of service, I’ve realized that the country’s needs
demand much from us as Soldiers, Families, and others within the DOD. These demands
require a team effort and through this effort we can be strong.

Blessings,
Chaplain (MAJ) Larry Hamrick
R R Page 3

The Commander’s Desk
Anthony K. Whitson
COL, LG
Commanding
It’s a great day to be a SOLDIER and even a better day to be a ROUGH RIDER!
I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of all the Rough Riders have accomplished over the past six months! You
truly have MADE IT HAPPEN. We have welcomed Soldiers home, continued to deploy our sustainment warriors to
Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), conducted realistic and outstanding training, and through it all, we have sustained
JTF-Carson.
Thank you all for embracing our T.E.A.M. philosophy. Training Excellence through Accountability and Maintenance
is allowing us to accomplish all our missions to standard and make us Rough Rider strong.
Accountability: You must have accountability of your personnel, equipment, and your own actions before you can do
anything else!
Maintaining: Focus on the user and the first line supervisor. Learn to maintain ALL EQUIPMENT and SOLDIERS in
the field under harsh conditions. That makes doing the same in garrison too easy. If you do not maintain yourself first you
will not be able to maintain your Soldiers and equipment.
Training: Take advantage of opportunities. Be innovative. Be prepared to conduct “Hip Pocket” training as
opportunities present themselves. Training must be well planned and executed; don’t waste valuable time. Train to
standard, not to time. Allot time to correct deficiencies; successfully complete one before moving on to the next. (Bad
techniques are easily learned, hard to correct.) I would rather train a few things right than a lot of things wrong and below
average! Good training starts at the top. Physical fitness is one of the bedrock’s of being a Rough Rider Soldier. If you
are not in shape now, get there. Train like we fight. This means utilizing our mission command systems all the time at the
lowest level.
As the newly assigned Sustainment Brigade to USNORTHCOM, we become the Nation’s premier force to support
and sustain DSCA and Homeland Defense missions. This requires innovative training, flexibility, and extremely
expeditionary forces that can deploy within 24 hours when called upon. We will meet the challenges head on all while
continuing to sustain JTF-Carson.
The 43D Sustainment Brigade meets all operational requirements with units fully prepared to accomplish all assigned
missions and ensuring NO MISSION FAILS DUE TO LOGISTICS. The Brigade is the best Sustainment Brigade in the
Army as measured by reputation with supported units, discipline of our Soldiers, the Army standards, quality of Soldiers
and leaders we produce, the offensive sustainment we provide, our success in combat and our reputation with our Soldiers
and leaders.
Finally, I am proud to serve with all of you. Thanks for making the 43D the best Sustainment Brigade in our Army.
Rough Rider 6
R R Page 4

AT EASE...
Hello Rough Riders! As we end the summer and move into fall, I wanted to say how proud I am of all
of you. You continue to “Make it Happen,” on a regular basis. From units deploying, re-deploying, training
and providing support, you all continue to make me proud to be the command sergeant major for the 43D
Sustainment Brigade… the best sustainment brigade in the Army. Your continued motivation, team spirit and
dedication to duty speak volumes of the quality of Soldiers we have in our brigade. Keep up the great work.
To all my NCOs, do not forget you all are leaders. “No one is more professional than I,” … meaning
we must be at the forefront of making stuff happen. This means that not only do we complete all our tasks
effectively, efficiently and in a timely manner, but we are committed to mentoring, coaching and training our
junior Soldiers. It is your responsibility to make sure that our future NCOs are capable of carrying the torch
and continue being the back bone of the Army. Keep doing the right thing, setting the standard, and leading by
example.
During the past few months we have been extremely busy participating in several Field Training Exercises.
I can’t stress enough how important these exercises are for our mission. FTX sharpen our craft, hone our skills
and helps us maintain battle rhythm. I ask that you continue to seek out opportunities for training. Also leaders, I
encourage you to find the opportunities for Soldiers in your sections to go to their approriate NCOES school and
different military schools. An educated Soldier makes a competent Soldier and allows them to bring innovative
ideas to the Brigade.
As always, I am extremely proud of everyone. From our Soldiers to civilians and family members, you all
continue to complete the mission. I am very grateful to be part of the team. Thank you for all your hard work
and let’s end the year with the same proffesionalism, intensity, the make it happen attitude as we began.
Respectfully,
Rough Rider 7
Anthony A. Traylor
CSM, USA
43D Sustainment Brigade
R R Page 5

Soldiers practice medevac operations
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st. Class Joe Stone
43D Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office
A Soldier screamed out when an improvised explosive
device hit his convoy. His battle buddies went into action to care
for the injured man and get him on a stretcher before carrying
him to a helicopter that flew him to an aid station and awaiting
medics.
Sgt. Luke Sulak, transportation management coordinator,
152nd Movement Control Team, 43D Special Troops Battalion,
43d Sustainment Brigade, was a simulated casualty in an exercise
Feb. 18-21on Fort Carson that taught the Soldiers how to react
and get a wounded comrade to treatment.
The exercise not only provided required pre-deployment
certification for the MCT, but helped
medics from Headquarters and
Headquarters Detachment, 43D SB,
who were training on a different range
the same days.
“Since HHC was out at the field
site with the brigade aid station,
we figured it would be the perfect
opportunity to evacuate a casualty from
one area to the aid station so both units
got good training,” said Capt. Thorin
Parris, operations officer, 43D STB.
After Sulak arrived at HHC’s
location he was taken inside the aid
station tent and the medical team went
to work.
Staff Sgt. Robert Mullins, medical
section sergeant, HHC, 43D SB,
prowled through the aid station as
he questioned and guided his team
through the examination and treatment
of their patient. He said he was pleased
with the results.
"The work they've done in the
clinic shows here when they take on their traumas. They can
handle the patients and they know what they're doing,” said
Mullins. "I'm very confident in them."
The Soldiers said they were glad to have the training.
"This is the kind of stuff we really love, this is the stuff we
look forward to,” said Pfc. Colleen Milfeld, health care specialist,
HHC, 43D SB. "We spend the majority of our time in the clinic
and it's very rare that we get to make it out to the field.”
Specialist Amber Brownstein, health care specialist, HHC,
43d SB, said she was better equipped for her job after the time in
the aid station.
"We don't get enough time to practice the trauma part of
our training so we come out here stressed out about it. Then we
finish with a patient and feel confident in our skills again," said
Brownstein. "So training like this is really helpful, especially for
our confidence.”
The addition of an actual UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter,
provided by 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, to transport the
simulated patient, was a bonus according to Mullins.
"Any time you can get a Blackhawk and duplicate
Afghanistan, putting patients on and pulling patients off you
increase the stress factor," said Mullins. “It gets them out of their
comfort zone, it's the best training."
Col. Kirk Whitson, commander, 43D Sustainment Brigade,
4th Infantry Division, watched part of the training and addressed
the team of medics.
"What I just witnessed here was awesome, you are getting
after it like you would down range and that's what this training
is all about," said Whitson. "I'm very impressed and I appreciate
what you're doing."
Mullins has plans for further training to ensure the Soldiers
are ready to deal with whatever they face.
"The team is doing well, but we will be pushing on with
more complicated training,” Mullins said. “We want to get six,
seven, eight patients at a time to throw them off their game.”
At the end of the last day, the training was complete and lessons
were learned; and Sulak’s prognosis, according to Mullins, was
good.
R R Page 6

Rough Rider Wellness Fair
The Rough Riders of the 43DSustainment Brigade held
a wellness fair that saw more than 200 Soldiers and Family
members in attendance March 7.
“Wellness day was inspired by a conversation with my wife,”
said Col. Anthony Whitson, commander 43D SB. "We started
talking about the commanding general's three pillars which are
physical, mental and spiritual fitness. Today is about the physical
pillar.”
The fair started at the Special Events Center with opening
remarks by Whitson.
"We deploy, fight and win our nation's battles,” said Whitson.
“You can't do that if you're not Rough Rider strong."
There were three stations, one at the SEC, one on the courts
of Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center and the other was behind
IHSFC.
Charlotte Morehouse, health promotions technician, Army
Wellness Center, gave the Rough Riders information about
programs and services offered by AWC.
“There are ways to naturally boost your metabolism,” said
Morehouse, “like the meals in minutes class where we tour the
commissary and debunk the myth that eating healthy is always
more expensive.”
The AWC is providing ways to be more healthy, according to
Morehouse.
“The services are free.” said Morehouse. “They cost
anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500 off post.”
Lt. Col. William Werling, from the physical therapy had a
team conducting tests. There was a 40-yard shuttle run, vertical
leap measurement, seated medicine ball toss and others.
“It was a very motivational event, said Werling. “Impressive
performances, everybody was motivated and was having a good
time.”
The final station was instruction by 43D’s medic team.
Participants carried simulated patients on litters and by hand.
“By the looks on people’s faces, you could tell they were
having a good time,” said Sgt. 1st Class Sean Heath, master
resilience trainer, 43D SB. “Not all Army training does that. Even
the medic training, those were actual Soldier tasks and people
were having fun.”
This is the first half of the event according to Heath.
“We had 222 people for the first iteration and we are
projecting more than 500 for March 14,” said Heath.
There was tremendous support from all the agencies
involved and it made a real difference according to Heath.
“It wouldn’t have been the same if we had been teaching the
classes, to have the subject matter experts come out really made a
difference in how the Soldiers received the material,” said Heath.
Rough Rider Wellness Fair, Take TwoStory and photos by Sgt. 1st. Class Joe Stone
The wellness fair put on by 43D Sustainment Brigade ended its second and final day March 14 at Iron Horse Physical
Fitness Center.
“Too often the army’s way of training is to sit through briefings,” said Maj. Amy Jackson, executive officer, 43rd
Sustainment Brigade, “So we wanted this to be an event that got people physically active.”
The event definitely did get people moving, Soldiers and their Families took part in aerobics demonstrations, TRX
familiarization and evaluations by the physical therapy team as well as briefings from the Army Wellness Center and a
dietician.
Almost 450 Soldiers and Family members attended the March 14 fair, bringing the total to nearly 650 for both days,
according to Sgt. 1st Class Sean Heath, master resilience trainer, 43D SB.
"The goal of the fair was to promote fitness, good nutrition and overall wellness of Rough Rider Soldiers and
Families," said Heath.
Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Traylor, senior enlisted advisor, 43D SB, believes that the event did that.
“I think it was a tremendous success," said Traylor. "Soldiers had fun but also had some takeaways that they can use
not only in their profession but also in their personal lives."
There were handouts for the participants that provided information on nutrition and healthy eating habits.
"This is something they can take home and refer to later," said Jackson. "We wanted to reinforce a healthy lifestyle for
the Soldiers and their Families."
The 43D's wellness fair was a break from routine and provided some inspiration for the attendees, according to
Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza, senior enlisted advisor, 43D Special Troops Battalion.
"Taking a day away from the office and thinking about health will help start a new mindset," said Garza. "We need to
go in that direction,"
The focus this time was physical; it was the first of a series of events to instruct the Soldiers of the 43D on the three
pillars of the Rough Rider Strong Campaign, according to Traylor.
“The mental-emotional pillar will be next quarter,” said Traylor. “That will have resiliency training and coping skills
to deal with the normal stressors of life as well as stress within our profession of arms.
R R Page 8

Soldiers learn mailroom operations
“Everywhere we have
Soldiers, we need to sup-
port them with a Post
Office,” said Cassaretto.
The primary mission of 43D Sustainment Brigade is to support the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson through the
performance of its daily duties and missions. Occasionally though, a chance to serve in a different way comes along. Chief
Warrant Officer 2 Vanessa Dilling, human resources technician, 43D SB, saw such an opportunity and made the most of it.
The Postal Operations class that graduated March 27 at 43D SB’s headquarters is the fruit of her efforts.
“Our command provided the funding for this class, we were able to provide this class to the entire Ft Carson community,”
Dilling said.
Dilling saw a need for qualified Soldiers to work in Fort Carson’s many mailrooms.
“Working in the Human Resources Operations Branch, one of our garrison missions was to go out and inspect
battalion mailrooms,” said Dilling. “We found some Soldiers who were high speed and some who didn't have a clue.”
Human resource specialists can receive an additional skill identifier that signifies they are qualified to work with
international mail, U.S. mail, and money orders, according to Dilling.
“All the ones who are working hard, I wanted them to have a chance to get the identifier,” Dilling said. “It's worth
promotion points, will help further their career and will make them a greater asset to the HR community.”
Normally the class is taught on Fort Jackson and is five weeks long but when the instructors travel to teach it, it is
condensed to four weeks, according to Staff Sgt. Alex Cassaretto, one of the instructors from Fort Jackson.
The process of getting a Military Training Team to come to Fort Carson took several weeks of paperwork and phone calls
to arrange, according to Dilling. After the team was confirmed, all the units on the post were invited to send two Soldiers
to the course.
“It didn’t work out exactly like that, but we filled all the seats. In fact, the instructors allowed two extra,” said Dilling.
“Soldiers from all over Fort Carson attended the course.
With funding being tight for many units, most of the Soldiers would not get a chance to go temporary duty to Fort Jackson
for five weeks, according to Dilling.
“I knew that they had come here a few years ago, and in my experience, if something has happened once, it can be
done again,” said Dilling. “I was pretty determined to get them here and I knew I had the command's support and we got
it done.”
The 27 Soldiers left the class with the knowledge necessary to go with their unit on a contingency operation and set up
a Post Office at that location, according to Cassaretto.
“Everywhere we have Soldiers, we need to support them with a Post Office,” said Cassaretto.
Cassaretto said the class went well and the students were involved in the whole process.
"It was a good class, we had good participation and good [noncommissioned officers] to help with the soldier issues,"
Cassaretto said.
There is not another class scheduled yet, according to Dilling, but when the need arises, 43D will make it happen.
R R Page 10

43D fulfills mission, trains Soldiers in SLICC
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Alexis Ramos
43D Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
Soldiers turn away, shielding their eyes from tumbleweeds as
the sounds of rotors churning escalate.
A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter draws closer to a group of
Soldiers waiting for the next rotation of sling loading operations.
Its return marks the culmination of a week of training.
The 43D Sustainment Brigade hosted a Sling Load Inspector
Certification Course April 21-25, at 4th Brigade Combat Team
motor pool, with the live sling load portion taking place the last
day of training at Fort Carson’s training area eight.
“Sling load operations are important for deployments,” said
Sgt. 1st. Class Nivian Pickett, brigade schools noncommissioned
officer in charge, 43D SB. “If they have to get equipment out or
equipment in and they can’t do it through other venues, then this is
a good way to do it.”
The course certified 47 Soldiers from different units within
Fort Carson in rigging, hooking a sling load package and verifying
that a sling load is ready to be lifted and transported.
The actual live rigging was not planned or mandatory,
but ended being a bonus, explained Staff Sgt. Micah Voss,
transportation management coordinator, 573rd Movement Control
Team, 43D SB, who served as liaison officer for the training.
“It’s not required, because we learn on the ground how the (rig
and sling) is supposed to be,” said Voss. “But it’s nice to see the
stuff up in the air.”
Providing the aerial support and carrying the sling loaded
cargo were Soldiers and aircraft from 4th Combat Aviation
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, who also benefitted from the
training by providing pilots with an opportunity to get hours with
the cargo attached.
“It worked out better for us, because they actually ended up
taking off with it,” said Voss. “They flew around, so we knew it
went over the road and it came back to us. We know that we did
the sling right.”
The Soldiers enrolled in the course were taught by a Mobile
Training Team based out of Fort Lee, Va., who traveled to Fort
Carson upon request from 43D SB.
The 43D SB’s mission is to provide support to 4th Inf. Div.
and Fort Carson and to train. The SLICC course helped them
prepare to better assist more units in the future.
"I think for us, it's easier than any other brigade because we're
a sustainment brigade, so
we have most of the equipment already," said Pickett.
One individual who is used to coordinating equipment and
who had an integral part in the planning process is Chief Warrant
Officer 3 Anthony Haiduk, aerial delivery officer, 4th SB.
No such bumps occurred however, throughout the entire
process. A factor that can be attributed to Haiduk's expertise
explained both Voss and Pickett.
Haiduk said the support the brigade offers in hosting training
such as the SLICC course contributes to the overall success of the
installation.
"For us to sponsor (the training) and run the courses… so the
brigades don't have to deal with it…it allows the brigade's to stress
less over planning, and they are able to just send Soldiers
to the course," said Haiduk.
R R Page 11

Pilot program
conditions Soldiers for
Air Assault
School
Thunderous shouts resonate off the walls of a Headquarters
building, as the moon’s glow provides a glimpse of mist escaping
silhouettes that are standing in formation.
“Air assault, Air Assault, Air Assault,” are the words chanted
by the Soldiers in the cold, early morning.
The 15 selected Soldiers are part of a Pre-Air Assault
pilot course conducted by the 43D Sustainment Brigade, May 12-
14, in Fort Carson, Colo.
"This pre air assault course is a preparatory measure
that we've done to help assist our Soldiers to be more successful
when they go to Air Assault school," said Sgt. 1st. Class Paul
Zyskowski, senior waters operations noncommissioned officer,
43D SB, who served as the operations nco for the course.
"We are trying to mirror the exact same settings or the exact
same conditions as the Air Assault School," said Zyskowski.
"This way that muscle memory and the mental capabilities, or
data input, are going to be present and they'll be able to open the
folder and retrieve the data that they need and apply the data in a
timely manner, under stressful conditions."
Although Soldiers prepared mentally for the course, the
stressful conditions were unexpected, explained Sgt. Alberto
Ortiz, wheeled vehicle mechanic, Headquarters Support
Company, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation
Brigade.
"As I stood in formation the first day, I was in shock," said
Ortiz. "It was not how I had pictured in my head. Screaming
and yelling, seconds to complete tasks that would usually take a
couple of minutes. It was a real wakeup call."
The three day course was designed to both physically and
mentally prepare potential Air Assault candidates and provide
them with an idea of what they can expect when they go to the
course, explained Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza, senior
enlisted advisor, 43D Special Troops Battalion, 43D SB.
"Candidates get the opportunity to negotiate the obstacle
course, conduct an Army physical fitness test and a 12 mile
foot march in a three day span. Our candidates get blocks of
instruction on the identification of aircraft, hand and arm signals,
sling-load operations and preparation of their individual Swiss
seats for rappelling," said Garza. "Upon the completion of this
course, Soldiers and leaders can assess their candidates and make
good decisions on whether the candidate is ready for Air Assault
School or if the candidate needs to continue preparing. In the end,
this course was designed to improve the candidates’ chances of
being successful at the Air Assault School."
In the past, Soldiers have relied on seeking out a subject
matter expert within the unit to help them prepare. The pre-air
assault course has researched the data for all objectives, explained
Zyskowski.
"There are units who are doing some internal training
and they are doing some good stuff. The problem is, are they
doing the right stuff and do they have the data that we have based
off result from Sabaluski Air Assault School?," said Zyskowski.
"We're in direct communication with the head of the schoolhouse.
Having that data is the most valuable portion of this course."
That data combined with the experience of the cadre is what
made the course run smoothly, said Zyskowski.
"This course was a success," said Garza. "It was a
pilot program and we have since made some adjustments to the
training schedule and added a few more objectives. We queried
the brigade, found the right cadre that were either Air Assault,
pathfinder or sling load certified and conducted the training in a
professional manner. We had all the resources needed to reach
the command's intent. That intent was to prepare Soldiers for Air
Assault School."
There were 15 Soldiers who completed the course, but
of those 15, only five were selected to proceed to Air Assault
school. A testament to how tough the pilot program was, Ortiz
said to prospective students.
“Make sure (you) prepare before attending the pre-
course,” warned Ortiz. “Don’t show up thinking it’s going to be
a walk in the park. The pre-course is as tough as the actual air
assault course.”
R R Page 12

SNAPS
Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Ramos
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Stone
R R Page 14

SHOTS
Photo by Spc. Travis Lyssy
R R Page 15

170 warriors return
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Ramos
Children were running and playing games on a basketball court floor, as family members and friends talked among
themselves, anxiously awaiting their loved ones’ return.
The scene marked the moments before a welcome home ceremony held for the 576th Engineer Company, 4th
Engineer Battalion, and the 60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43D Sustainment
Brigade, at the Special Events Center, May 17.
Then the moment arrived.
Family members and friends stood up, holding signs and cheering loudly, as the two companies made their entrance
through smoke as music played in the background.
Col. Heidi Hoyle, special assistant to the 4th Infantry Division commander, took to the podium and welcomed home
the 170 Soldiers, and briefly explained their missions.
The two companies spent nine months in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, clearing routes and
providing mobile ammunition support, said Hoyle.
Noting family members’ and friends’ eagerness to receive their loved ones, Hoyle kept the speech short.
“I know you don’t want to hear any more of this. I know you want to hug your Soldiers, right?” asked Hoyle, who
received roars from the crowd. “Welcome back. Job well done. Iron Horse Strong.”
The Soldiers were joined by family and friends in the singing of the 4th Infantry Division and the Army songs before
being dismissed by Capt. Donald Schmidt, commander, 576th Engineer Company. Upon the order, Soldiers and loved
ones sprinted toward each other and embraced one another in a mixture of kisses, hugs and tears.
For Spc. Orlando Jones, supply specialist, 576th Engineer Company, it was the first time holding his 7-month-old son,
Carter.
“It’s pretty good,” said Jones, while holding and feeding his son. “Excited to get back to my little man.”
Sgt. Matt Withrow, ammunition specialist, 60th OrdnanceCompany, smiled as he hugged his daughter and kissed his
wife.
“It feels fantastic,” said Withrow. “I’m going to take my family to dinner.”
R R Page 16

4th Inf. Div., 43D SB
host observance
There are many cultures, religions, and ethnicities which
form the bond of the United States of America and the U.S.
Army. Recognizing those differences within our ranks, the 4th
Infantry Division Equal Opportunity team and the 43D Sus-
tainment Brigade hosted an observance during Asian American
Pacific Islander heritage month at the Elkhorn Center, May 19.
The event celebrated the many contributions that the Asian
American and the Pacific Islander culture have made to the U.S.
by having two guest speakers, performances, an award ceremo-
ny and food sampling.
After welcoming remarks, the national anthem, and an
invocation, the first guest speaker, Honorable Judge Kerry
S. Hada, second judicial district, Denver County judge, took
the podium and talked about his friends in World War II, the
struggles he faced during his upbringing and the changes he has
seen.
"I am so pleased to see such a diverse audience here today,"
said Hada. "When I came in the service there were African
American and Caucasians, but not a whole lot of Asians. I just
want to give a little of my background."
Hada continued by speaking about his childhood and how
he picked melons with his grandmother when he was young.
Picking melons was too hard of a life for him, he said jokingly,
so he became a judge. He held lots of job before being a judge
and he was always the only Asian. Even now, he's the only
Asian judge in Colorado, said Hada.
"The world has come such a long way from those days.
When I was in the military there were no females at any place;
Annapolis, West Point, Air Force Academy," said Hada. "I've
been privileged now to appoint some people to committees that
were Air Force Academy graduates and Air Force Academy
instructors. So the world has come a long way, but we still need
to go a ways further."
Staff Sgt. Jen Lee, Soldier-athlete, World Class Athlete Pro-
gram, and 2014 Winter Paralympic Games gold medalist spoke
next and started off with a stereotypical joke to break the ice
with the audience.
"When my first sergeant asked me to do this I said I would
be honored. Plus I was joking with him... it's kind of hard to
miss a six foot, two Asian," said Lee as the attendees laughed.
Lee discussed how his family wanted him to become a lawyer
or doctor, but how he wanted to serve his country. He contin-
ued about his service and talking about his athletics, until he
spoke about the 2009 motorcycle accident that made him an
amputee.
"Everything changed. My life changed forever," said Lee.
"Not only was I conscious when I was hit, but I knew I was
going to lose my leg."
"I had a decision to make," continued Lee. "Either accept
who I’m going to be for the rest of my life or sit there and lay
in a hospital and feel sorry for myself and blame the world."
Lee explained how the wounded warriors at Fort Sam
Houston motivated him and how his rehabilitation led him to
discover sled hockey and eventually the WCAP, culminating
in a spot as a goalie for U.S.A’s Paralympic sled hockey team
which won a gold medal in 2014.
"I'm just happy that I'm able to continue to serve my coun-
try and represent my country in a different way," said Lee.
The attendees were then entertained by some ethnic and
rhythmic dancing courtesy of Pacific Pride & Island Hearts, a
non-profit organization from Colorado Springs.
Col. Heidi Hoyle, special assistant to the 4th Infantry Di-
vision Commander, closed the event by thanking everyone.
"Thank you to all our guests," said Hoyle. "Thank you for
sharing your culture with all of us."
R R Page 17

68th CSSB
conducts safety
stand down
Soldiers from the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43D Sustainment Brigade participated in a
Safety Stand Down day held at Iron Horse Park, May 21.
The training day was held to promote awareness regarding proper safety precautions heading into the Me-
morial Day weekend and the start of the 101 Critical Days of Summer, which end with Labor Day weekend.
"Memorial day weekend, we all know it's a dangerous weekend and a lot of things happen," said 1st Lt.
Victor Cruz, assistant operations officer, 68th CSSB, who served as the safety officer for the event. "We wanted
to do it right before (the holiday weekend), so we could go over a lot of safety tips."
Throughout the day, Soldiers rotated through eight different stations to receive safety tips about Army Sub-
stance Abuse Program, natural wildlife conservation, motorcycle safety, camping precautions, boating and water
safety, firearm precautions, sport injuries and Morale, Welfare and Recreation advice.
"This is not a mandatory requirement," said Cruz. "But it helps Soldiers understand that leaders truly care
about their safety. We could easily do classes within the company levels, but it's not the same and it's boring."
Sgt. Steven Sokul, truck driver and team leader, 32nd Transportation Company, 68th CSSB, said the training
was valuable.
"I'm partial to the ASAP that's out here doing the drunk driving (prevention training)," said Sokul. "But I'm
really happy for the local law enforcement coming out and teaching motorcycle safety."
"Safety is everybody's responsibility," added Sokul. "It doesn't matter if you're correcting a small deficiency
to something major, it can be a life changing event."
Cruz echoed that sentiment: "On and off post, there are a lot of things happening with the Soldiers. If we
help Soldiers with training, safety tips for them and their families, we can help out with the whole safety envi-
ronment within our ranks.”
There were a lot of agencies involved that made the entire event possible and a success, said Cruz.
"It went great, because they went over a lot of topics," said Cruz. "We had the Colorado Springs Police
Department, MWR, Wildlife conservation and ASAP… real people that actually do this every day. It is also
motorcycle (safety) month and we had the motorcycle section of the CSPD brief the Soldiers. I definitely think
they received great information."
R R Page 18

Training NCOs, preparing for the future
In their continuing effort to build “Rough Rider Strong” Soldiers, the 43D Sustainment Brigade sponsored a
junior leader symposium to prepare about 170 sergeants and staff sergeants to be better leaders, May 29.
This is the second quarterly event in the “Rough Rider Strong” program and was focused on spiritual and
mental strength. The first, the wellness fair held in March, was focused on physical fitness and health.
There were nine different classes ranging from resilience to ethics. The subject matter was much the same as
what might have been taught to newer Soldiers, but with a special emphasis on leadership, said to Sgt. 1st Class
Nivian Pickett, schools noncommissioned officer, 43D SB.
“It’s not a random thing that those (participating in the classes) are sergeants and staff sergeants,” said Maj.
Amy Jackson, executive officer, 43D SB. “Those are people that we feel are going to have the most impact at the
Soldier level.”
Pickett, also one of the brigade’s master resilience trainers, agreed.
“They’re the ones that have more influence with the Soldiers,” said Pickett. “They’re the ones actually lead-
ing the Soldiers.”
Classes, such as Equal Opportunity training, met quarterly training requirements. Others, like the class by the
brigade’s Family Readiness Support Assistant, were introduced to show the leaders some of the tools available to
them.
“This was not ‘let’s just pile on a bunch of requirements,’” said Jackson. “We’re mentoring and resourcing
them so that they can continue on in the Army knowing all of those (things).”
With the Army moving away from the wartime footing, noncommissioned officers are facing a new set of chal-
lenges. Many of the Soldiers have never known anything but the deployment cycle of the last 12 years.
“We understand the challenges that the junior NCOs face and this training was intended to equip them to take
better care of Soldiers,” said Jackson.
Sgt. Frank Miranda, human resource specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 43D SB, felt like
the curriculum was the right stuff for the right audience and the people teaching.
“The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and competent, they answered every question thoroughly,”
Miranda said. “I couldn’t have asked for better as far as instruction.”
Story by Sgt. 1st. Class Joe Stone
R R Page 19

NCO, Soldier of the year: JTFC Soldiers advance to FORSCOM
Joint Task Force Carson’s Sgt. Ruth Hanks and Cpl. Zachary Bandli will compete at the U.S. Army Forces
Command Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year competition later this month after the duo swept
the III Corps event, July 22-23, 2014 at Fort Hood, Texas.
The contest featured 13 events: the Army Physical Fitness Test, drill and ceremony, an M4 carbine
qualification range, weapons assembly and disassembly, single channel ground and airborne radio system
operations, medical assessment, adjust fire, call for fire, map reading, night land navigation, a written test, an
essay and board proceedings.
Sgt. Ruth Hanks
“I couldn’t believe that I won the III Corps NCO of the year. I started at the
company level and to make it this far is awesome,” said Hanks, military police, 984th
Military Police Company, 759th MP Battalion. “It has been an extremely humbling
experience.”
With her latest win, Hanks now has her sights set on FORSCOM competition.
“I really like competition. It is going to be fun and a great opportunity to learn
and further develop myself as a leader so I can bring that back to make my Soldiers
better,” she said.
Cpl. Zachary Bandli
“It feels amazing to win. To know that all the hard work and late nights have paid off in full,” said Bandli, a
signal support systems specialist,
534th Signal Company, 43D Special Troops Battalion, 43D Sustainment Brigade.
“I was truly surprised to be announced the winner, because
the competition was so close,” he said. “Now I just need to buckle
down again and keep refining all my warrior tasks and continue
preparing for a more difficult board.” Bandli said he didn’t know
what to expect at the FORSCOM event.
“I’m still in shock of winning III Corps,” he said. “I think if
anything, I will be looking forward to being one step closer to the
All-Army (Best Warrior) competition and also bringing all that
knowledge and experience back to my Soldiers and Carson. I want
to be an example for (my Soldiers) to follow, not just someone who
tells them what they need to do.”
(Editor’s note: Courtesy photos. Story compiled by Sgt. William
Smith, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, and Staff Sgt.
Alexis Ramos, 43D Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
By Public Affairs
R R Page 20

68th CSSB sharpens skills at PCMS
Soldiers from the 68th Combat Sustainment Support
Battalion, 43D Sustainment Brigade, were able to train-up
on skills at the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, June 10-20.
“You asked for the time and space to train your com-
panies…here we are, and you are getting it done, said Lt.
Col. Stephanie Barton, commander, 68th CSSB, 43D SB.
The battalion focused its training on small arms ranges,
qualifying and increasing its proficiency with the M4 car-
bine, M9 pistol, M203grenade launcher, and the M249
and M240B machine guns. The Soldiers practiced their
land navigation skills, day and night, and became familiar
with their vehicles.
“You see the staff operating in an austere environment
exercising mission command, not just here at Pinon Can-
yon,” said Cpt. Sae Hwan Kim, commander, Headquar-
ters and Headquarters Company, 68th CSSB. “We have
elements at [Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk,
La.], on Fort Carson in training area 40, here and in gar-
rison. We have people downrange also. That’s all being
tracked right here in this field environment.”
The battalion staff worked at their tasks and planned
for contingencies. Training was the focus of the battalion
from the moment they arrived at PCMS.
“We’re still running missions for Fort Carson but
we’re getting our training completed down here,” said
Maj. Brian Purdy, support operations officer, 68th CSSB.
The day-to-day mission of 68th CSSB is to support Fort
Carson’s resident units. There could not be any interrup-
tion to those services, so there was quite a bit of coordina-
tion required, said Purdy.
“Because we received the support, not only from our
brigade but also from division,” We were able to unplug
the battalion for these 10 days and get us healthy with
our training and give us a chance to operate some of our
systems,” Purdy said.
Leadership was pleased with the progress that was
made, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Shannon Cavi-
ness, command sergeant major, 68th CSSB.
“We are definitely achieving what we wanted to
achieve and even more. The Soldiers that are out here
with us have exceeded our expectations,” said Caviness.
“It’s an exciting time for the Stagecoach Battalion.”
The Soldiers could concentrate on training without
their usual distractions by being away from Fort Carson.
“We’ve done night drivers’ training and land naviga-
tion, stuff we don’t get to do on a regular basis that we
have the opportunity to do while we’re out here in the field
at Pinon Canyon,” said 1st Lt. Mark Sopkiw, maintenance
control officer, 183rd Support Maintenance Company.
The Stagecoach practiced convoy operations as well.
“We rolled 132 vehicles from Fort Carson all the way
down here with no major breakdowns. Not often does a
battalion get (its) vehicles on the road and drive that kind
of distance,” said Purdy. “A lot of times we are limited to
a training area on Fort Carson, a 20 to 30 minute drive.”
Story by Sgt. 1st. Class Joe Stone
Photo by Spc. Travis Lyssy
R R Page 21

New program reduces processing time
Story by Staff Sgt. Alexis Ramos
A Lean Six Sigma process improvement program resulted in a 75-percent decrease in the processing time for personnel
actions for Soldiers assigned to the 43D Sustainment Brigade.
The program, which falls in line with the overall LSS methodology, was conducted Oct. 13 through July 16 in order to help
improve processing of the Department of the Army form 4187, assignment deferment/deletion throughout the brigade.
“Our working group of the S1's (Admin) and myself as the black belt lead, sought to decrease the processing time of 4187's
for assignment deletion/deferment to below 30 days to meet DA guidance,” said Maj. Amy Jackson, Executive Officer, 43D SB.
“We had not been meeting that goal and there was a lot of variation in the process.”
During the 10 months of running the program, the brigade saw a reduction in processing time and cost savings associated
with man hours and other resources.
“Our baseline was 39.2 processing days with 8 days of variation on either side of that,” said Jackson. “During our pilot we
were able to get the time down to 10 days with 1.33 days of variation. Ultimately over the next five years, we could realize a
cost savings of $112,000.”
In addition, the admin personnel identified issues and addressed some areas of concern, explained Jackson.
“We discovered many issues along the way, such as lack of information, lack of systems, lack of leader engagement,” said Jack-
son. “We assessed the issues and developed "quick wins" to address some of those points of potential failure and saw immediate
results.”
“This project helped find where the problems were within the processing of actions,” said Sgt. 1st Class Leon Franklin, S1
noncommissioned officer in charge, 43D Special Troops Battalion, 43D SB. “The process will streamline the routing of actions
through the channels to Human Resource Command.”
While the Soldiers and family members are the primary beneficiaries of this program, it will ultimately benefit several areas.
“The benefits are pretty profound. First and foremost, it's all about the Soldier and his/her Family. If they do not know
when or if they are moving, it affects their ability to plan and prepare for a Permanent Change of Station,” said Jackson. “Sec-
ond, the gaining unit thinks they have a Soldier coming to their unit who potentially will not arrive on time or at all. Third,
HRC believes they have covered all their personnel issues and have no knowledge that there is a problem until the 4187 is
submitted.”
She said she believes that the biggest benefit in the future will be the digitalization of all administrative submissions, which
will improve timeliness and save money.
“We have to change the culture and that takes time and dedication,” said Jackson. “…so we will start with the 4187's and
hopefully begin to process our awards applying the same procedures.”
The 43D Sustainment Brigade hosted its first golf scramble at the Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, Fort Carson, Colo.,
July 25.
About 80 Soldiers, Family members and civilians showed up to the event and competed in four man teams for various
prizes.
"First and second place prizes received Cheyenne Shadows gift certificates, longest drive received a trophy, longest
putt received a (brand name) putter," said Delaney. "They all received $100 gift cards.”
In addition to the prizes, 43D SB participants were also able to tally up points for the brigade’s commander's cup that will
be presented at organizational day, explained Delaney.
While most participants came to the golf scramble to show pride in their unit, one individual came because golf is his
passion.
"I have great love for the game of golf," said Spc. Jeffrey Neilsen, command group, 43rd Special Troops Battalion,
43D SB. "I was able to share the love for the game with other people. My grandfather started me with lessons at 6 years
old, and I've been playing ever since."
Despite a brief rain and distant lighting, participants weathered the storm and continued playing into the evening.
"It was a great… event that golfers and non golfers enjoyed alike," said Delaney. "Seventy-five percent of the partici-
pants were from 43D SB, but we did have players from each unit on post showing great team spirit."
Neilsen was one of those golfers who enjoyed the event.
"I think it was a great team building event and also a great morale booster," said Neilsen. "It gets Soldier's involved in
brigade events."
The next 43D SB team-building event is its organizational day that will be held at Iron Horse Park, Aug 12.
Golf Scramble builds moraleStory by Staff Sgt. Alexis Ramos
R R Page 22

We ain’t afraid of no news!
Have any suggestions for the editor?
Story Ideas?
Reporter asking random questions?
Contatct PAO!
Sgt. 1st Class Joe Stone @ joseph.k.stone4.mil@mail.mil
or
Staff Sgt. Alexis Ramos @ alexis.r.ramos2.mil@mail.mil
R R Page 23

43D SB Soldiers practice lifesaving medevac skills during training exercise

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to 43D SB Soldiers practice lifesaving medevac skills during training exercise

Similar to 43D SB Soldiers practice lifesaving medevac skills during training exercise (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (16)

43D SB Soldiers practice lifesaving medevac skills during training exercise