1. Vol. 70 No. 27 July 6, 2012
Word of the month: Integrity
Fort Carson firefighter Capt. Louis
Montoya watches plumes of smoke
from the Waldo Canyon Fire rise above
residences near Cascade, June 27.
The fire, which began June 23, burned
17,920 acres and was 70 percent
contained as of Tuesday. Fort Carson
firefighters and engineers answered
the call to help battle the fire.
See related stories on pages 8-10.
Photo courtesy Fort Carson Fire Department
Colorado wildfires
Obama: Employ all resources to fight
American Forces Press Service Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Forest
Service, our military and National Guard and all the
firefighting efforts in a number of Western states
including Colorado, White House officials noted.
WASHINGTON — As President Barack Obama resources that we have available at the federal level Eight Department of Defense C-130 aircraft
thanked firefighters and volunteers, and met with are brought to bear in fighting this fire,” Obama said equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne
impacted families in wildfire-devastated areas in and June 29 in his weekly video address to the nation Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and
around Colorado Springs, June 29, he also vowed to recorded during his Colorado visit. control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting in
marshal all federal resources — including military — The federal government has marshaled thousands
to combat the fires. of firefighters, hundreds of fire engines and more See Fires on Page 4
“We’re going to continue to make sure that the than 100 aircraft, including 19 air tankers, to support
Message board INSIDE
Increased fire
restrictions
No fireworks
No open burning
Gas grills permitted in areas
free of flammable materials.
Outdoor smoking limited to
designated areas.
Dispose of materials in Page 5 Pages 29-30
approved containers.
Page 13
2. 2 MOUNTAINEER — July 6, 2012
MOUNTAINEER WLC honors
Commanding General:
Garrison Commander:
Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson
Col. David L. Grosso
Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer:
Dee McNutt
Chief, Print and Web Communications:
Ethos leads to better Soldier, person
Commentary by Spc. Michael Mansini
Warrior Leader Course graduate
nothing less than the positive, goal-oriented thinking that
is generated by the Warrior Ethos.
Personally, I never give up on anything that is integral
Rick Emert
The Warrior Ethos is a mindset that creates a solid mental to my personal happiness or the betterment as an individual.
Editor: Devin Fisher foundation that each and every Soldier in the U.S. Army Relationships, whether between a significant other, Family
Staff writer: Andrea Sutherland should possess in order to ensure his success when performing members or friends, can be very difficult to maintain.
Happenings: Nel Lampe
any military task, whether technical or tactical. However, a healthy outlook on life, such as the Warrior
It means exactly what it states; and if it is adhered to, Ethos, will give Soldiers the ability to excel and overcome
Sports writer: Walt Johnson
Soldiers will possess the proper guidelines insurmountable odds. Furthermore, you
Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall for accomplishing their professional and should elevate and hold your fellow Soldiers
personal goals. Indoctrination with this to the same standards of the Warrior Ethos.
This commercial enterprise newspaper is manner of thinking will assist Soldiers with When you find yourself flourishing due to
an authorized publication for members of the being successful at everything they set out self-enforced discipline, you should strive
Department of Defense. Contents of the to achieve. Each tenet of the Warrior Ethos to make those same benefits available to
Mountaineer are not necessarily the official
view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or
prescribes a different rule that can be those around you. Formation of good habits
the Department of the Army. Printed circulation used toward the betterment of the Soldier, is immensely helpful to fellow Soldiers.
is 12,000 copies. as well as his or her peers, seniors and Don’t leave fallen Soldiers behind; pick
The editorial content of the subordinates. By incorporating these them up and bring them to the level that the
Mountaineer is the responsibility of the Public ideals into their lives, they will become not Warrior Ethos demands.
Affairs Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119,
Tel.: 526-4144. The e-mail address is
only better Soldiers, but better people. The Warrior Ethos is fundamentally
fcmountaineer@hotmail.com. It is important to realize that the a frame of mind that is integral to
The Mountaineer is posted on the Warrior Ethos speaks to more than just the creating a strong mental foundation
Internet at http://csmng.com. military mentality; it can be applied to that Soldiers can use to be successful
The Mountaineer is an unofficial personal life and off-duty hours as well. Spc. Michael Mansini in their professional and personal lives.
publication authorized by AR 360-1. The
Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs
By placing the mission first in everyday Warrior Ethos award By instilling the Warrior Ethos into their
Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in life, whether it is something as simple as daily mindset, Soldiers will reap the
no way connected with the Department of the taking a vehicle in for repairs prior to a trip or procuring benefits of perseverance and determination, which are
Army, under exclusive written contract with groceries in time for dinner, they can begin with success necessary to make any Soldier all he can be. The benefits
Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year. in mind, which will help them to continue despite the of the Warrior Ethos are available to Soldiers who are
The appearance of advertising in this
publication, including inserts or supplements,
hardships and setbacks that occur along the way. There willing to challenge themselves and live by a higher
does not constitute endorsement by the are times in life when you have to do what you have to standard. Leaders should strive to embody the Warrior
Department of the Army or Colorado Springs do, and the difference between failure and success is often Ethos and to instill the same values in their Soldiers.
Military Newspaper Group, of the products or
services advertised. The printer reserves the
right to reject advertisements.
Everything advertised in this publication
shall be made available for purchase, use or
patronage without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical
handicap, political affiliation or any other
Top WLC graduates
nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
If a violation or rejection of this equal
Spc. Robert Abeledo, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg.
opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, Sgt. Sean Ambriz, 127th MP
the printer shall refuse to print advertising Spc. Norma Arevalo-Sanchez, 4th BSB
from that source until the violation is corrected.
For display advertising call 634-5905.
Spc. Matthew Beatty, 748th Ord.
All correspondence or queries regarding Spc. Jaleesa Bell, 423rd Trans.
advertising and subscriptions should be directed Sgt. Jimmy Benavides, 1st STB
to Colorado Springs Military Newspaper
Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300,
Spc. Christopher Codispot, 3rd STB
Colorado Springs, CO 80903, phone 634-5905. Spc. Robert Degroot, 748th Ord.
The Mountaineer’s editorial content is Spc. Thana Douglas, HHBN
edited, prepared and provided by the Public
Affairs Office, building 1430, room 265, Fort
Spc. Jacob Farmer, 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone 526-4144. Spc. Markus Haubrich, 2nd STB
Releases from outside sources are so Spc. Michael Mansini Pfc. Tyler Hill, HHBN
indicated. The deadline for submissions to the
Mountaineer is close of business the week Distinguished award Spc. John Hopkins, 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
before the next issue is published. The Spc. Monte Jackson, 204th BSB
Mountaineer staff reserves the right to edit Sgt. Dustin Lamb, 5th Bn., 19th SFG(A)
submissions for newspaper style, clarity and
typographical errors.
Pfc. Thomas Long, 204th BSB
Policies and statements reflected in the Spc. Michael Mansini, 2nd STB
news and editorial columns represent views Spc. Gillis McCarter, 785th MP Bn.
of the individual writers and under no
circumstances are to be considered those of Sgt. Christopher Melton, 127th MP
the Department of the Army. Spc. Tiffany Miranda, 4th BSB
Reproduction of editorial material is
authorized. Please credit accordingly.
Spc. Kenyatta Moreland, 2nd BCT
Spc. Aric Olson, 4th Bn., 10th SFG(A)
Pfc. Joshua Pate, HHBN
Sgt. Paule Pupelyte, 169th FA Bde.
Spc. Kionicio Roberson, HHBN
Spc. Nicholas Sloan, 5th Bn., 19th SFG(A)
Classified advertising
Sgt. Jeremy Tamburino, 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
329-5236 Sgt. Maximilian Waring, 127th MP
Sgt. Sean Ambriz Sgt. Brent Wilson, 3rd Bn., 10th SFG(A)
Display advertising Leadership award Spc. Filipe Wolinger, 2nd STB
634-5905 Spc. Joseph Zackowski, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg.
Mountaineer editor
526-4144
Post information
526-5811 Send your letters or commentaries to
Post weather hotline
526-0096 fcmountaineer@hotmail.com.
3. July 6, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 3
Military police units
stand at attention for
inspection June 29
during a change of
command and change
of responsibility
ceremony. Lt. Col.
Christopher Burns
relinquished command
to Lt. Col. Christopher
Heberer and and
Command Sgt. Maj.
Larry Orvis relinquished
responsibility to
Command Sgt. Maj.
Barry Oakes.
New command takes charge of 759th MP
Story and photo by symbolic relinquishment of command deployed in support of Operation New “It’s been a tremendous honor
Andrea Sutherland by Lt. Col. Christopher Burns and Dawn and Operation Iraqi Freedom. serving you these last couple of years,”
Mountaineer staff responsibility by Sgt. Maj. Larry Orvis. In addition to completing numerous he said. “Leading this battalion has
“Today, the battalion lost an out- MP courses, Heberer also graduated from been the highlight of my career.”
Members of the 759th Military standing command team, but the team the Command and General Staff College Burns served as battalion com-
Police Battalion welcomed Lt. Col. is stacked and the unit welcomes another and completed the 82nd Airborne mander since 2010, preparing three
Christopher Heberer and Command Sgt. outstanding officer and command Division’s Jump Masters Course, Air companies for deployments in support
Maj. Barry Oakes as the new commander team,” Williams said. Assault School and Airborne School. of Operation Enduring Freedom. After
and senior enlisted leader during a Heberer greeted his Soldiers and their Heberer said he plans to build con- relinquishing command, Burns will
change of command and change of loved ones with words of reassurance. fidence in his Soldiers by establishing a prepare for his own deployment to
responsibility ceremony, June 29. “The Army is the strength of the mutual confidence with their leaders. Afghanistan as executive officer to the
“The capabilities officers and nation and the strength of the Army is In his closing remarks, Heberer commanding general, Combined Joint
senior enlisted leaders provide is our people,” he said. “The strength of praised the efforts of the former Interagency Task Force 435.
more important than ever,” said Col. our nation is present on this field.” command team. Burns closed with words of advice
Patrick Williams, commander, 89th A Cañon City native, Heberer served “You’ve set a good example,” he said. for his replacement.
MP Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. as operations officer with the 4th Infantry In his f inal remarks to the “Enjoy every minute of it,” he
Williams presided over the ceremony, Division Provost Marshal’s Office from MPs, Burns thanked them for their said. “Two years goes by very quickly.
accepting the battalion’s colors and the December 2011 until June. He commitment to the mission. Best of luck.”
4. 4 MOUNTAINEER — July 6, 2012
Fir es Oil Creek, Wyo., fires.
from Page 1 Military units that conducted
those missions are the 302nd Airlift
the efforts to control fires in the Rocky Wing, Air Force Reserve, Peterson Air
Mountain region at the request of the Force Base, Colo.; Wyoming Air
National Interagency Fire Center in National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing
Boise, Idaho, according to a Northcom based in Cheyenne; the California
news release issued June 29. Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift
Northcom, based at Peterson Air Wing, from Channel Islands; and the
Force Base, partners with other North Carolina Air National Guard’s
agencies to conduct homeland defense, 145th Airlift Wing, from Charlotte,
civil support and security cooperation military officials said.
to defend and secure the United States This is the first time since 2008
and its interests. that all eight military aircraft have been
As of early Sunday morning, activated at one time, said Air Force
DOD aircraft had conducted 50 air Col. Jerry Champlin, 153rd Air
drops, employing approximately Expeditionary Group commander. In
133,500 gallons of retardant on the that year, the aircraft were stationed at
Waldo Canyon Fire and six air drops, McClellan Airpark in Sacramento,
dispersing about 13,200 gallons of Calif., to fight fires in that state.
retardant on the Flagstaff Fire near Where C-130s will drop fire
Boulder. The aircraft have conducted retardant depends on the daily situa- Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
another 17 air drops, discharging tion in the region, officials said. The A Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 begins dropping retardant on
more than 43,000 gallons of Forest Service also may choose to a section of the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, June 26. Military MAFFS
retardant, on the White Draw, S.D.; base one or more aircraft in other units have conducted 50 airdrops discharging more than 133,500 gallons of retardant
Ash Creek, Mont.; and Arapaho and operating areas. on the Waldo Canyon Fire.
Kudos korner Nominate a Mountain Post community member who has gone above and beyond.
Child, Youth and School Services
Submit your write up to fcmountaineer@hotmail.com. Include name, rank and unit.
Wanted to write a thank you note to the Fort to a deploying unit in June, I was stressed about While my children are having a tough adjustment with
Carson garrison for making the Child, Youth and finding suitable child care for our kids where I our new schedule and missing their dad, things have
School Services program a priority for this post: could be close and involved through the work been better because of the efforts made by these facili-
My husband is with a National Guard unit day. I have no Family in our state. I explored our ties in caring for them while I am at work. My kids
training here and it is the first time for our Family community at the north side of Colorado Springs attend the Aspen and Cheyenne (Child Development
watching him deploy. My three kids are all under for something that looked good enough. I admit Center) facilities. Both the quality and expense of
the age of 8. With the cyclical nature of deployment, I had not had great expectations about child care child care has been one of the No. 1 stressors for me
and my husband going to school recently, I’ve had facilities here on post, so it was my last stop. I in the deployment cycle. The raising and supporting
to be the stable civilian spouse working full time must say, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of my Family is heavily resting on my shoulders this
on post for the last three years. of the facilities and the nice staff that greeted us. next year. I am grateful for the emphasis on keeping
I remember in 2003 what the post looked like The facilities bested most of what I could find in the CYSS program well-funded for the working
when I met my husband, Jeff, who was involved in my neighborhood. In addition, I was impressed that the moms and dads here. It has been a lifesaver for me.
training outgoing troops ... it was somewhat bleak. CYSS has made efforts at including a diversity of Thank you.
When we were notified that he would be activated activities, to include field trips, to keep their interest. — Kristin L. McBride
Community
shows
support
Hundreds of Fort Carson community members
turned up at the Hub to donate items for
evacuees from the Waldo Canyon Fire.
“We had more than 100 unique donors,”
said Kristen Kea, Warrior Family Community
Partnership manager. Kea said thousands of
items including baby supplies, pet food, toys,
clothing, toiletries, food and gift certificates
were donated. “We had an outpouring of
support for our military Families displaced
by the fires,” she said. Fort Carson Soldiers
and civilians helped 60 evacuees from the U.S.
Air Force Academy, Mountain Shadows and
Peregrine neighborhoods June 26 as the
fire threatened their homes. Kea said that
although community members are welcome
to continue donating, her staff has received
sufficient supplies to aid displaced families.
Photo by Andrea Sutherland
5. July 6, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 5
‘Black Knights’ deactivate
Story by Pfc. Andrew Ingram
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Soldiers of 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,
43rd Sustainment Brigade, bid farewell to the 549th
Quartermaster Company during a deactivation ceremony at
Fort Carson, June 28.
With “Black Knights” Soldiers of the 549th QM looking
on, company commander, Capt. William Hall, presented the
unit guidon to Lt. Col. Alanna Cook, commander, 68th CSSB,
and Command Sgt. Maj. Percy Deering, battalion senior
enlisted leader, who cased the military standard, signifying
the unit’s deactivation from service.
Hall said he was proud of his Soldiers for their accom-
plishments during his 17 months as their commander.
“Soldiers, thank you for all your hard work, and ‘never quit’
attitude, regardless of the situation,” Hall said. “You take on every
duty assigned with pride and excellence. For that, my hat goes
off to you, as well as to your Families, for all their sacrifices.
“The experience of commanding this great company in
their final chapter has been an awesome journey,” he said.
“I will cherish the memories and take the lessons learned with
me to my next endeavor.”
Soldiers of the 549th QM provided shower, laundry
and clothing repair services during deployments overseas and
large-scale training missions.
Units deactivate for multiple reasons, ranging from
manning cuts to new technologies or tactics that render their
mission unnecessary, said Hall.
With the U.S. military mission in Iraq complete, and forces
in Afghanistan drawing down, the Department of the Army
decided to discontinue the shower, laundry and clothing
repair career field, deactivating companies like the 549th Photo courtesy of 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade
QM Company. From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Percy Deering, senior enlisted leader, 68th Combat Sustainment Support
During the next few months, Black Knights Soldiers will Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade; Capt. William Hall, commander, 549th Quartermaster Company,
68th CSSB; and Lt. Col. Alanna Cook, commander, 68th CSSB; case the unit guidon during a deactivation
See Deactivate on Page 6
ceremony on Fort Carson, June 28.
6. 6 MOUNTAINEER — July 6, 2012
Deactivate
Civil affairs battalion still recruiting from Page 5
retrain to meet the needs of the Army and join
By Sgt. Patrick Withey regional security and infrastructure. new formations.
440th Civil Affairs Battalion Soldiers act as a liaison between the commander, “As our Army transforms itself to a
the local populace and numerous aid organizations more lean combat formation with a restrictive
The 440th Civil Affairs Battalion, the newest in order to solve key problems that threaten personnel cap, services, such as shower, laundry
battalion of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and regional stability. and clothing repair, will have to be provided
Psychological Operations Command, activates at Fort Nunez said Soldiers of the 440th Civil Affairs through other means,” said Cook, who presided
Carson Sept. 15. Bn. are assigned to Pacific Command, which consists over the ceremony as the reviewing officer. “In
With the overall manpower goal near 200 Soldiers, of 36 countries including Thailand, Indonesia, the a time when Army structure must be reduced,
the battalion is still recruiting qualified individuals. Philippines and Mongolia. it’s understandable why the Army reached a
“We’re looking for motivated individuals The unit continues to support overseas decision to reduce field service companies,
(to join),” said Capt. Ivan Nunez, opera- contingency operations and faces one of such as the 549th QM Company.”
tions officer, 440th Civil Affairs Bn. the highest operation tempos in the During their recent deployment to Iraq, the
Nunez said interested Soldiers Army, deploying every 20 months on 549th QM Soldiers dispersed across the country,
should have and be able to maintain a average. Soldiers in civil affairs teams running six laundry sites, laundering more than
security clearance, be able to meet can also be tasked to do missions in 100,000 bundles of laundry; and two shower
height and weight standards and have other regional commands around the sites, providing more than 5,000 showers.
the aptitude to learn a foreign language. world including South America, In addition to tasks specific to their career
“We are a bit more academic than Afghanistan and Africa. field, the quartermaster Soldiers also assisted U.S.
the average Army unit,” said Maj. “When people hear that we’re Forces-Iraq in its mission to draw down forces,
George Meyer, officer-in-charge reservists, they go, ‘Oh, you’re in operating two fixed-materiel redistribution yards
of 440th Civil Affairs Bn. the (Reserve), you just work and 10 mobile locations, returning $70 million
Meyer said 92 percent of weekends,’” said Meyer. “That worth of equipment into the supply system, and
Soldiers in civil affairs are weekend warrior persona is gone. properly disposing of another $70 million
reservists with backgrounds in med- We’re very integrated.” worth of damaged or outdated equipment.
ical, legal, public safety and engineering Meyer said working in civil affairs “American Soldiers are known for their
fields. Soldiers have degrees in economics, offers great opportunities for Soldiers to adaptability, flexibility and capability to do
anthropology, computer science and history. continue their professional development. anything asked of them. The Soldiers you see
“We provide support to maneuver commanders Opportunities for Army schools such as Air Assault, before you are the epitome of this,” Cook said.
with respect to the civil component of an operational Airborne and the Defense Language Institute are “I know I will remember the 549th QM, always.
environment,” Nunez said. available for qualified Soldiers. There are also many You have a proud history here at Fort Carson,
Soldiers in civil affairs teams are responsible for opportunities for promotion for both noncommis- and will always be on the ‘Stagecoach’ Team.”
providing an area commander with cultural expertise sioned officers and officers. The company guidon will be returned to
of the indigenous population within the area of Soldiers interested in becoming a part of 440th the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry for storage,
operation. Soldiers are responsible for gathering Civil Affairs Bn. may visit the unit Facebook page, call historical documentation and for safekeeping
information on key elements of a location including 719-524-5043, or stop by the battalion 7335 Womack in the event the unit reactivates in accordance
local government, public health, economic stability, St., building 3450, on the second floor. with the needs of the Army.
Professionals in Dentistry, LLC
Dr. Ryan D. Baros & & Dr. Ryan D. Baros
Dr. Raymond Baros Dr. Raymond Baros
513 Kiva Dr., in Security
To schedule your appointment call
392-5300
Our practice is committed to providing our patientswith
Our practice commited to providing our patients with
skilled, caring and gentle dental care.
skilled, and gentle dental care.
NO
We Welcome INSURANCE?
We offer
new Patients convenient credit
plans up to 12
Children are months.
Welcome WITHOUT
INTEREST!
Most dental insurance accepted,
including United Concordia for
MILITARY DEPENDENTS
SHIN SA DONG
KOREAN RESTAURANT
We have delicious foods
with the best prices!
We always have 8 or more side dishes
that come with every food for FREE!
10% Military Discount*
We make tasty foods such as:
3845 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
638-2695
7. July 6, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 7
Miscellaneous Fort Carson dining facilities hours of operation
German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge Dining facility Friday-Monday Tuesday-Thursday
— training and testing is conducted monthly. Events Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
include swimming, marksmanship, track and field Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
events (100 meter dash, shot put, long jump and Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner: Closed
3,000-meter run) and a 12-kilometer road march. Wolf Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Soldiers with physical limitations can also participate Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
with an approved alternate event authorized by Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
medical personnel. Upon completion of all required
events, Soldiers are awarded a gold, silver or bronze Warfighter Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
badge, level is determined by results of the marks- (Wilderness Road Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
manship and road march. The foreign military award Complex) Dinner: Closed
is authorized to be worn on the Class-A or Army LaRochelle Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Service Uniform. Soldiers should submit packets 10th SFG(A) Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
through their chain of command to Sgt. Michael Dinner: Closed
Phillips at 526-5282 or email michael.j.phillips6@
us.army.mil. Contact the officer-in-charge of the • Motor pool sludge removal/disposal — Center; sign-in is at 7 a.m. and briefings start at 7:30
event, Chief Warrant Officer David Douglas, at 720- Call Dennis Frost at 526-6997 or email a.m. Soldiers are required to bring Department
250-1221 or email david.douglas1@us.army.mil. dennis.j.frost.civ@mail.mil. of the Army Form 5118, signed by their unit
Finance travel processing — All inbound and • Repair and utility/self-help — Call Gary personnel section, and a pen to complete forms.
outbound Temporary Lodging Expense, “Do it Grant at 526-5844 or email gerald.l.grant2.civ Call 526-4730/4583 for more information.
Yourself ” Moves, servicemember and Family @mail.mil. Use this number to obtain self-help Army ROTC Green to Gold briefings — are held
member travel, travel advance pay and travel pay tools and equipment or a motorized sweeper. the first and third Tuesday of each month at
inquiries will be handled in building 1218, room 231. • Base operations contracting officer noon at the education center, building 1117,
Call 526-4454 or 524-2594 for more information. representative — Call Terry Hagen at 526-9262 room 120. Call University of Colorado-
First Sergeants’ Barracks Program — is located or email terry.j.hagen.civ@mail.mil for questions Colorado Springs Army ROTC at 262-3475 for
in building 1454 on Nelson Boulevard. The on snow removal, grounds maintenance and more information.
hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday- contractor response to service orders. ETS briefings — for enlisted personnel are held
Friday. The office assists Soldiers with room • Portable latrines — Call Jerald Just at the first and third Wednesday of each month.
assignments and terminations. For more information 524-0786 or email jerald.j.just.civ@mail.mil to Briefing sign in begins at 7 a.m. at the Soldier
call 526-9707. request latrines, for service or to report damaged Readiness Building, building 1042, room 244,
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club — The Fort Carson or overturned latrines. on a first-come, first-served basis. Soldiers must
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meets the third The Fort Carson Trial Defense Service office — is be within 120 days of their expiration term of
Tuesday of each month at the Family Connection able to help Soldiers 24/7 and is located at building service, but must attend the briefing no later than
Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 1430, room 240. During duty hours, Soldiers should 30 days prior to their ETS or start of transition
SAMC is open to all active members and those call 526-4563. The 24-hour phone number for after leave. Call 526-2240/8458.
interested in becoming future SAMC members. hours, holidays and weekends is 719-358-3275. Special Forces briefings — are held Wednesdays
The club was originally a U.S. Forces Command Questions can also be submitted by email to in building 1430, room 123, from noon to 1 p.m.
organization of elite noncommissioned officers FtCarsonTDS@gmail.com. Know your rights. Soldiers must be specialist to staff sergeant from
but is now an Armywide program for individuals Legal services — provided at the Soldier Readiness any military occupational specialty, have a
who have met the criteria and have proven Processing site are for Soldiers undergoing the general technical score of at least 107, be a U.S.
themselves to be outstanding NCOs through a SRP process. The SRP Legal Office will only citizen, score 240 or higher on the Army Physical
board/leadership process. Contact the SAMC provide powers of attorney or notary services to Fitness Test, and pass a Special Forces physical.
president, Staff Sgt. Thomas Witt, at 526-5661 Soldiers processing through the SRP. Retirees, Call 524-1461 or visit the website at http://
for more information. Family members and Soldiers not in the SRP www.bragg.army.mil/sorb.
Recycle incentive program — The Directorate of process can receive legal assistance and powers
Public Works has an incentive program to prevent of attorney at the main legal office located at 1633 Hours of Operation
recyclable waste from going to the landfill. Mekong St., building 6222, next to the Family
Participating battalions can earn monetary Readiness Center. Legal assistance prepares • In-processing — Monday-Thursday from
rewards for turning recyclable materials in to the powers of attorney and performs notary services 7:30-10:30 a.m.
Fort Carson Recycle Center, building 155. Points on a walk-in basis from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Initial and partial issues — Monday-
are assigned for the pounds of recyclable goods Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays, and from Friday from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
turned in and every participating battalion 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays. • Cash sales/report of survey — Monday-
receives money quarterly. Call 526-5898 for more Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
information about the program. Briefings • Direct exchange and partial turn ins —
Directorate of Public Works services — DPW is Monday-Friday from 7:30-11:30 a.m.
responsible for a wide variety of services on Fort Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training — • Full turn ins — by appointment only; call
Carson. Services range from repair and maintenance is held July 17-19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in 526-3321.
of facilities to equipping units with a sweeper and the education center, building 1117, room 303c. • Unit issues and turn ins — Call 526-
cleaning motor pools. Listed below are phone This training is required for all Soldiers asked to 5512/6477 for approval.
numbers and points of contact for services: perform this solemn duty. Per Army Regulation Education Center hours of operation — The
• Facility repair/service orders — Fort 600-8-1, this duty is limited to those in the ranks of Mountain Post Training and Education Center,
Carson Support Services service order desk can be sergeant first class to command sergeant major, building 1117, 526-2124, hours are as follows:
reached at 526-5345. Use this number for emergencies chief warrant officer 2-5 and captain and above. No • Counselor Support Center — Monday-
or routine tasks and for reporting wind damage, reservations are required to attend training. Classes Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 11
damaged traffic signs or other facility damage. offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Jean a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Refuse/trash and recycling — Call Eric Graves at 526-5613/ 5614 for more information. • Army Learning Center — Monday-
Bailey at 719-491-0218 or email eric.e.bailey4. Disposition Services — Defense Logistics Agency Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
civ@mail.mil when needing trash containers, trash Disposition Services Colorado Springs, located in • Defense Activity for Nontraditional
is overflowing or emergency service is required. building 381, conducts orientations Fridays from Education Support and Army Personnel
• Facility custodial services — Call Bryan 12:30-3:30 p.m. The orientations discuss DLA Testing — Monday-Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and
Dorcey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey.civ@ processes to include turning in excess property, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
mail.mil for service needs or to report complaints. reutilizing government property, web-based tools Repair and Utility self-help — has moved to building
• Elevator maintenance — Call Bryan available, special handling of property and environ- 217 and is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dorcey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey.civ mental needs. To schedule an orientation, contact Medical Activity Correspondence Department office
@mail.mil. Arnaldo Borrerorivera at arnaldo.borrerorivera hours — The Correspondence (Release of Infor-
@dla.mil for receiving/ turn in; Mike Welsh at mation) Office in the Patient Administration Division
BOSS meetings are mike.welsh@dla.mil for reutilization/web tools; or hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday 7:30 a.m.
held the first and third Rufus Guillory at rufus.guillory@dla.mil. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Thursday and federal
Thursday of each Retirement briefings — are held from 8 a.m. to noon holidays. Call 526-7322 or 526-7284 for details.
month from 2-3:30 the second and third Wednesday of each month at Work Management Branch — The DPW Work
p.m. at The Foxhole. the Joel Hefley Community Center conference room, Management Branch, responsible for processing
Contact Cpl. Rachael 6800 Prussman Ave. The Retirement Services Office work orders — Facilities Engineering Work
Robertson at 524-2677 recommends spouses accompany Soldiers to the Requests, DA Form 4283 — is be open for
or visit the BOSS office briefing. Call 526-2840 for more information. processing work orders and other in-person
in room 106 of The Hub for more information. Reassignment briefings — are held Tuesdays support from 7-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday.
Text “follow CarsonBOSS” to 40404 to receive for Soldiers heading overseas and Thursdays for Afternoon customer support is by appointment
updates and event information. personnel being reassigned stateside. The briefings only, call 526-2900. The Work Management
are held in building 1129, Freedom Performing Arts Branch is located in building 1219.
8. 8 MOUNTAINEER — July 6, 2012
Story and photos by Pfc. Andrew Ingram “We work well together. We support them
Engineers, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
With the sun dipping behind the mountains
June 27, the engineers worked to set up a base of
and they support us,” said Lt. Col. Danielle
Ngo, commander, 52nd Eng. Bn. “The Soldiers
are so enthusiastic to help a real-world mission,
and be part of a team that hopefully will (save)
firefighters
operations and begin clearing fire breaks before dark. lives and people’s homes.”
The Soldiers were up by 4:30 a.m. the next Integrated with the Air Force Academy Fire
morning, readying their dozers and graders, Department and working in conjunction with the
continuing their firebreak mission at first light. Army engineers, Fort Carson firefighters created
More than 100 Fort Carson engineers, controlled burns to safely clear areas before the
join USAFA assigned to the 4th and 52nd Engineer battalions,
with support from the 43rd Sustainment
Brigade and Fort Carson firefighters, supported
efforts to prevent the Waldo Canyon Fire
from spreading throughout the U.S. Air Force
wildfire could spread and extinguished spot fires
caused by embers drifting from the main body
of the wildfire onto the academy grounds.
“The Air Force Academy (Fire Department)
has been on Fort Carson many times helping us,
fire effort Academy near Colorado Springs.
Working under the direction
of the Air Force Academy Fire
Department, Fort Carson engineers
used tracked dozers to build
so has the Colorado Springs Fire Department (and)
El Paso County,” said T.J. McCloud, leader of the
Fort Carson firefighter task force. “We have an
excellent rapport with the departments around
us for that reason. All of us need help at certain
firebreaks, stripping vegetation times. Those people have come and helped us,
from the land in an effort to so this is how we return the favor.
eliminate the fire’s fuel, thereby “We all work together, train together; then, when
halting its progress. the big fires happen, we know each other; we
The academy firefighters know our limitations and our capabilities,” he said.
welcomed the Fort Carson team Ken Helgerson, deputy fire chief, Air Force
and immediately put them to work Academy Fire Department, said both Fort Carson
building defenses against the fire. military and civilian personnel proved to be
important assets in the fire containment effort.
“They have been of huge value to us,” Helgerson
said. “Fort Carson has been priceless in defending
The Waldo Canyon Fire burns on the Air Force Academy from this wildfire.”
the outskirts of the U.S. Air Force The engineers arrived at the academy with
Academy, June 28. Fort Carson Soldiers, their equipment within hours of receiving the
assigned to 52nd and 4th Engineer order to mobilize.
Battalions, used a variety of Army During the first 72 hours of their mission,
tracked dozers and support vehicles the engineers cleared more than 12 miles of
to create strips of cleared earth, called vegetation to prevent the wildfire from spreading
firebreaks, ranging from 8-100 feet throughout the academy.
wide, to stop the wildfire’s progress. “With one dozer we can churn up roughly a
www.montessorichild.com
CONTACTS GLASSES
HAVE
YOU BEEN
CHECKED
RECENTLY?
Voted #1 Eye Care in Colorado Springs
The Independent & The Gazette
WWW.ABBAEYECARE.COM
4331 Centennial Blvd. 4319 Integrity Center Point 1813 North Circle Drive 1130 Lake Plaza Drive
Garden of the Gods & Centennial NW Corner of Powers & Barnes Circle & Constitution Lake Ave & Lake Plaza (next to Culvers)
635-2020 634-2020 632-2020 578-2020
Optical Concessionaire at the Exchange for:
Ft. Carson 576-5151
Air Force Academy 472-0524
Peterson AFB 574-5252
Tricare & Medicare Providers
Exams as young as 6 months of age
9. July 6, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 9
couple hundred meters an hour,” said Staff Sgt.
Erick Lappi, horizontal construction engineer,
576th Engineer Company, 4th Eng. Bn. “These
firebreaks are definitely going to make a
difference if the fire keeps coming this way.”
Lappi said after multiple deployments
overseas, he found satisfaction in serving
his nation by protecting its citizens on
the homefront.
“Doing a mission like this on American
soil, for one of our fellow services, has a lot of
meaning to us,” Lappi said. “We want to do this
right and protect all of our brothers out here.”
The firefighters’ continued success stems
from solid leadership and cohesion between
all of the units and agencies working together
to counter the threat, said Capt. Donald
Schmidt, operations officer, 4th Eng. Bn.
“Everybody is working together, taking
guidance from the Air Force Academy
firefighters and response officials,” said
Schmidt. “We are pulling support from our
own resources, self-sustaining our operations
and life-support requirements.”
At the end of each day, the engineers
returned to their base of operations and
conducted preventive maintenance, checks
and services on their heavy equipment in
preparation for the next day’s work.
Soot and dust clogging the vehicles’ air Sgt. 1st Class Justin Payne, 576th Engineer Company,
filters was the most common problem with the morale and confidence in their technical 4th Engineer Battalion, uses a Caterpillar D7F Dozer to
dozers, said Spc. Melody Kirsch, wheeled vehicle proficiencies, said Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald clear a firebreak during efforts to contain the Waldo
mechanic, Forward Support Company, 4th Eng. Patterson, senior enlisted leader, 52nd Eng. Bn. Canyon Fire at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 28.
Bn. A clogged air filter may cause an engine to “This has all been positive. The Soldiers really
overheat, so before turning in for the night, the like getting out here on their equipment, doing to support efforts to prevent the Waldo Canyon Fire
engineers and their maintenance team cleaned something for the community,” said Patterson. from spreading to the city of Colorado Springs.
or replaced the filters and inspected the vehicles “In a situation like this, at the end of the day, these With firefighting efforts complete on the
thoroughly for damage. Soldiers get to see a finished product, and that academy, Fort Carson Soldiers and emergency
Working toward a goal with visible results finished product helps their neighbors.” responders stand ready to protect their own and the
and clear margin of success boosted the engineers’ Fort Carson firefighters and Soldiers continue broader Colorado Springs community as a whole.
10. 10 MOUNTAINEER — July 6, 2012
Carson fire Engine 34 and its crew
from Fort Carson prepare to
battle the Walden Canyon
Fire June 27 near Cascade.
department
supports city,
county
By Andrea Sutherland
Mountaineer staff
Crews from the Fort
Carson Fire Department and
the Directorate of Public Works
continue to battle the fire in Waldo
Canyon — building containment
lines, defending houses and
supporting local fire departments
through mutual aid agreements
with the city of Colorado Springs
and El Paso County.
The fire, which began June
23, is the worst wildfire in
Colorado history, damaging or
destroying more than 350 homes Photos by Capt. Louis Montoya
and claiming two lives.
As of Tuesday, the 17,920- requesting personnel and equipment safe and out of the path and you don’t “We were still responding to other
acre fire is 70 percent contained, but support to fight the blaze. want to put firefighters in the path incidents,” Silloway said.
continues to burn. “We responded with a Type-3 of something that ferocious.” Fire crews responded to three
“It’s heart-wrenching to see engine company and a crew of four,” Silloway said the goal of firefighters wild land fires June 25 in Fountain,
something like that develop,” said he said, adding that a two-person when tackling a forest fire is to create Cheyenne Mountain State Park and
Chief Glen Silloway, Fort Carson Fire incident management team from anchor points or fire breaks with Spanish Peaks in southern Colorado.
Department, Directorate of Emergency Fort Carson also assisted, but was man-made or natural barriers such as Those fires were quickly extinguished.
Services. “I grew up here. I’ve been later demobilized. roads, trails or creeks. By containing The following morning, firefighters
hiking in the areas that are on fire.” Although the fire began on U.S. the fire within these barriers, said they felt a peculiar calm.
A 28-year veteran firefighter, Forest Service land, partners from firefighters can then begin to squelch “I remember thinking it was
Silloway said he’s been involved with the city of Colorado Springs, El Paso the flames, eliminating fuel sources a quiet day,” Wolf said. “But later
numerous forest fires, but the Waldo County, Teller County, U.S. Forest and eventually extinguishing the fire. that day, the fire progressed.”
Canyon Fire created a level of Service, Colorado State Forest “That’s what had been taking That day, Wolf took over a division
destruction he’d never before witnessed. Service, Colorado National Guard and place from the beginning,” he said. of fire crews from Fort Carson and
“We as a community have been firefighters from local departments, Capt. Peter Wolf, a firefighter at other neighboring departments, as well
preparing for this,” he said. “It was the including Fort Carson, quickly came Fort Carson, was part of the initial as a wild land firefighting team from
worst-case scenario we’d been planning together in a mutual aid effort. incident management team sent to DPW. His team of 56 firefighters, 19
for, but hoped would never happen.” Fire officials remained cautious support firefighting efforts. engines and four dozers worked near
in their initial assessment of the fire. “We were completely defensive,” he the Peregrine neighborhood, building
The beginning: June 23-25 Dry fuels such as brush, trees and said. “We could not establish an anchor containment lines and prepping houses.
Longtime Colorado residents other combustibles, high temperatures point. We began prepping structures In the late afternoon, his crews
recognized the plume of smoke rising and little humidity and the potential and we were successful. No structures were near the Flying W Ranch, a
from the Pike National Forest in for high winds set the stage for a were lost in the first 72 hours.” Colorado Springs landmark.
El Paso County as an ominous sign. devastating scenario. Wolf said crews adapted to the As temperatures rose and wind
From his desk at the Fort Carson “The first thing you think about situation, positioning themselves speeds increased, Silloway said the fire
Fire Department, Silloway expected in a scenario like this is life safety,” between the fire and structures to turned, cresting a ridge and hurling
the call from El Paso County officials Silloway said. “You want to get people prevent buildings from burning. down the mountainside toward the
With near triple-digit temperatures U.S. Air Force Academy and Mountain
combined with 30-mph wind gusts, Shadows and Peregrine neighborhoods.
the fire reached 3,446 acres. But “It was a wind-driven fire and,
Silloway knew that with those combined with the intense heat, it
weather conditions, the situation was consuming everything in its path,”
could deteriorate fast. he said. “It did look like a fireball
“You could tell this was going coming through there.”
to get way worse,” he said. At Flying W Ranch, Wolf said
the situation quickly worsened.
Firestorm: June 26 “It was organized chaos in a losing
Throughout the first three days situation,” he said. “Even if we had had
of the fire, 450 firefighters from local 200-300 engines, that would not have
departments attempted to contain the helped. It was beyond our capabilities.”
burn, closing U.S. Highway 24 and Wolf said he would never forget
evacuating residents from Cascade, the scene that unfolded.
Cedar Heights Subdivision, Chipita “It looked like war,” he said. “All of
Park, Crystal Park and Green a sudden there were 15 houses burning.
Mountain Falls neighborhoods as a … Wild land guys were running down
precautionary measure. the street with chainsaws just chopping
Fort Carson fire crews continued down trees. There were chunks of
to support in the mutual aid effort, roofing, embers and paper flying around.
providing more firefighters and “The smell, it burns your nose. It’s
A tree burns near Cascade June 27 as a result of the fire in Waldo Canyon. The fire, which vehicles as needed, while continuing
See Firefighter on Page 12
began June 23, burned 17,920 acres and was 70 percent contained as of Tuesday. to staff and support its own department.
