In this week’s edition... DEERS receives top notch award, DFMWR helps people get into shape and Children learn a little more about their world with Earth Day activities. Read these stories and more in your Mountaineer.
1. Vol. 71, No. 17 May 3, 2013
Pages 32-33
Page 15
Pages 20-21
Message board INSIDEINSIDE
May is
Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month
For more
information, visit
https://safety.
army.mil.
By Andrea Sutherland
Mountaineer staff
In one year, the 15-person team from the Fort
Carson Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting
System Identification Card section and the Soldier
Readiness Processing site serviced more than
130,000 customers.
“We serve between 180 and 250 people each
day,” said Denise Ellis, verifying official, DEERS.
“We go above and beyond regular customer service.”
Ellis said the DEERS team prides itself on its
professionalism and efficiency, but also its willingness
to take care of each customer, regardless of service
branch or military status.
“Last year we helped a retired (servicemember) file
a dependency packet for his child. While he was
deployed, the servicemember’s wife tried to file the
paperwork, but was denied. We found out what needed
to be taken care of to get his packet approved,” she said.
Ellis recalled another time when members of
the DEERS team stayed past closing time to
accommodate a World War II veteran.
“We’ll work through lunch,” she added. “Things
like that, we’ll do to support our customer.”
This dedication to customers earned the office the
ID/DEERS Site of theYear for fiscal 2012 out of nearly
1,600 Department of Defense sections worldwide.
DEERSearnsNo.1inDOD
Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
‘Best Warrior’
Staff Sgt. Geoffrey Gates, Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment,
2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, navigates a barbed
wire obstacle during the 2nd ABCT Noncommissioned Officer/Soldier of the Year
“Best Warrior” Competition, April 24. Soldiers from throughout the brigade
competed for the title of 2nd ABCT Best Warrior and the right to move on to the post
competition May 13-17. See story on Page 9.
See Award on Page 4
2. 2 MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
This commercial enterprise newspaper is
an authorized publication for members of the
Department of Defense. Contents of the
Mountaineer are not necessarily the official
view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or
the Department of the Army. Printed circulation
is 12,000 copies.
The editorial content of the
Mountaineer is the responsibility of the Public
Affairs Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119,
Tel.: 526-4144. The e-mail address is
fcmountaineer@hotmail.com.
The Mountaineer is posted on the
Internet at http://csmng.com.
The Mountaineer is an unofficial
publication authorized by AR 360-1. The
Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs
Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in
no way connected with the Department of the
Army, under exclusive written contract with
Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year.
The appearance of advertising in this
publication, including inserts or supplements,
does not constitute endorsement by the
Department of the Army or Colorado Springs
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
nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
If a violation or rejection of this equal
opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed,
the printer shall refuse to print advertising
from that source until the violation is corrected.
For display advertising call 634-5905.
All correspondence or queries regarding
advertising and subscriptions should be directed
to Colorado Springs Military Newspaper
Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903, phone 634-5905.
The Mountaineer’s editorial content is
edited, prepared and provided by the Public
Affairs Office, building 1430, room 265, Fort
Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone 526-4144.
Releases from outside sources are so
indicated. The deadline for submissions to the
Mountaineer is close of business the week
before the next issue is published. The
Mountaineer staff reserves the right to edit
submissions for newspaper style, clarity and
typographical errors.
Policies and statements reflected in the
news and editorial columns represent views
of the individual writers and under no
circumstances are to be considered those of
the Department of the Army.
Reproduction of editorial material is
authorized. Please credit accordingly.
MOUNTAINEER
Commanding General:
Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera
Garrison Commander:
Col. David L. Grosso
Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer:
Dee McNutt
Chief, Print and Web Communications:
Rick Emert
Editor: Devin Fisher
Staff writer: Andrea Sutherland
Happenings: Nel Lampe
Sports writer: Walt Johnson
Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall
Classified advertising
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526-4144
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526-5811
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526-0096
WLC honors
Commentary by Spc. Jessica A. Parker
Warrior Leader Course graduate
The Warrior Ethos consists of four sentences that
embody the Soldier’s warrior spirit. Included, without
saying, are the Army values that all Soldiers must have
instilled within themselves.
Without loyalty, duty, respect, selfless
service, honor, integrity and personal
courage, Soldiers cannot, and will not, be
successful in their military careers. The
Warrior Ethos is not only the most basic
of rules for American Soldiers, but a
mindset Soldiers must have in order to
be successful in their daily pursuits.
The Warrior Ethos signifies sacrifice.
These sacrifices involve not only the
Soldier, but the Soldier’s Family as well.
A result of placing the mission first could
mean missing your child’s first steps or being
away from home for an unannounced period
of time. Completing your mission is not
something done on the Soldier’s part alone,
but the Family’s as well. Without the support
and sacrifice of the Family, the Soldier cannot succeed.
Never accepting defeat and never quitting are also
requirements of a successful Soldier and Family.
We must realize that our achievements not only reflect
upon ourselves but the ones supporting us, whether it is a
Family member or a noncommissioned officer. There are
physical requirements a Soldier must meet that can be
tiring; having the motivation and perseverance to continue
the mission even when the pain is unbearable shows heart
and that the Warrior Ethos come first and foremost in a
Soldier’s life. Often times, we are faced with challenges
and decisions that force us to push past our capabilities.
The strength a Soldier has is not just a physical
requirement but a mental one as well.
Receiving bad news is one of the hazards
of our job. Being able to overcome
adversity signifies a true warrior spirit.
The Warrior Ethos also includes that a
true Soldier never leaves a fallen comrade.
This does not always mean in a combat
situation. It could be as simple as staying
late to assist a battle buddy with a mission
or a personal problem. Putting your
Soldiers’ needs before your own shows
that you care about your Soldiers and are
willing to go above and beyond the call
of duty to ensure they are well taken
care of. Never leaving a fallen comrade
is not limited to junior Soldiers that
may fall in your team or squad, but any
Soldier that puts on the uniform.
The Warrior Ethos should be the cornerstone of
any Soldier’s life.
The Warrior Ethos should not be limited to members
of the U.S. Army or even American troops, but any soldiers
who raise their hands in allegiance to their country,
realizing their sacrifice is protecting
the people of their nations.
Spc. Jessica A. Parker
Warrior Ethos award
Top WLC graduates
Spc. Kodjo Amegan, 52nd Eng. Bn.
Spc. Jason S. Arguelles, 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg.
Sgt. Craig J. Bates, 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Spc. Michael R. Bose, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg.
Sgt. Dylan E. Brown, 1st Bn., 66th Armor Reg.
Sgt. Joanna Catlin, 4th STB
Spc. George Chandler, 10th SFG(A)
Spc. Nicholas K. Deweese, 4th CAB
Sgt. Joseph E. Dixon, 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Spc. Jessica Elyea, 3rd STB
Spc. Derek R. Farrington, 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg.
Sgt. Matthew Franklin, 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
Spc. Travis C. Frazee Sr., 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg.
Spc. Caitlin F. Frederick, 10th SFG(A)
Sgt. Raymoundo Guevara, 4th STB
Sgt. Marc Jackson, 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Sgt. Christopher R. Kauffman, 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Sgt. Cody J. Lewis, 86th MI
Spc. Nicholaus O. Moore, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
Spc. Meghan C. Odedere, PHCDC
Spc. Psalm Odedere, 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Spc. Jessica A. Parker, 4th IBCT
Sgt. Timothy Radcliffe, 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Sgt. Ian J. Richards, 1st Bn., 66th Armor Reg.
Sgt. Angela R. Ruiz, 426th CA Bn.
Spc. Michael S. Schaeffer, 1st Bn., 66th Armor Reg.
Spc. Stefan M. Schnabel, 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg.
Sgt. Anthony Smith, 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Spc. Christopher C. Tate, 4th STB
Sgt. Stephen Vaughn, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg.
Sgt. Richard A. Winder, 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg.
Sgt. Trino Zuniga, 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.
Sgt. Dylan E. Brown
Distinguished and
leadership awards
Ethos ‘cornerstone
of any Soldier’s life’
3. 3May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER
Communityleaders:‘WesupportFortCarson’Story and photo by Andrea Sutherland
Mountaineer staff
More than a dozen community leaders representing
local, state and federal organizations attended the
April 25 Army Force Structure and Stationing
Listening Session hosted by Maj. Gen. Paul J.
LaCamera, commanding general, 4th Infantry
Division and Fort Carson.
“We’re here to hear what you have to say,” said
LaCamera, addressing the attendees in the roundtable
discussion.
ThroughoutApril, theArmy held listening sessions
at installations to hear from community leaders
about the potential impact force reductions and
restructuring would have on local economies. To meet
the fiscal requirements set forth in the Budget Control
Act of 2011, the Army is preparing to inactivate
eight brigade combat teams and reduce the overall
force by 80,000 by 2017.
LaCamera said the Army is in a period of
“critical transition,” and encouraged leaders to voice
their observations and opinions regarding Fort
Carson’s role in the community.
“One-third of our economy is directly tied to the
military,” said Andy Merritt, chief defense industry
officer, Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance.
According to a 2012 economic impact assessment,
Fort Carson is the largest nonstate employer in
Colorado, generating $2.2 billion in jobs, purchases,
contracts and construction. It is estimated that for
every Soldier, there exists 1.5 secondary jobs in the
Pikes Peak area economy.
While more than 26,000 Soldiers and 5,800
civilians work at Fort Carson, Merritt said the post
has further impact on the Pikes Peak community. He
referenced the numerous nonprofits and organizations
that came about to support military members and
their Families. He discussed the school programs
created to support military children.
“This community will stand behind Fort Carson
and the Army,” he said. “We have emotional ties to
this post and its Soldiers.”
Other leaders discussed the community develop-
ment in support of Fort Carson troops, including
the improvement of roads and access to post and the
Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex, completed
in February after years of coordination between
community and Fort Carson leaders.
Terrance McWilliams, director of military and
veteran affairs for the El Pomar Foundation, said
Colorado Springs was among 20 cities nominated by
the National Civic League for the “All-American City”
award, partly because of its support for the military.
“The Warrior Games is a perfect example of (this
Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera,
left, commanding general,
4th Infantry Division and
Fort Carson, and 4th Inf. Div.
and Fort Carson Command
Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall, second
from left, receive feedback
from community members
April 25 during an Army
Force Structure and
Stationing Listening Session.
See Community on Page 4
4. Mary Dixon, director of the
Defense Manpower Data Center and
member of the Senior Executive
Service, presented the award Tuesday
during a ceremony at the Elkhorn
Conference Center.
“That ID card is the gateway to the
Department of Defense,” she said.
“Without it, you won’t be able to
work. Families won’t be able to access
services. The rest of the DOD counts
on, depends on, these ID cards.”
Dixon praised the section for their
commitment to ensuring the “right”
people are given access to cards, while
also safeguarding against nonopera-
tional cards.
“We calculated that each ID card
costs $8 to issue,” she said. “Every
time it doesn’t work, you have to issue
a new card. We spend $3 million each
year printing ID cards.”
Dixon commended the efforts to
establish appointment times, reducing
a customer’s wait from 40 minutes to
five minutes. She also acknowledged
the staff’s work in educating customers
on the DEERS process to alleviate
confusion and consternation.
“This site epitomizes customer
service,” she said.
Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, com-
manding general, 4th Infantry Division
and Fort Carson, attended the event,
congratulating the DEERS team.
“This is a testimony to your
professionalism,” he said. “Hopefully
next year we’re all here again.”
Mike Pierson, chief, ID/DEERS
section, credited his staff with earning
the award.
“I respect them all for the
customer service they provide,” he said.
“I’m fortunate to work with such
a great team.”
Pierson said his section’s commitment
to teamwork, both internally and
externally, set them up for success.
“It’s building on services that are
already available and working with
other agencies to support the customer,”
he said. “That’s what we do.”
Randy Kennedy, verification officer
for DEERS, said he returned to Fort
Carson because of the team atmosphere.
“I had a chance to go to the East
Coast,” he said. “These guys are the
reason I came back.”
Kennedy said the team carries its
friendly, open atmosphere into the office,
treating and supporting customers in
the same way.
“They’re a great bunch,” he said.
“These are my greatest friends.”
“We enjoy doing our job, taking
care of Soldiers and Families,” said
Vince Gabat, verification officer.
“(Winning the award) is a first, so it
means a lot.”
4 MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
Turning off
computers
saves dollars
Directorate of Public Works
Fort Carson personnel can cut the installation’s
electric bill by as much as $250,000 a year by
simply turning their computers off at the end of
each duty day.
Fort Carson’s energy use comprises a large
portion of the installation’s operations and mainte-
nance budget. Utility costs average nearly $1.35
million per month, underscoring the importance of
energy efficiency in minimizing budget impacts.
As an energy conservation measure, the senior
mission commander recently approved personal
computers being turned off at the end of the duty
day. When the computers are turned on again, they
are patched with updates from the Network
Enterprise Center and rebooted automatically, with
minimal, if any, impact to users.
For more information, call the Fort Carson
Energy Program coordinator contractor at 526-1739
or the Net Zero Program outreach contractor at
526-4320.
Child, Youth and School Services
Seventy-eight child care slots opened at four
on post child care centers, Child,Youth and School
Services officials announced April 26.
The openings — at the East, West, Monarch
and Cheyenne Mountain CDCs — were
announced just weeks after CYSS officials
announced the temporary suspension of enrollments
due to staffing shortages. More slots will become
available in the coming weeks as additional staff is
hired and trained. Space availability fluctuates
based on staffing and room configuration.
CYSS operates 11 facilities offering full- and
part-day, hourly and before and after school care
for children and youths ages 6 weeks to 18 years.
In addition, 20 Family child care homes currently
provide child care services on post.
Registering with CYSS is required in order to
receive child care services, and CYSS staff
encourages Families to register their children at
Parent Central Services even when there are
no child care slots available. A child cannot be
enrolled in a program unless the Family is registered
with CYSS. During registration, Families provide
information such as children’s ages, shot records,
health or diet special needs, physicals and emer-
gency contacts. Registration in CYSS authorizes
children to participate in full-day, part-day, Family
child care, respite care and hourly care as well as
SKIESUnlimited instructional classes, youth sports
and other programs. Parents can place their children
on a child care waiting list without registering
them, however they must be registered in order to
be enrolled in any program.
When on-post child care is unavailable, Parent
Central Services informs Families of other
available options such as Child Care Aware and
Army Child Care in Your Neighborhood.
Child Care Aware is a child care resource
contracted by the Army to assist Army Families to
find child care at fees comparable to those charged
at Army installations. These programs also meet
Army quality standards for child care. ACCYN is
a program that contracts with civilian child care
facilities and home care providers who offer child
care for Army Families at the same rate as on-post
child care providers.
CYSS Parent Central Services is located in
building 1518, on Prussman Boulevard, near
McMahon Auditorium. For more information call
526-1101 or 526-2151.
Child care available
CYSSannouncesopenings
from Page 1
Award
nomination),” he said. “It was
supposed to be a one-time event, but
is now here permanently because
of the outpouring of support.”
Designed to introduce wounded
servicemembers to paralympic
sports, the Warrior Games is an
annual event that takes place in the
spring. Since the first Warrior
Games in 2010, the program has
grown to a weeklong competition
featuring sitting volleyball, wheel-
chair basketball, swimming,
cycling, track and field, archery
and competitive shooting.
Leaders expressed concern
reductions to the Soldier popula-
tion and civilian jobs will have an
extreme effect on the community.
“Colorado Springs has the
second highest unemployment
rate in the state,” said Denny
Cripps, Colorado Springs
Regional Business Alliance. “Cuts
will have a disproportionate
effect on the number of people
facing unemployment.”
Lt. Col. Patricia Tilson,
Headquarters, Army Strategy, Plans
and Policy, said she appreciated
the community members sharing
their feedback.
“It’s very important,” she said,
adding that Secretary of the Army
John McHugh takes community
input seriously.
Leaders told Tilson that
although a “vocal minority” may not
appreciate the military presence,
many citizens appreciate service-
members and their contribution to
the community.
“There’s a silent majority out
there that supports the military
and Fort Carson,” said Deforest
Hamilton, former military affairs
council chair. “I know it. Look at
the people in this room who can
attest to that.”
from Page 3
Community
Mike Pierson, left,
chief, Defense
Enrollment Eligibility
Reporting System,
accepts the
Department of
Defense ID/DEERS
Site of the Year from
Mary Dixon,
director of the
Defense Manpower
Data Center and
member of the
Senior Executive
Service, as Maj. Gen.
Paul J. LaCamera,
commanding
general, 4th Infantry
Division and Fort
Carson, applauds
Tuesday during
a ceremony at
the Elkhorn
Conference Center.
5. 5May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER
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Blackjack Academy trains leadersStory and photo by Spc. Robert J. Holland
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public
Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Ninety Soldiers squeezed into the small battalion
conference room, eyes focused on Command Sgt.
Maj. Edwin A. Rivera as he spoke to the group about
being a leader in today’s Army.
“You cut yourself short when you make the wrong
decision,” said Rivera, senior enlisted leader, 4th
Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “You
are it; you are the ones coming behind us; you are the
future. You know that, right?”
Numerous “hooahs” echoed
throughout the room in response. The
Soldiers are students in the second
annual Blackjack Academy, which ran
April 15-19.
“That is why we have these classes,”
Rivera said. “To teach you the basics,
the fundamental skills you need to
be successful.”
Sgt. 1st Class Danny Miller, assis-
tant operations sergeant, Head-quarters
and Headquarters Troop, 4th Sqdn.,
10th Cav. Reg., said the battalion-
created training program helps develop
senior specialists and newly-promoted
noncommissioned officers to become
effective Army leaders.
“The Blackjack Academy mirrors
an NCO academy-type format,” Miller
said. “The Soldiers improve their
military and community knowledge, gain an
understanding of operational processes, ways to
conduct formal and informal business and how
to properly interact with other Soldiers.”
The Soldiers participate in 26 different classes,
ranging from properly dispatching a military vehicle
to properly taking advantage of various community
programs on Fort Carson.
Sgt. Kyle Ort, cavalry scout, Troop A, 4th Sqdn.,
10th Cav. Reg., said he found the training beneficial.
“The classes are really helpful,” Ort said. “The
instructors are teaching skills that we all need in
order to be successful leaders.”
The program is evolving, Miller said.
“I think we improved this year’s academy,” he
said. “We added classes that familiarized the Soldiers
with Army finance, wellness and resilience, as well
as having guest speakers from outside agencies
like the Colorado State Police, the Army Substance
Abuse Program and Army Community Service.”
Miller said the newly added classes were popular
among the Soldiers, and Ort agreed.
“For me, the best two classes were the Army
Physical Readiness Training Program instructional
class and the Fort Carson Wellness Center familiar-
ization class,” Ort said. “I really did not know all that
much about PRT, and the Tactical
Athlete Program instructors did an
amazing job at walking us through
the proper way of doing PRT.”
Miller said a large number of the
battalion Soldiers are not aware of
these programs, or if they were, they
were afraid to use them.
“We wanted to help our Soldiers
know what is available to them, as well
as to their Families, so that they could
better themselves and their Families,
provide a better product at work and
also be able to lead their subordinate
Soldiers more effectively,” he said.
Miller said he considered this
year’s academy a success, and is
excited to begin developing and
enhancing next year’s program, with
hopes to better serve the “Blackjack”
Soldiers and their Families.
Command Sgt. Maj. Edwin A. Rivera, senior
enlisted leader, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, addresses Soldiers during
the second annual Blackjack Academy, April 18.
7. May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER 7
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Soldier renders first aid following bombingBy Lt. Col. Steve Osterholzer
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
public affairs officer
“I just took off toward the blast, climbing over
fences and pushing through an official who tried to
stop me. I knew I needed to help.”
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Spielhagen sprinted into the
blast area that seconds before had been ripped apart
by two bombs at the Boston Marathon, April 15.
He crossed the finish line about two minutes before
the explosions tore through the finish line area, which
left three people dead and more than 100 injured.
“I was recovering at the water point when the first
bomb went off approximately 50 meters away,” said
Spielhagen, a team sergeant in the Group Support
Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), “At
first, it sounded like a celebratory cannon had been
fired off, which I thought was rather odd.”
After turning toward the blast, Speilhagen said
his training as a Special Forces demolition engineer
instantly told him that a bomb had just detonated.
Spielhagen provided first aid to a woman sitting
with her broken, blood-covered legs in the air and in
severe shock. She was there to watch her mother run
her first marathon.
“Her lower body injuries were pretty extensive,”
said Spielhagen. “After assessing her overall condition,
I started from the hips down. She had a severe laceration
on one leg that went nearly to the bone, a severed
Achilles tendon and her left leg was shattered into an
L-shaped position.” Using first aid supplies torn from a
belt of a nearby medic, he quickly treated her lacer-
ation, splinted her thighs, knees and ankles together,
started an IV and directed nearby personnel to bring
a board to be used as a makeshift litter, he said.
“At that point, an emergency medical technician
came up and classified her as ‘urgent surgery,’ the
most critical status that civilian medics have,” he said.
The woman is currently in good condition at a
Boston-area hospital. As civilian medical personnel
began to take over the scene, Spielhagen then moved
to find his wife and young daughter.
“What was very scary is that they were only
50 meters from the place where the second bomb
detonated,” he recalled. “I was able to call her on my cell
phone before the cell phone towers were shut down, but
the next hour was a very anxious time as I searched
for them in the surrounding blocks. I knew she was
OK but all I could think of was to find them and get
the hell out of there in case another bomb went off.”
He eventually found them and they moved as fast
as they could to get away from the scene, he said.
Spielhagen, a veteran of three combat tours, credits
his extensive training for allowing him to remain calm
and give direction to others amid the chaos.
“All the medical training that I’ve gone through
just kicked in,” he said. “The most important thing
that I could do was to keep calm and not freak out;
the woman was looking to me to remain calm and
reassure her that she was going to be OK.
“An hour later I was filled with disbelief at what
had just happened — all I could think of was my wife
and daughter,” Spielhagen said. “Looking back now at
what happened, I’m glad that I had my military training
to fall back on … it felt good that I was able to help.”
Spielhagen is being considered for a high-level
award in recognition of his efforts.Courtesy photo
Sgt. 1st Class
Chris Spielhagen,
team sergeant,
General Support
Battalion, 10th
Special Forces
Group (Airborne),
poses for a photo
after finishing the
Boston Marathon,
just moments
before two bombs
detonated near
the finish line.
9. 9May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER
Competitionawards
‘BestWarrior’titlesStory and photos by
Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team
Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Following a series of events to test an
array of soldiering skills, Staff Sgt. Geoffery
Gates and Spc. Phuong Diep claimed the
2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, Noncommissioned Officer
and Soldier of the Year “Best Warrior”
titles, respectively.
Gates and Diep rose above their peers
during the April 22-25 competition. The event
pitted Soldiers from across the brigade
against each other in events to include the
Army physical fitness test, oral board, written
test, combatives tournament, urban and field
environment land navigation course, six-mile
ruck march, M4 Carbine qualification, first
aid, reacting to direct and indirect fire and
reacting to a chemical attack.
“It’s important that once they get up to
(the 4th Inf. Div. competition) they have a
good understanding of what the tasks will be,”
said Sgt. 1st Class Spencer Polwort, brigade
fire support NCO, Headquarters and
Headquarters Troop, 2nd Special Troops
Battalion, 2nd ABCT. “It allows them to
practice their skills before they get up to a
higher level of competition.”
The Soldiers knew before the competition
began that it would take a lot of dedication
to win.
“There was a lot of studying involved, and
I feel pretty honored to represent the brigade,”
said Diep, automated logistical specialist,
Company A, 204th Brigade Support Battalion,
2nd ABCT. “I have to thank my platoon
sergeant for trusting me and recommending
me for the board. It feels good to win.”
Diep is already preparing for the division-
level competition, but said he knows winning
the brigade competition will help him in
the long run.
“I felt like I could take a step forward and
be distinguished from all of my peers,” said
Diep. “Winning this should make a difference.
I’m thinking it will be an important step in
moving forward to becoming an NCO.”
For others, the competition was a way to
show their pride and worth to the brigade.
“I have been in the brigade for a little over
five years,” said Gates, a field artillery
automated tactical data system specialist.
“I deployed twice, so I’m proud that I was
able to compete and win NCO of year
for the brigade.”
The events tested Soldiers both
physically and mentally.
“The essay on the importance of
keeping standards in the Army made
people think,” said Gates. “As for the
ruck, it was pretty heavy. It really pushed
them more than they had ever been
during a unit organized ruck march.”
The challenge doesn’t stop here
for Diep and Gates, as they prepare
for the division-level competition
May 13-17. The Soldiers’ place of
duty until the competition is at the
brigade headquarters, where they will
receive guidance and mentorship
from all the battalion command
sergeants major in the brigade.
Spc.PhuongDiep,automatedlogisticalspecialist,CompanyA,204thBrigade
Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,
plots his assigned points on a map during the 2nd ABCT Noncommissioned
Officer/Soldier of the Year “Best Warrior” Competition land navigation
course, April 25. Diep was named 2nd ABCT Soldier of the Year.
Colorado Publishing Company
Pfc. Alexander Ybarra, right, Battery A,
3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery
Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,
applies first aid to a simulated
casualty during the brigade’s
Noncommissioned Officer/Soldier of
the Year “Best Warrior” Competition
warrior task combat testing lane.
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Soldier shares talents
Story and photos by
Spc. Andrew Ingram
1st Armored Brigade Combat
Team Public Affairs Office, 4th
Infantry Division
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait —
At age 12, Marcus Boykin picked up a
pair of drumsticks. From that moment
on, music became his life.
“I can play 12 different kinds of
instruments, but the piano is my
favorite. The piano has a range and
versatility other instruments can’t match,”
said the petroleum supply specialist, as
his fingers moved nimbly over the keys
of a keyboard at the Camp Buehring,
Kuwait, USO building.
When Boykin is not training or
conducting fuel operations with fellow
Soldiers assigned to Company A, 4th
Brigade Support Battalion, 1st
Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, he can usually be
found at the USO, following his passion
as a musician, or helping others learn
how to make music of their own.
“I started volunteering as a piano
teacher shortly after my unit arrived at
Camp Buehring,” Boykin said. “I was
raised to share the talents I’ve been
blessed with, and I really enjoy helping
others learn about music.”
He offers piano lessons to beginners
at the USO’s Camp Buehring facilities
Mondays from 6-7 p.m.
“When Marcus first came into the
USO as a patron, everybody on staff
could see he had a great presence,”
said Shannon Stockman, USO duty
manager. “After hearing how talented
he was in the music room, we asked
him if he would volunteer as a music
instructor. His students have given us
really great feedback; I think we are
lucky to have him.”
Stockman praised Boykin’s ability
to make other Soldiers and volunteers
feel at home and relaxed.
“He is a very inclusive person,” she
said. “The whole purpose of the USO is
to boost morale, and Marcus does this
very well, through his music and just by
being a helpful, approachable person.”
On Sundays, Boykin can be found
at the Camp Buehring Chapel, where
he volunteers his musical skills during
multiple services.
Volunteering at the chapel shortly
after arriving in Kuwait, Boykin became
an asset to the Camp Buehring ministry
team, said Chap. (Maj.) Matthew Stuart,
brigade senior chaplain.
“Chaplains don’t deploy with a
choir or band, so it is great to have
volunteers like Spc. Boykin to help us
out,” Stuart said. “When he volunteered,
we had no idea what this young Soldier
could do, but he is a pleasure to be
around, and a wonderful asset to the
contemporary and gospel services.”
Boykin said his parents taught him
to use his talents first and foremost
to serve God and the church.
“I’m very grateful for the opportu-
nity to use my gifts as an active part of
the ministry team here,” Boykin said.
“My unit has been very understanding,
giving me the time to work with the
music teams, practice for services
and ensure that I can play whenever
the chaplain needs me.”
Boykin, a third generation Soldier,
said his father and grandfather influ-
enced his decision to join the Army.
“They set a great example for me;
gave me something to strive for,” Boykin
said. “Both of them retired from the
service after more than 20 years. I’m
not sure I want to stay in until retirement,
but their service definitely influenced
my decision to join.”
Spc. Marcus Boykin, petroleum
supply specialist, Company A,
4th Brigade Support Battalion,
1st Armored Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division,
plays the keyboard at the USO
tent on Camp Buehring,
Kuwait, April 9.
11. Editor’s note:
This is the third of four features highlighting Fort Carson participants in the
2013 Warrior Games held May 11-16, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center
in Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
11May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER
The Transcript can publish your
NOTICES OF GUARDIANSHIP AND ADOPTIONS
NOTICES TO CREDITORS
NAME CHANGES For more info call 634-1048
Mountaineer staff
Thirteen Fort Carson Soldiers were
honored for the service to the nation during a
retirement ceremony April 24 at the Special
Events Center.
Soldiers, Family and friends gathered to
celebrate the closing moments of the Soldiers’
Army careers as they were presented their final
military decorations and U.S. flags that had been
flown over the headquarters. The Soldiers’
spouses received certificates of appreciation and
a rose in recognition of their service.
Those retiring were:
v Lt Col. Beth Steele, U.S. Army Garrison
Fort Carson
v 1st Sgt. Jon Martinez, 1st Battalion, 67th
Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
v 1st Sgt. Samuel Saucedo, Group
Support Battalion, 10th Special Forces
Group (Airborne)
v 1st Sgt. Tommy Cabanting, 4th Engineer
Battalion
v Master Sgt. Donald Cummings, 3rd
Special Troops Battalion, 3rd ABCT,
4th Inf. Div.
v Sgt. 1st Class Sammy Sain, 1st Sqdn.,
10th Cav. Reg., 2nd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div.
v Sgt. 1st Class William Blizzard, 1st
Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 2ndABCT, 4th Inf. Div.
v Sgt. 1st Class Robert Davenport,
Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
4th IBCT, 4th Inf. Div.
v Sgt. 1st Class David Johansson, 1st Bn.,
67th Armor Reg., 2nd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div.
v Sgt. 1st Class Troy Bohannon, 4th Eng. Bn.
v Staff Sgt. Kenneth Cogdill, 43rd Special
Troops Battalion, 43rd Sustainment
Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.
v Staff Sgt. William Whitecotton, 4th STB,
4th IBCT, 4th Inf. Div.
v Sgt. Nathan Rayburn, USAG Fort Carson
The next Fort Carson post retirement
ceremony takes place May 29 at 3:30 p.m.
on Founders Field.
Soldiers hang up uniforms
Story and photo by
Sgt. William Smith
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Staff Sgt. Spencer Anderson remembers
the day when two 155 mm rounds went off less
than 10 meters outside his Humvee’s door.
“I saw a flash of light and then I woke up
I guess a couple minutes later,” he said. “When I
came to, we were under a small arms attack.”
On Jan. 21, 2007, Anderson and his
team members directed suppressive fire
from where the flashes were coming.
“The whole engagement seemed like a
long time, but it was probably less than 10
minutes,” he said. “Time seems to slow down
in things like that.”
A medic with 1st Battalion, 319th Field
Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division,
Anderson sustained a head injury and other
internal injuries.
Anderson didn’t let his injuries limit
him, though.
For three years, Anderson went through
cognitive therapy, developing his short-term
memory skills while in the Warrior Transition
Battalion in Germany. Last year, he earned
his spot as a flight medic with Company C,
2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th
Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.
From May 11-17, Anderson will represent
the Army in the 2013 Warrior Games in
cycling, seated-volleyball and the 100- and
200-meter sprint.
Designed to introduce injured service-
members and veterans to paralympic sports
such as archery, cycling, shooting, sitting-
volleyball, swimming, track and field, and
wheelchair basketball, the Warrior Games
encourages wounded warriors from all of the
services to get physically active.
Anderson said that injuries are not an
excuse, but a focus point to be better at what-
ever passion a person chooses after being hurt.
“Rule your injury; don’t let your injury
rule you,” said Anderson. “(Injuries) should
be a tool to use to further something that you
want to do. I use it to become a better cyclist.
It gives me something to focus and harness
my energy toward.”
Anderson’s outlook has been an inspiration
Staff Sgt. Spencer Anderson will compete in the 30-kilometer cycling
event, seated-volleyball and the 100- and 200-meter sprints at the 2013
Warrior Games. Anderson is a flight medic, Company C, 2nd General
Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division,
Warrior Games
Selflessness
motivates team
See Games on Page 12
12. 12 MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
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for other wounded warriors in the
Warrior Transition Battalion. That,
coupled with his performance, earned
him the nomination of captain for the
Army cycling team.
“In the four years that I have
known him, he has always led from the
front, and provided tons of motivation to
the people that are around him,” said Sgt.
1st Class Keoki Smythe, Company B,
WTB. “I have seen him, countless times,
reach a hand out and help that person
who needs help and encouragement
to make it up a big hill during a ride or
that hand cyclist that needs that little
push to keep going.”
Many feel that Anderson is the
definition of team, constantly caring
for others over himself. When Soldiers
from the newly activated 2nd GSAB
arrived at Fort Carson, Anderson lent
his expertise, helping them set up
medical operations procedures.
“My first impression of Anderson
was, ‘Wow,’” said 1st Sgt. Raymond
Cardenas, senior enlisted leader,
Company C, 2nd GSAB, 4th Avn. Reg.,
4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div. “He reached out
to me after he found out I was going to
be stationed here. He single-handedly
set up the standard operating procedures
for the battalion on medical operations.
He did that on his own prerogative and
never took credit for it. He made
something out of nothing.”
Smythe said that with Anderson’s
leadership they will place well in
the games.
“He brings an ample amount of
leadership to our team as the captain,” he
said. “Across the board, we have a really
strong group of riders this year, and
that is because of what he does for us.”
Anderson said his goal for the
Warrior Games is to put as many
Army guys on the podium as possible
for cycling.
“I don’t care if I make the podium
or not, it makes no difference to me,”
he said. “It is about the team; it is about
making sure I get as many people
from my team on the podium.”
Whether he places or not,
Anderson’s competitive drive won’t let
him quit, no matter what.
“It doesn’t matter what your injury
or illness is, you can be productive and
part of the team, and you can overcome
whatever it is you are facing,” he said.
“You can still do great things for the
Army or good things for your life.”
from Page 11
Games
14. MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
Miscellaneous
Interactive Metronome study feedback wanted —
from Soldiers who participated in the Defense and
Veterans Brain Injury Center study held at Fort
Carson from January-July 2012. Contact Nick Etten,
Interactive Metronome senior adviser, at 512-992-
7567 or nick.etten@gmail.com.
Recycle incentive program — The Directorate of
Public Works has an incentive program to
prevent recyclable waste from going to the landfill.
Participating battalions can earn monetary rewards
for turning recyclable materials in to the Fort Carson
Recycle Center, building 155. Points are assigned for
the pounds of recyclable goods turned in and every
participating battalion receives money quarterly. Call
526-5898 for more information about the program.
Points only, nondeployable unit — Reinforcement
training units provide an opportunity for Individual
Ready Reserve Soldiers who want to maintain
Reserve affiliation and continue their military career.
Soldiers of any rank or military occupational special-
ty considering leaving troop program unit assignment
can consider the 6399th RTU as a short- or long-term
option. Benefits include earning retirement points
and “good” years; optional monthly nonpaid drill
weekends; continued military training and military
schools; paid annual training opportunities; continued
promotions; earning retirement points via correspon-
dence courses; Servicemembers’ Group Life
Insurance; and easy transfer to TPUs if desired.
Contact Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lake Gardner at
720-363-0511 or lakegardner@comcast.net.
Finance travel processing — All inbound and
outbound Temporary Lodging Expense, “Do it
Yourself ” Moves, servicemember and Family
member travel, travel advance pay and travel pay
inquiries will be handled in building 1218, room 231.
Call 526-4454 or 524-2594 for more information.
First Sergeants’Barracks Program 2020 — is located
in building 1454 on Nelson Boulevard. The hours
of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The
office assists Soldiers with room assignments and
terminations. For more information call 526-9707.
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club — The Fort Carson
SergeantAudie Murphy Club meets the thirdTuesday
of each month at the Family Connection Center from
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The SAMC is open to all
active members and those interested in becoming
future SAMC members. The club was originally a
U.S. Forces Command organization of elite noncom-
missioned officers but is now an Armywide program
for those who meet the criteria and have proven them-
selves to be outstanding NCOs through a board/
leadership process. Contact SAMC president Sgt. 1st
Class Dawna Brown at 526-3983 for information.
Directorate of Public Works services — DPW is
responsible for a wide variety of services on Fort
Carson. Services range from repair and maintenance
of facilities to equipping units with a sweeper and
cleaning motor pools. Listed below are phone
numbers and points of contact for services:
• Facility repair/service orders — Fort
Carson Support Services service order desk can be
reached at 526-5345. Use this number for emergen-
cies or routine tasks and for reporting wind damage,
damaged traffic signs or other facility damage.
• Refuse/trash and recycling — Call Eric
Bailey at 719-491-0218 or email eric.e.bailey4.
civ@mail.mil when needing trash containers, trash
is overflowing or emergency service is required.
• Facility custodial services — Call Bryan
Dorcey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey.civ@
mail.mil for service needs or to report complaints.
• Elevator maintenance — Call Bryan
Dorcey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey.
civ@mail.mil.
• Motor pool sludge removal/disposal —
Call Dennis Frost at 526-6997 or email
dennis.j.frost.civ@mail.mil.
• Repair and utility/self-help — Call Gary
Grant at 526-5844 or email gerald.l.grant2.civ
@mail.mil. Use this number to obtain self-help
tools and equipment or a motorized sweeper.
• Base operations contracting officer
representative — Call Terry Hagen at 526-9262
or email terry.j.hagen.civ@mail.mil for questions
on snow removal, grounds maintenance and
contractor response to service orders.
• Portable latrines — Call Jerald Just at
524-0786 or email jerald.j.just.civ@mail.mil to
request latrines, for service or to report damaged
or overturned latrines.
• Signs — Call Jim Diorio, Fort Carson
Support Services, at 896-0797 or 524-2924 or
email jdiorio@kira.com to request a facility,
parking or regulatory traffic sign.
The Fort Carson Trial Defense Service office — is
able to help Soldiers 24/7 and is located at building
1430, room 233. During duty hours, Soldiers
should call 526-4563. The 24-hour phone number
for after hours, holidays and weekends is 526-0051.
Briefings
75th Ranger Regiment briefings — are held Tuesdays
in building 1430, room 150, from noon to 1 p.m.
Soldiers must be private-sergeant first class with a
minimum General Technical Score of 105; be a U.S.
citizen; score 240 or higher on the Army Physical
Fitness Test; and pass a Ranger physical. Call 524-
2691 or visit http://www.goarmy.com/ranger.html.
Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training —
is held May 21-23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans
Chapel. Class is limited to the first 50 people. Call
526-5613/5614 for details.
Retirement briefings — are held from 8 a.m. to
noon the second and third Wednesday of each
month at the Freedom Performing Arts Center,
building 1129 at the corner of Specker Avenue
and Ellis Street. The Retirement Services Office
recommends spouses accompany Soldiers to the
briefing. Call 526-2840 for more information.
ETS briefings — for enlisted personnel are held the
first and third Wednesday of each month. Briefing
sign in begins at 7 a.m. at the Soldier Readiness
Building, building 1042, room 244, on a first-come,
first-served basis. Soldiers must be within 120 days
of their expiration term of service, but must attend no
later than 30 days prior to their ETS or start of transi-
tion leave. Call 526-2240/8458 for more information.
Disposition Services — Defense Logistics Agency
Disposition Services Colorado Springs, located in
building 381, conducts orientations Fridays from
12:30-3:30 p.m. The orientations discuss DLA
processes to include turning in excess property,
reutilizing government property, web-based tools
available, special handling of property and environ-
mental needs. To schedule an orientation, contact
Arnaldo Borrerorivera at arnaldo.borrerorivera@
dla.mil for receiving/turn in; Mike Welsh at
mike.welsh@dla.mil for reutilization/web tools; or
Rufus Guillory at rufus.guillory@dla.mil.
Reassignment briefings — are held Tuesdays in
building 1129, Freedom Performing Arts Center.
Sign-in for Soldiers heading overseas is at 7 a.m. and
the briefing starts at 7:30 a.m. Sign-in for personnel
being reassigned stateside is at 1 p.m., with the
briefing starting at 1:30 p.m. Soldiers are required to
bring Department of the Army Form 5118, signed by
their physician and battalion commander, and a pen
to complete forms. Call 526-4730/4583 for details.
Army ROTC Green-to-Gold briefings — are held
the first and third Tuesday of each month at noon
at the education center, building 1117, room 120.
Call University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
Army ROTC at 262-3475 for more information.
Hours of Operation
Central Issue Facility
• In-processing — Monday-Thursday from
7:30-10:30 a.m.
• Initial and partial issues — Monday-
Friday from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
• Cash sales/report of survey — Monday-
Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Direct exchange and partial turn ins —
Monday-Friday from 7:30-11:30 a.m.
• Full turn ins — by appointment only; call
526-3321.
• Unit issues and turn ins — require
approval, call 526-5512/6477.
Education Center hours of operation — The
Mountain Post Training and Education Center,
building 1117, 526-2124, hours are as follows:
• Counselor Support Center — Monday-
Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 11
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Army Learning Center — Monday-
Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Defense Activity for Nontraditional
Education Support andArmy PersonnelTesting —
Monday-Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Repair and Utility self-help — has moved to building
217 and is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Medical Activity Correspondence Department
office hours — The Correspondence (Release of
Information) Office in the Patient Administration
Division hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Thursday and fed-
eral holidays. Call 526-7322 or 526-7284 for details.
Work Management Branch — The DPW Work
Management Branch, responsible for processing
work orders — Facilities Engineering Work
Requests, DA Form 4283 — is open for processing
work orders and other in-person support from 7-
11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Afternoon customer
support is by appointment only, call 526-2900.
The Work Management Branch is located in
building 1219.
Claims Office hours — are Monday-Friday from 9
a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., located on the first floor
of building 6222, 1633 Mekong Street. Shipment
under Full Replacement Value claimants must
submit Department of Defense Form 1840R or After
Delivery Form 1851 for additionally discovered
items to the carrier within 75 days online. Claimants
must log into Defense Personal Property System at
http://www.move.mil and submit the claim within
nine months directly to the carrier to receive full
replacement value for missing or destroyed items.
All other claims should be submitted to the Claims
Office within two years of the date of delivery or
date of incident. Call the Fort Carson Claims
Office at 526-1355 for more information.
Legal services — provided at the Soldier Readiness
Processing site are for Soldiers undergoing the SRP
process. The SRP Legal Office will only provide
powers of attorney or notary services to Soldiers
processing through the SRP. Retirees, Family
members and Soldiers not in the SRP process can
receive legal assistance and powers of attorney at
the main legal office located at 1633 Mekong St.,
building 6222, next to the Family Readiness Center.
Legal assistance prepares powers of attorney and
performs notary services on a walk-in basis from
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays and
Fridays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays.
BOSS meetings are held the first
and third Thursday of each month
from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Foxhole.
Contact Cpl. Rachael Robertson at
524-2677 or visit the BOSS office in room 106 of The
Hub for more information. Text “follow CarsonBOSS”
to 40404 to receive updates and event information.
Fort Carson dining facilities hours of operation
DFAC Friday Saturday-Sunday Monday-Thursday
Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: Closed
Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
Wolf Breakfast: 6:45-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
Breakfast: 6:45-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
Warfighter
(Wilderness Road Complex)
Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: Closed
Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: Closed
LaRochelle
10th SFG(A)
Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: Closed
Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner: Closed
14
15. 15May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER
Story and photos by Sgt. Eric Glassey
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Water droplets cascaded over a model city as
cocoa and dye powder collected and ran through
streets and canals into a basin of water representing
how rainwater can carry pollution into a city’s
drinking water.
The Directorate of Public Works Environmental
Department and the Colorado Springs Utilities
Water Education Department provided instruction
and interaction with students at Fort Carson schools
during Earth Week activities, April 22-26.
Presentations included the water cycle, water
conservation, recycling, effects of weather, how
the climate affects wildlife and how pollution is
caused by water runoff during rain showers.
“This particular program is called, ‘Water
Wonders,’ and we cover things like the total amount
of water on earth,” said Birgit Landin, instructor,
CSU Water Education Department. “Only 3 percent
of water is fresh and,
of that, less than 1
percent is actually
available for use.”
The program is
intended to enhance
the school’s curricu-
lum and inspire the
children to seek
ways to preserve
the environment.
“All these things
are designed to meet
the state’s standard on
anything to do with
water,” Landin said.
“I pull them out of
Colorado Department
of Education science
programs and
designed them around
that. That way, teachers
can actually bring
this into the schools.”
Christina Moore,
fifth-grade teacher at
Weikel Elementary
School, valued the
visit and the effect it had on the students.
“I enjoyed the activities, and I think they are
high quality,” Moore said. “Hopefully, they will
continue the Earth Day activities, because they do
a great job. You can tell there is a lot of planning
and preparation that goes into their presentations.
“Even though my class has seen (the Fort
Carson DPW environment presentations) two years
in a row now, they still look forward to it,” Moore
said. “They’ll talk about it for a while, and we’ll
do activities as a reflection piece, so they can be
thinking about it; what they can do in our vast
world and what part they can play.”
Fifth-grader Jaren Henry showed an interest
in Roger Peyton’s presentation on wildlife, and the
affect the climate has, such as the displacement
of the arctic fox in Colorado Springs by the
red fox as the climate grows warmer. Peyton is a
wildlife biologist with DPW.
“My favorite thing so far is seeing the skins
of the animals, and seeing how the earth’s climate
can affect animals,” Henry said. “I enjoy them,
and I like learning about the earth.”
Landin said she enjoyed the students’ passion
in preserving the earth’s natural resource: water.
“I love the enthusiasm of the students, and it
gives me hope that there is a chance to change
behaviors in the future so that we can actually have
a sustainable living,” Landin
said. “They’re listening and
engaged; they want to make
a difference and they will.
I think it’s great to get them
enthusiastic about protecting
the natural resources.
“This is the first year
that we’re involved in their
Earth Day activities that I’m
aware of, certainly in the
water department,” she said.
“It’s a real treat to be here,
and the reception has been
phenomenal. The students
have been some of the
best audiences that I’ve
had in a long time.”
Janine Hegeman, stormwater specialist contractor,
Directorate of Public Works, uses an enviroscape model
demonstrating the effects of rainwater as it washes
pollution into rivers and lakes during an Earth Week
presentation at Weikel Elementary School, April 23.
Allison Plute, water educator, Colorado
Springs Utilities, helps fifth-grader
Mackenzie Porcher create a cloud
in a bottle using pressure at Abrams
Elementary School, April 23.
Activities
promote
EarthDay
Fifth-graders at Weikel
Elementary School examine
model animal skulls April 23
following a presentation by
Roger Peyton, wildlife biologist,
Directorate of Public Works.
“I think it’s
great to get
them enthusiastic
about protecting
the natural
resources.”
— Birgit Landin
16. 16 MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
Upcoming events
Baby shower — The annual Installation Baby
Shower takes place May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at the Fort Carson Special Events Center. There
will be vendors, organizations and informational
booths at the event. Heidi Murkoff, the author
of the “What to Expect” series will be available
for book signings and a question and answer
session. Call 526-7486 for more information.
Job fair — Civilianjobs.com hosts a job fair May 14
at the Elkhorn Conference Center from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Open to all servicemembers, veterans
and Family members, attendees may pre-register
online at http://www.civilianjobs.com/. Call
678-819-4153 or visit http://www.civilianjobs.com/
for more information.
Employment Expo — Pikes Peak Community
College hosts a military and veterans employment
expo May 15-17. The college, located at
5675 S. Academy Blvd., offers free resume,
interviewing and branding classes from 7:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m. May 15-16 and an opportunity to meet
with potential employers May 17 from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. The event is open to all servicemembers,
veterans and spouses. Visit http://mvee.org/ for
more information and to register.
Spouse Master Resilience Trainer — Fort Carson
is looking for spouses to become certified
Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness and
Master Resilience trainers. Applicants must be
active-duty military spouses with at least 12 months
left at Fort Carson and have good communication
and public speaking skills. Interviews will be
held Tuesday-Wednesday and training takes
place May 13-23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applicants
must attend all team meetings and trainings.
Applicants should contact their Soldier’s
commander for more information on applying.
General announcements
Library program — Tutor.com for military Families
offers homework and studying help from a
professional tutor, any time of day or night. Free
for K-12 students in military Families. Expert tutors
are available online 24/7 to help students in more
than 16 subjects, including math, science, English
and social studies. Tutor.com can also help with
standardized test prep, Advance Placement exams
and with college essays. Visit http://www.tutor.
com/military for more information.
Army Provider Level Satisfaction Survey —
Patients may fill out and return the APLSS to help
minimize the impact of budget cuts on medical
care. Evans Army Community Hospital receives
funding based on patients seen and customer
satisfaction. Positive surveys returned can bring in
up to $800. Help keep providers and departments
and clinics fully functional. Call 526-7256 for
more information.
New health care system — United Health Care
Military and Veterans became the prime TRICARE
contractor this month. As with any large scale
transition, there are inevitable challenges to work
through. If a patient is experiencing any unusual
occurrences or has questions about primary care
manager changes, network referrals, authorized
providers, or these type issues, contact the
United Health Care Military and Veterans call
center at 877-988-WEST(9378).
New EFMP Location — The Exceptional Family
Member Program at the Evans Army Community
Hospital campus is now located in room 2124
of the Woods Soldier Family Care Center. EFMP
is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m.; overseas screenings are conducted
on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact EFMP at
526-7805 for more information
Adult immunizations — Adult patients can visit
their Family Medicine Clinics for all immunizations.
The Allergy Clinic will no longer provide adult
immunizations. Contact your primary medical
provider or clinic for more information
Seeking volunteers — Cub Scout Pack 264
needs volunteers for den leaders and committee
members. No experience is needed. Training
will be provided by Boy Scouts of America staff.
There is always a need for new volunteers to
fill positions or just help out at various activities.
Contact the Committee Chair, Johnathon Jobson
at sgtjobson@gmail.com or the Cub Master,
Robert Jepsen, robert.jepsen@us.army.mil
and put Scout Volunteer in the subject line.
Summer youth program — The American Red
Cross and Evans Army Community Hospital are
looking for motivated young adults to apply for
the Summer Youth Program, which allows young
adults to volunteer within the hospital and clinics
so they can get exposure to the medical field.
Applications will be available through May 8 in
the hospital Red Cross office. Interviews will be
held May 11 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Program
participants will be selected and notified by
May 17. Participants selected for the program
must be available for mandatory orientation
dates that will take place May 28-31 and be
current with their immunizations. Contact
526-7144 for more information.
Triple Threat expands — The Southeast Family
Center and Armed Services YMCA hosts Triple
Threat meetings for Family members of military
personnel dealing with post-traumatic stress
disorder. Groups meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
evenings at the YMCA located at 2190 Jet Wing
Drive in Colorado Springs. Contact Larry Palma at
559-376-5389 or longlinelarry@aol.com for details.
Medications self-care program suspended — Due to
fiscal constraints, Evans Army Community Hospital
is suspending the over-the-counter medication
self-care program. All self-care classes have been
cancelled pending further information, and training
information will be removed from the Evans
Preventive Medicine Web page. Contact Preventive
Medicine at 526-8201 for more information.
New post office hours — Retail hours at the
Fort Carson Post Office changed March 30. New
hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Saturday hours remain the same.
Operation Mentor — Big Brothers Big Sisters
seeks children ages 9-16 from military Families
to participate in the military mentoring program,
which matches children with adult volunteers who
serve as positive role models. Visit http://www.
biglittlecolorado.org/ for more information.
Annual Weingarten notice — In accordance with
the requirements of 5 USC 7114(a)(3), this is to
advise bargaining unit employees that: you are
entitled to union representation in meetings held
in connection with an investigation if: 1. The
meeting is conducted by one or more agency
representatives. 2. The agency representatives are
conducting an examination in connection with an
investigation. 3. You are in the bargaining unit. 4.
You reasonably believe that the examination may
result in disciplinary action. 5. You request union
representation. All five conditions must be met.
Flu shots — Influenza vaccinations are available at
post clinics and local pharmacies. Soldiers and
Family members older than 6 months may receive a
vaccination. Visit http://www.express-scripts.com/
TRICARE/pharmacy/ or call 877-363-1303 option
5 for more information. Visit http://www.evans.
amedd.army.mil/PM/flu(underscore)information.
htm or call 526-6422 for appointment information.
Inclement weather procedures for Gate 19 —
The Directorate of Emergency Services operates
Gate 19 Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
regardless of inclement weather or road
conditions along Essayons Road, which is an
unimproved road. Essayons Road is also used
to access several ranges and training areas, so
the road remains open during all conditions. In
order to notify the motorists of the actual road
conditions, two “Downrange Road Conditions”
status signs are now located along Butts and
Essayons roads showing whether road conditions
are green, amber or red. One sign is at the
intersection of Butts Road and Airfield Road,
facing north, and the other is on Essayons
Road just inside Gate 19, facing inbound traffic.
Clinic name changes — Two of the Family medicine
clinics are in the process of changing names. Iron
Horse Family Medicine Clinic (located on the
second floor of Evans Army Community Hospital)
is changing its name to Warrior Family Medicine
Clinic. Evans Family Medicine Clinic (located on
the second floor of the Woods Soldier Family Care
Clinic) is changing its name to Iron Horse Family
Medicine Clinic. These are only name changes.
Beneficiaries will continue to see assigned primary
care manager/team in their regular clinic location.
Automated medical referral — A new automated
reminder system is now in place for medical
referrals. Beneficiaries who are referred to a
civilian specialist in the network will receive
a phone call from the Colorado Springs Military
Health System. The call will remind patients to
make an appointment. If a patient has already made
an appointment, an option will allow him to report
that information. There is also an option to cancel
the referral. Unless acted upon, these reminders
will recur at 20, 60 and 120 days. Call 524-2637
for more information on the automated call system.
Thrift shop accepts credit cards — The Fort
Carson Thrift Shop is now accepting debit and
credit cards. The shop, located in building 305,
is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. Contact Gail Olson at 526-5966
or email thriftshop@gmail.com for more
information or to learn about volunteer
opportunities. Donations may be dropped off at
the store during normal business hours or at the
recycling center located near the main exchange.
IMCOM recruits — Installation Management
Command is recruiting junior and mid-level
employees to participate in a Developmental
Assignment Program. DAP is designed to support
functional and leadership training, which is
one of the essential pillars of the HQ, IMCOM
Campaign Plan LOE 3. Eligible applicants
are IMCOM appropriated-fund employees
(GS7-GS13) and nonappropriated fund
employees (NAF-5 and below, in positions
comparable to GS7-GS13). The DAP is based on
a systematic plan specializing in developmental
assignments through various functional areas for
a period of up to 60 days. The program provides
multifunctional training and assignments
to strengthen the experience of employees
and prepare them for broader responsibilities,
improve organizational communication, and
develop well-rounded personnel. Applications
can be obtained by contacting your organization’s
training coordinator or the Workforce
Development Program.
Ambulance service — Fort Carson officials urge
community members to contact emergency
personnel by calling 911 instead of driving
personal vehicles to the emergency room. In the
event of a life- or limb-threatening emergency,
skilled paramedics and ambulance crew will
be able to administer critical care and aid.
Contact the Emergency Department at
526-7111 for more information.
18. 18 MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
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By Devin Fisher
Mountaineer editor
The Military Child Education Coalition hosts
a free Tell Me A Story program May 19 at
2 p.m. at the Special Events Center.
Military Families have until
May 16 to register for the
event, featuring guest
reader Sgt. Maj. Michael
Borrelli, 4th Infantry
Division provost sergeant
major, who will read
“The Remarkable Farkle
McBride” by John Lithgow.
Every Family attending will
receive a copy of the book.
“The event is geared to
build strong parent-child
connections, and foster a
positive, optimistic outlook on
daily experiences” said Tracy
Brown of Fort Carson’s Parent
to Parent program.
Geared for children 4-12, the
Military Child Education Coalition
launched the Tell Me A Story
program Sept. 11, 2005, to
empower military children by using
literature and their own stories in a way that
fosters skills for resilience, strong peer and parent
connections, a sense of pride and accomplishment,
and a caring community, Brown said.
Borrelli will read the
book before Families participate
in breakout sessions where
facilitators talk to children
about the book and help
them tie the story to their
personal lives and then
participate in a craft project.
Brown said the book is
about a child who refuses
to give up. His frustration
with only being a small
part of the orchestra is the
driving force behind his
willingness to learn more,
try more and finally find
the thing he loves.
“Parents want their
children to try their
best and not give up,”
Brown said. “We
frequently say things
like ‘If at first you don’t
succeed, try, try again.’ This story
illustrates not only trying again and again, but
how persever-
ance pays off
in the end.”
She noted
the stories
have the
capacity to open
discussion on
potentially difficult
topics such as Family
separations or the fear of moving to a
new location.
This year’s book highlights the themes of love
of learning, curiosity, zest, enthusiasm, open
mindedness and humor, Brown said.
Brown noted reservations are required to ensure
there are enough books for everyone. Families
are asked to bring blankets to sit on during the
presentation. Parents with teenagers are encouraged
to bring their older children along to help the
youngsters with crafts.
The Parent to Parent program provides
workshops for military Families in areas of
transitioning children from post to post, resiliency,
early literacy and math literacy. To register for
the event or for more information on the Parent
to Parent team, contact Brown at 706-761-6343
or email ptop.carson@militarychild.org or
tracy.r.brown17@gmail.com.
Tell Me A Story empowers children
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19. 19May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER
THURSDAY, MAY 30 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Doubletree by Hilton 1775 E. Cheyenne Mtn. Blvd. ,
Colorado Springs
For more information, call 471-7080, ext. 140, or e-mail swhite@ppacg.org
Join us for our main presentation (3:00-4:00 p.m.) featuring:
An update on Fort Carson from senior leadership.
A community update from Dennis Hisey, Chair, El Paso County
Board of County Commissioners & Chair, Pikes Peak Area
Council of Governments Board of Directors
A Question and Answer Panel follows (4:00-5:00 p.m.) with:
HMajor General Paul J. LaCamera, Commanding General,
4th Infantry Division & Fort Carson,
HCommissioner Hisey,
HMajor General G. Wesley Clark (ret, USAF), Chair, Peak
Military Care Network,
HTerrance McWilliams, Director of Military & Veterans
H
AspenPointe
Open House/Social Hour: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Carson, the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, and
community leaders; and learn more by visiting informational
booths.
Moderator: Jennifer Horbelt, Anchor/Journalist, KOAA, News 5
Photo by Sgt. Eric Glassey
Scouting for Food
Austin Jepsen,
right, and Brandon
Marble, both with
Boy Scout Troop
164, load a truck
with food donated
by Fort Carson
community
members, Saturday.
The Fort Carson Boy
Scouts gathered
more than 4,885
pounds of donated
food during their
Scouting for Food
Drive which
supported Care and
Share of Southern
Colorado. The Cub
Scouts from Pack
264 distributed
bags in the on-post
housing area,
collecting them
Saturday, and set up
collection boxes
around post.
20. 21May 3, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER20 MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
Story and photos by Sgt. Grady Jones
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office,
4th Infantry Division
The two-toned, blue mat is clean and laid out, roped off
from ringside seats. A time clock stands ready to display the
elapsed duration of each six-minute bout. Everything is prepared
as Soldiers and their Families have filled the bleachers and seats at
the Special Events Center, in anticipation
of the inaugural “Pacesetters” Battalion
Combatives Tournament, April 19.
By the end of the day, three winners
stood tall with bragging rights as the best
in their weight class and will represent
the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery
Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, at
the division combatives tournament to be
held during Iron Horse Week, June 3-7.
They are Spc. William Mays, Company G,
heavyweight division; Staff Sgt. William
McLaurin, Battery B, light heavyweight
division; and Spc. Christian Zepeda,
Battery B, lightweight division.
There were no competitors in the
middleweight division.
Bout after bout, competitors grappled,
wrestled and vied for the upper hand.
Matches were won either from opponents
tapping out from submission, or points accumulated by successfully
performing takedowns and other technical skills.
“Basically, the tournament was broken down into lightweight,
middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions,”
said Staff Sgt. David Quintanilla, field artillery surveyor and
battalion combatives trainer, Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.
Each competitor faced his own difficulties and challenges
during the competition.
“(My opponent) was so big,” said Mays. “If he had done
anything wrong, that could have ended my whole weekend.”
Endurance can also play a large part in combatives.
“Controlling breathing is one of the challenges,” said Staff
Sgt. Joseph Pellegrino, military police officer and level III
combatives instructor, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd ABCT, who also helped
coach the competitors.
The two-mile run is great for the
Army physical fitness test, but is not
enough cardio-respiratory endurance
training for combatives, Pellegrino said.
It took time and dedication for the
competitors to prepare for the tournament.
“We’ve been training every Thursday
for a couple of months now,” Mays said.
“It’s pretty intense.”
“I’ve been training in combatives
since I got into the military,” said Spc.
Gabriel Wilson, medic, Headquarters
and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Bn.,
29th FA Reg.
Training in combatives builds
confidence and camaraderie, according
to some of the competitors.
“It builds team cohesion and
brotherhood,” said Mays “It’s about
doing the sport, and a lot of fun.”
In the end, gold medals were awarded to the winners and
silver medals went to the runners-up for each weight category.
“Winning was definitely motivating,” said Zepeda, a
cannon crewmember. “It was a great experience.”
“It’s such an honor for me to coach these Soldiers; to
see where they’ve come from to where they are right now,”
said Quintanilla. “I’m very proud of them. These guys
are outstanding.”
Spc. Christian Zepeda, Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd
Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives a gold medal from Lt.
Col. Derek Knuffe, commander, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., after winning the lightweight
division of the inaugural “Pacesetters” Combatives Tournament, April 19.
Pfc. Isaiah Fleming,
left, and Spc. William Mays
compete for gold during the
inaugural “Pacesetters”
Combatives Tournament,
held in the Special Events
Center, April 19. Mays
defeated Fleming to capture
first place in the
heavyweight division.
“It’s such an honor
for me to coach
these Soldiers;
to see where they’ve
come from to where
they are right now.”
— Staff Sgt. David Quintanilla
Sgt. Toby Barnes, top, and
Spc. Curtis Woodward, both
from 3rd Battalion, 29th
Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd
Armored Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division,
battle in a showcase match
during the “Pacesetters”
Combatives Tournament,
April 19 at the Special
Events Center.
21. 22 MOUNTAINEER — May 3, 2013
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Coyotes thrive in
populated areasBy Mike Simon
Conservation law enforcement officer
Human-coyote interactions have become
an increasing concern for many Fort Carson
residents as well as communities throughout
the United States. Once restricted to regions
west of the Mississippi, coyotes are now found
in all areas of the United States, excluding
Hawaii, and Canada.
Many people wonder why coyotes thrive
while other animals struggle to exist. Biologists
contribute their success to the decline of other
predators — such as wolves — the remarkable
ability to adapt to environments and the capacity
to live in areas heavily populated by humans.
Coyotes come in a variety of sizes and
colors, but are normally distinguished by their
long pointed nose, pointed ears and general
shepherd-like appearance. They are normally
light gray, reddish-brown or tan with black-
tipped tails. Coyotes residing in the Fort Carson
area weigh between 20 and 35 pounds.
Their primary prey includes rabbits, mice
and other rodents, but they are opportunistic
feeders and will alter their diet to include wild
berries and fruit. A study of urban coyotes in
the Chicago area revealed that only 1.3 percent
of the scat examined contained the remnants
of domestic cats.
Coyotes seen on post that appear sickly,
lethargic and have lost a lot of hair are
probably suffering from mange, a skin ailment
caused by parasitic mites. The mites burrowing
in the skin cause severe itching and infection.
Mange is generally not transmissible to
humans, but the constant itching and poor
physical condition caused by infection reduces
the coyote’s ability to catch prey and makes
them more apt to seek food closely associated
with human activities such as garbage or
pet food left outside.
Coyotes normally pair for life and during
late winter den in holes along steep banks,
thickets, hollow logs and culverts. Pups are
born in April and May. Within eight weeks,
the young are weaned and out learning to hunt
with their parents. During this time period,
urban coyotes will exhibit a unique protective
behavior known as “shadowing,” which
involves the adult coyote getting between a
perceived threat and their pups. The adult
coyote then parallels the threat, keeping a
safe distance until the threat has passed. This
behavior has been frequently observed on
Fort Carson near walking trails that border
heavily vegetated areas.
Coyotes are normally nocturnal but are
increasingly seen during the day as they become
habituated to the noise and activity associated
with people. Conservation law enforcement
officers can target, trap and remove coyotes
that are sick or exhibiting aggressive behavior,
but they’ve become a part of the urban
environment nationwide and hence, people
have to learn to coexist with them.
Courtesy photo
Community members can help control the population of urban
coyotes on Fort Carson by following a few basic rules:
• Coyotes feed on rodents that are attracted to human
garbage. Removing outdoor food sources and keeping trash
inaccessible will reduce rodent and coyote activity.
• Do not intentionally feed coyotes.
• Do not leave pet food or water bowls out at night.
• Do not allow cats or dogs to run free.
• Never approach or allow children to approach a coyote.
• If confronted, don’t run. Use hazing techniques such as yelling
at the animal, banging objects together to create noise and
throwing rocks and other small objects near the coyote.
Hazing techniques must be continued until the animal
departs the area to ensure that they do not become
accustomed to the hazing process.
• Report any unusual or aggressive coyote activity to the
Fort Carson police at 526-2333.
For more information on living with coyotes, contact
the Fort Carson Conservation Law Enforcement Program at
524-5356 or 5394.
Living with coyotes