Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Issue 117 Nov. 29, 2012
Bringing the team together Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
C
1st Lt. Clark Burns, assistant operations officer, HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., completes a function check on an M2A1 .50 Cal during the Warhorse Challenge on Fort Carson, Colo. More than 750 senior leaders from throughout the brigade participated in the challenge to build Esprit de Corps and celebrate the 95th birthday of the activation of 2nd BCT.
onnecting with others, building Esprit de Corps and testing basic knowledge are all qualities senior leadership of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, worked on during the Warhorse Challenge on Fort Carson, Nov. 20. Thirty teams, consisting of 10 to 15 personnel, had seven hours to complete the 13 challenge points, that included weapon functions test, find a fault on a vehicle, perform engagement area development, apply a tourniquet, communication test and history question events. Senior leaders worked together and despite being comprised of different ranks and from different units, they all worked together to accomplish the mission. “It was good to meet new people and work together to finish the event,” said Capt. Mike Pettengill, operations officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT. The day wasn’t just about training, it was meant for leaders to engage each other and forget about all the e-mails. “Don’t worry about the computers,” said Col. Omar Jones IV, commander, 2nd BCT. “It’s the day before a holiday weekend, the staff sergeants have your Soldiers and will make sure everything is set for tomorrow. Go have fun today.” Leadership mingled throughout the challenge and got to know each other. “This kind of team building is good,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Lara, brigade maneuvers and protection noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT. “You build a bond and some trust. Officers get to
see what NCOs can do and how they work, and vise versa.” When it came to testing, participants listened to the instructors as well as engaged in training. “The highlight of the day was the instructors.” said 1st Sgt. Kia Jackson, senior enlisted leader, Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd BCT. “They informed us, they taught us and they were well educated. Seeing a Soldier know their job is the best thing.” After all the teams returned, the wining team was presented a trophy and all the participants partook in a bar-b-q. “These types of events should be held on a regular basis,” said Lara. “They are not stressful and they are very motivating.”
1st Sgt. Kai Jackson, senior enlisted leader, FSC, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., inspects the wheel well of M1120 Heavy Expanded Mobile Tactile Truck Load Handling System at a find the fault challenge point during the Warhorse Challenge on Fort Carson, Nov. 20.
1st Lt. Justin Chizmar, intelligence officer, HHC, 2nd STB., inspects an M3A3 Bradley fighting vehicle during the Warhorse Challenge on Fort Carson, Nov. 20. Chizmar, along with members of his team, inspected the vehicle for faults.
Page 2
Warhorse Pride
Issue 117 Nov. 29, 2012
denver broncos salute to service
Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers of 2nd BCT shake hands and receive thanks from fans during the Denver Broncos Military Salute to Service at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Nov. 18. The crowd of more than 73,000 erupted in cheers during both a pregame and halftime ceremony, to show thanks to service members from all the Armed Forces. Col. Omar Jones IV (right), commander, 2nd BCT joins “Warhorse� Soldiers and Denver Broncos cheerleaders during the Broncos Military Salute to Service at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Nov. 18. Jones, along with the 24 other Soldiers, met the cheerleaders, led players onto the field and received recognition for their service.
Soldiers of 2nd BCT, exit the field after a pregame ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Nov. 18.
Page 3
Warhorse Pride
Issue 117 Nov. 29, 2012
‘Rolling Thunder’ hosts Turkey Trot Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Smiling faces, children’s laughter and physical readiness training came together to form the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Turkey Trot at Fort Carson’s Ironhorse Park, Nov. 21. “Rolling Thunder” Soldiers and Family members participated in stretching, physical activities and a run or walk around Ironhorse Park. “I think it is important for the families to see what we go through each and every morning,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Benito Perez, senior enlisted leader, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. “I just believe it builds the team; I am excited about this based on all the Family members that are showing up. Family members jumped on the opportunity to join there Soldiers. “My husband invited me out here to the Turkey Trot and we decided to bring the kids,” said Casey Ramm, wife of Sgt. Drew Ramm, electronic warfare specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. “It gives me a chance to come in and meet other spouses and Soldiers. Soldiers thought it would give their
Pfc. Taylor Day, field artillery automated tactical data systems specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., conducts a push-up with his girlfriend, Valerie, during the “Rolling Thunder” Turkey Trot at Fort Carson’s Ironhorse Park, Nov. 21, 2012.
significant others a better grasp on what Soldiers do for physical training. “I want to show my significant other what we do every morning and give her a view into why I wake up so early,” said Pfc. Taylor Day, field artillery automated tactical data systems specialist, HHB. “It’s a huge morale
lifter with our unit about to go to the field, so spending time with the families is very important. After completing a couple laps around the park, and doing some push-ups and pullups, the families gathered to talk about the day and have a breakfast as a team.
‘Warhorse’ celebrates 95th birthday of 4th Inf. Div., Thanksgiving Photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Command Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Stall, senior enlisted leader, 4th Inf. Div., gives Sgt. Patrick Marcoe (above), food service specialist, HHC, 204th BSB, a pat on the back for building a Bourbon Street replica out of gingerbread during the New Orleans themed Thanksgiving celebration Nov. 21. Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson (below), commanding general, 4th Inf.Div. and Fort Carson, shakes the hand of Sgt. Maj. (ret.) David Dantzler with the Colorado Military Historical Group, Incorporated, who brought their personal WWII relics as a way to educate and help celebrate the division’s birthday.
Col. Omar Jones IV, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen, senior enlisted leader, both from 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., cut a cake in celebration of the 95th birthday of the 4th Inf. Div. in Robert Stack Dining Facility on Fort Carson, Nov. 21. The yellow cake with strawberry filling was comprised of 20 sheet cakes and took three Soldiers five days to complete. The cake had a time-line of edible pictures framing the cake starting with WWII to represent significant events within the 95 years of the division.
Page 4
Warhorse Pride
Issue 117 Nov. 29, 2012
Building resilency with information
Sergeant First Class Deanne Dunnsmith, brigade master resiliency trainer, 2nd BCT, explains techniques used by resiliency trainers during Resiliency Trainer Assistant class at the 2nd STB conference room, Nov. 15. Sixteen “Lonestar” Soldiers became qualified as Resiliency Training Assistants and are tasked with ensuring their company is one hundred percent trained on all Modules by next October.
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
S
oldiers of 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, assumed the duty of Resiliency Training Assistants after completing classes reflecting Master Resiliency Training on Fort Carson, Nov. 13 through 16. Sixteen “Lonestar” Soldiers learned the basics of resiliency and successful ways to conduct instruction to ensure every Soldier, regardless of rank, is up to date on required training. The brigade, which deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2011, was a test bed for the army to deploy without standardized resiliency training. “This is the initial kickoff of the brigade program,” said Sgt. 1st. Class Deanne
Warhorse Pride Col. Omar Jones IV........................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen....2nd BCT CSM Maj. Chris Maestas.................................................PAO OIC Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch..................................PAO NCOIC Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan.........................Layout and Design Sgt. Seth Barham........................................................Editor
Dunnsmith, brigade master resiliency trainer, 2nd BCT. “Training the RTAs is essential to helping MRTs train everyone in the battalion.” The program, set up to have Soldiers spread throughout the brigade as instructors with one Soldier as the brigade MRT, two per battalion, one per company and one RTA per platoon, is aimed at giving Soldiers internal tools to deal with difficult situations. “The program allows Soldiers to deal with life issues whether it be from home or work,” said Sgt. Timothy Foster, information technology specialist, 2nd STB. “It allows Soldiers to cope or learn problem solving techniques.” “Hopefully every Soldier will learn something about themselves,” said Dunnsmith. “Everyone has different levels of resiliency and this program is designed to let a person know what their strengths are.”
Though the Army is mandating the training, the “Warhorse” leadership is making it a top priority. “I’m excited to see the command so involved,” said Dunnsmith. “Without the commands’ support, implementing the program would be difficult due to the lack of knowledge on it.” The NCOs in the class each had ideas of what they thought was the most important part of the training and what they wanted their Soldiers to take away from it. “I want to broaden my Soldiers perspectives,” said Foster. “Being positive or negative is a process. I want them to be conscious of the bigger picture and that there is more than just them.” The brigade is breaking down the fourmodule training by quarters and plans to have everyone fully trained before the scheduled deployment later next year.
The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public
Affairs Office. The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication. All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed online from your home computer at www.facebook. com/2bct4id Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor: ruth.a.pagan2.mil@mail.mil
Page 5
FSC 1-67 Breakfast Fundraiser @ FSC 6:00 a.m.
30
Santa’s Workshop Grand Opening @ SEC 1:00 p.m.
Family Readiness Group
01
“Santa Paws” @ Humane Society of Pikes Peak 10:00 a.m.
08
The Christmas Mouse on Holiday @ The Millibo Art Theater 3:00 p.m.
2000 Festival of Lights @ Downtown 8:00 p.m.
02
03
CA Co, 204th FRG Mtg @ Veteran’s Chapel 7:00 p.m. FSC 1-67 FRG Mtg @ FSC 7:00 p.m.
Issue 117 Nov. 29, 2012
04
2BCT Steering Committee Mtg 11:30 am
05 06
“Paws to Read” @ Briargate Library 3:30 pm
“The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Party” Cooking Class @ Kitchen Essentials 5:00 pm
Right Arm Night @ Foxhole 4:00 p.m.
Payday Activities Release @ 12:00 p.m.
07
Pearl Harbor Remembrance @ Memorial Park 11:00 a.m. CG’s Bowling Scramble @ Thunder Alley 12:00 p.m.
Living Nativity @ SMC Milk and Cookies with Santa @ The Citadel 9:00 a.m.
09 10
Big Brothers & Big Sisters Orientation @ Big Brothers, Big Sister of Pike peak 5:30 p.m.
11
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour @ Pikes Peak Center 7:30 a.m.
FRSA Information
3-16 FAR Dyanne Beckman.........................................................526-1635 dyanne.m.beckman.civ@mail.mil
2nd BCT Valarie Adams............................................................524-4797 valarie.a.adams.civ@mail.mil
1-67 AR Valerie Mansapit...........................................................524-1476 valerie.j.mansapit.civ@mail.mil
1-10 CAV Francy Avizu...............................................................526-1946 francy.avizu.civ@mail.mil
204th BSB Barbara Young...............................................................526-4172 barbara.a.young.civ@mail.mil
12
13
2-8 IN Ursual Pittman...........................................................526-0727 ursual.t.pittman.civ@mail.mil 2 STB Spc. Morgan Madrick..............................................503-2602 morgan.a.madrick.mil@mail.mil Find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/2bct4id
Page 6
Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers
Issue 117 Nov. 29, 2012
Fort Carson
Volunteer Incentive Program We will help YOU earn enough hours for a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Get Prizes for your Volunteer Hours: 25 - BOSS T-shirt 40 - BOSS Backpack 55 - Water Bottle 70 - $15 Gift Card
100 - COA 120 - BOSS Visor 150 - BOSS glass 200 - $25 Gift Cards
Start Volunteering TODAY!! Call 524-BOSS (2677) www.facebook.com/FortCarsonBOSS
Upcoming Boss Events ~1DEC Coors Brewery Trip @ 9:30 a.m.
~6DEC - Foxhole Holiday Party @ 3:00 p.m.
~11DEC - CSM BOSS Meeting @ 4:00 p.m.