Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Issue 103 July 26, 2012
Brigade run
‘Warhorse’ celebrates ‘Org Day’ Photo by Sgt. Seth Barham
Story by Sgt. April York 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., PAO
Smiles and laughs filled Iron Horse Park as Soldiers and Families of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division celebrated Organizational Day July 24. In order to give back to the Soldiers and their Families for all their hard work and dedication, the brigade provided an opportunity to come together outside of work and enjoy some competition as well as socialize and spend time with one another. “We are offering sporting events to encourage esprit de corps between the battalions with some friendly competition,” said Sgt. Maj. Kevin Muhlenbeck, brigade operations sergeant major. Organizations from the front range community also chipped-in by donating food, drinks, children’s activities and even beer as a thank you for all the Soldiers’ hard work during their 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. “Org Day” had something for everyone. There were bouncy houses, face painting, snow cones, bean bag toss games and a magic show by Ronald McDonald. Soldiers
participated in multiple sporting events including soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball and tug of war or as it was titled, “Tug of Warhorse”. Org Day was a success; Soldiers and Family members enjoyed themselves. “I had a great time,” said Capt. Ashley Russell, brigade assistant logistics officer. “It was good for Soldiers to bring their Families and unwind after a year-long deployment.” A good time was had by all including the little “Warhorse” Family members. “I’m really excited to get my face painted and then go jump in the bouncy house,” said Taryn Ramil, daughter of Maj. Siegfried Ramil, the brigade communications officer. As the day’s activities came to an end, Soldiers and Family members gathered for an awards ceremony and a few words from Col. John S. Kolasheski, commander, 2nd BCT. “Org Day is also an opportunity for Col. Kolasheski to say goodbye to everybody before he moves on,” Muhlenbeck said. “It was an honor and a privilege to serve with and lead the Soldiers of the Warhorse Brigade,” Kolasheski said. “I am incredibly proud of our Soldiers and Families.”
Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
Sgt. Jason Morris, automated logistical specialist, HHT, 2nd STB, goes up for a layup while playing basketball during “Org Day” at Iron Horse Park, July 24. Soldiers and Familes gathered at the park to take a day off and relax.
Page 2
Warhorse Pride
Issue 103 July 26, 2012
‘Warhorse’ receives latest PTS, PTSD training
“Dialogue is the most important part,” said Staff Sgt. Douglas Wilson, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Department of Behavioral Health and Science, assigned to 187th Medical Battalion, 32nd Medical Brigade out of Fort Sam Houston. “We want to get Soldiers to talk about their experiences not just while they were deployed but since they’ve been back.” “Part of the training is to normalize the experience of individuals and to help them realize there is a percentage of individuals that will not require intervention,” Jarrett said. “Essentially, as they go through this training they’re realizing that there is an almost predictable cycle of emotions and feelings.The majority of individuals are not going to develop a PTSD diagnosis and the majority of individuals with post traumatic stress are going to carry on to where it is no longer traumatic for them and
eventually something they will grow through.” During the second day of training, approximately 200 brigade Soldiers received training on how to react if they or a fellow Soldier are showing signs of PTS. “I think Soldiers will gain some insight on why they get sad for no reason, why they are feeling the way they do, why they are getting so angry, why they are so jumpy, anxious or keyed up and with understanding you can start to change things,” said Spc. Jefferey Villar, an instructor and behavior health specialist with Company C, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “I think this training will help give Soldiers knowledge on what is pretty normal to go through or what to seek help for,” said Staff Sgt. Ernest Galindez, an instructor and section sergeant for the medic platoon with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment. “If the Army continues with this type of training they can help a lot of Soldiers.” The training is in its preliminary stages and is still being validated; all Soldiers going through the training are required to complete surveys. “We are doing pre and post instruction surveys to see if we imparted the information we wanted to,” Jarrett said. “We are also going to ask for feedback from the Soldiers and instructors.”
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: seth.barham1@us.army.mil
Story and photo by Sgt. Ruth Pagan 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., PAO
Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division participated in a pilot program designed to recognize and combat Post-Deployment Post Traumatic Stress at Fort Carson’s Veteran’s Chapel July 19 and July 20. “This particular product was a collaboration of a number of individuals including prime researchers from the behavioral health advisory team,” said Maj. Thomas Jarrett, the chief of special subjects for the Department of Behavioral Health Systems, U.S. Army Medical Center and School out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas. “It was designed to be a program to explain the different responses following combat not just (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) but post traumatic stress.” On the first day, Jarrett, trained 10 Soldiers from across the brigade who in turn trained additional members of the organization. Jarrett said in order to be an instructor the individual had to have been deployed and be either a combat medic or a behavioral healthcare specialist. The Soldiers received training on how to effectively give a 30-slide Power Point presentation within two hours, how to create conversations with the audience and how to respond to different scenarios that could arise during training.
Warhorse Pride Col. John S. Kolasheski.................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa............2nd BCT CSM Maj. Kevin Toner............................................2nd BCT PAO Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch..................................PAO NCOIC Sgt. Ruth Pagan..................................Layout and Design Sgt. April York......................................Layout and Design
Sgt. Mike Dade, a senior level medic with HHC, 2nd STB, passes out surveys during Post-Deployment Post Traumatic Stress Training July 20. The training is still being validated so each Soldier who attended the training had to complete a pre and post training survey to determine the effectiveness of the training.