Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Issue 104 Aug. 2, 2012
Farewell ‘Warhorse’ from WH6
It truly has been my honor to serve as the commander of the ‘Warhorse’ Brigade here at the Mountain Post where it started for me personally over 20 years ago. To the Soldiers on the field I simply say thank you. You look great and your dedication to the security of our nation and bringing freedoms to countries far, far away is inspirational. You and your Families are true force-multipliers. If nothing else, it’s been a busy nearly three years for this Brigade, culminating in our deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning from Iraq in 2009, we became the first heavy brigade in the Army to have over 20 months of time in between deployments. Therefore, we had the opportunity to train on core proficiencies which for us was employing tanks, Bradleys, and howitzers for high intensity conflict. After 9 months of maneuver and gunnery, we transitioned to preparing for our mission in Afghanistan. We reorganized our formations, built advisor teams and Female Engagement Teams, trained for counter-insurgency, prepared our minds so
that we better understood Afghanistan’s rich culture and history, learned new languages, and received new equipment. Our capstone exercise at JRTC tested our mettle in the toughest of conditions. Once in Afghanistan, this BCT performed as expected. With our priority of advising and enabling the Afghan Security Forces and the Afghan Government, we witnessed significant progress. Our battalions each had very different operating environments across Regional Commands South and West, but all had the same desired outcome: preparing Afghan security forces and its government to protect and provide for their citizens. As witnessed by significant reductions in violence in our area of operations, I think that collectively you were successful. While I’m certain there will be challenges on the horizon, the Lancer Brigade from Fort Lewis is continuing with what we and the Raider Brigade started. We had lots of help. At great peril of forgetting someone, I want to recognize those who helped us prepare for and conduct operations. From the division and Mission Support Element that set conditions for us to be successful throughout to the garrison and its many agencies and organizations that provided first class support to our Soldiers and families to our sister Brigades and other tenant teammates here on Fort Carson, thank you. The greater Fort Carson community is amazing. From our good neighbors who help our Soldiers and family members daily
to Trinidad and Pueblo West who helped us understand local governance in preparation for our deployment and let us reach-back when we had questions. Thank you. I also want to note our Rear Detachment, commanded by Lt. Col. Nick Palarino. Things at Fort Carson did not slow down for the Photo by Sgt. Seth Barham brigade while we were gone. You kept things running here and let us focus on the mission there. We pay special tribute to you, our brigade and battalion FRSAs, and our many volunteer FRG leaders. Your service gave us peace-of-mind. To my fellow commanders and your CSMs that have shared this command for the past 32 months, thanks for your leadership and dedication to making this organization better. To Command Sgt. Maj Ralph Delosa and Julie, thank you for your over 30 years of dedicated service to our Army and nation. We are a better unit because of your leadership & presence. Thank you for sharing this command with me. Finally to my family and the families of those that are leaving this great outfit today. I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for us that wear the uniform, this Brigade, the 4th Infantry Division, the Army, and a grateful nation. Now a new chapter will soon be written. To Omar and Tracy Jones, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert and Elizabeth Lehtonen, and all of the new command teams, welcome to Fort Carson, the Iron Horse Division and the Warhorse Brigade. As you’ve seen and heard, Fort Carson is a fabulous post, the division is dedicated to training, and the greater continued on page 2
Page 2
Warhorse Pride
Issue 104 Aug. 2, 2012
Past and present share combat experiences
Story and photo by Sgt. April York
Duane Grisham, a member of the 4th Infantry Division Association shows photos from the day’s events to Capt. Larry Talley, communications officer for 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during lunch at the Raider Dining Facility July 26, 2012
2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., PAO
The Raider Dining Facility buzzed as 4th Infantry Division veterans and its current Soldiers came together to see old friends and make new ones July 26. Fort Carson hosted the 94th reunion of the National 4th Infantry Division Association July 24 - 29. “It’s a great opportunity to talk to veterans from Vietnam and World War II and discuss our division history and share our past experiences,” said 1st Lt. James Cummings, assistant operations officer for 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers of 2nd BCT sat in various areas throughout the facility talking with veterans and receiving advice. “Keep your head on your shoulders, don’t get excited, do your job and let things go as they go,” said Herbert L. Martin, armor reconnaissance specialist who served in the 4th Inf. Div. from 1960 to 1969. Martin joined the association in 1992 and has been to 18 reunions, always hoping to find Soldiers he served with. Veterans who attended the event were adamant about keeping in touch with one another. “Don’t ever wait 40 years to reach out to one another,” said an emotional Larry Hutchinson, as a tear rolled down his cheek. “After 40 years of not seeing people it’s great to catch up. Every year someone new shows
Warhorse Pride Col. Omar Jones.............................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen....2nd BCT CSM Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch..................................PAO NCOIC Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan.........................Layout and Design Sgt. April York......................................Layout and Design
up.” Hutchinson, a canon crew member who served in the 4th Inf. Div. from 1969 to 1970, joined the association in 2008 and has since been to four reunions. “Over the years not knowing that the guys you served with are gone has been hard,” Hutchinson said. “You should stay in contact no matter what.” “If you serve with somebody in a combat zone, they become more than buddies,” said retired 1st Sgt. Jerry Bumpus who served with the 4th Inf. Div. 1969 to 1970 and is the president of the Midwest chapter for the association. A strong bond and love for the Army and its Soldiers was a common message shared by veterans. “Stay in; it’s a great life and if you love it you can’t beat it,” Bumpus said. “I admire the Soldiers of today.
They are more intelligent, they are in better shape and they are better trained than we were.” When lunch was over, the Soldiers of 2nd BCT had a stronger appreciation of their division and heritage. “It really brings home the importance of the tradition of the things we do each day,” Cummings said.
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
Farewell continued
community truly cares for our Soldiers. The Army has chosen the right leaders for this job. You arrive with a great reputation and I am confident you will lead Warhorse to continued greatness. Lastly we fought and did well, but lost some great Americans during our tour in Afghanistan. I would ask all of us to remember them and their families. They paid the ultimate sacrifice giving a society that knew nothing but violence for over 35 years hope for a better future. They asked little, but sacrificed much. Thank You. Steadfast and Loyal! Warhorse! One Team!