Warhorse Pride issue 109 by Warhorse Pao

Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Issue 109 Sept. 6, 2012

‘Warhorse’ becomes SLICC qualified Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan 2nd BCT, PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

oldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, went through a weeklong Sling Load Inspector Certification Course Aug. 20 thru 24. “We are learning how to inspect loads that will come on and off aircraft during either training operations or combat operations so we have to learn the whole spectrum of those kind of schematics and specifications,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Becker, assistant operations noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. The SLICC training consisted of PowerPoint presentations and hands-on training. “They have to know what right looks like so we show them common deficiencies to look out for on the different equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Vorasane Phothisane, SLICC instructor with Air Delivery Field Service Department from Fort Lee, Va. “There is also a lot of technical information and math that they

Spc. Mike Grijalva, a scout with Troop B, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., counts the excess links to a sling leg during a test for SLICC, Aug. 23. Students of the weeklong course were taught what to look for when inspecting a sling load. Inspectors are graded on their attention to detail.

Sgt. Roy Walls, a lab technician with Company C, 204th BSB, inspects the sling leg of a cargo net during a test for SLICC Aug. 23. Students had to detect deficiencies in four different sling loads and receive an 80 percent or higher in order to pass.

have to cram in.” If loads aren’t inspected properly there is a high level of danger involved so students are taught to pay attention to smallest element. “We have to look at every little detail like a cotter pin which holds a bolt, whether that bolt is upside down, whether straps are secured properly, load variations, the length variation between sling legs, if the load is too heavy for those sling legs, if the helicopter is capable of carrying it as well as various other things,” said Sgt. Roy Walls, a lab technician with Company C, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “As inspectors we are looking for the proper pieces of material that are used to secure that load to be moved,” Becker said. “It is so important because if we miss something there are a lot of safety risks.” Not only are students expected to memorize various statistics of equipment they have to be able to calculate equations.

“The most difficult part of the class is understanding the different weight limitations and capacities and knowing the different components that can handle the weight,” said Spc. Mike Grijalva, a scout with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “I’m not good at math but the equations we had to learn were easy to understand.” Each battalion in the brigade sent at least two Soldiers to become certified because they know what an invaluable asset these certifications will bring. “This is an extremely important course because at any given time there can be an emergency operation where we’ll have to move equipment to troops on the ground,” Becker said. “I’ve been in situations where I needed the people who have been trained in this capacity to bring material to me both while I was in Iraq and Afghanistan so I know how important it is now looking at the other end of this kind of operation.” Though the course requires memorization of technical terms Soldiers enjoyed the training. “I liked the training, its good and its always cool when you get to throw something out of plane,” said Spc. Jesus Arredondo, a scout with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Spc. Nicholas Hyatt, a track mechanic with Company B, 204th BSB, inspects a 500 gallon water drum during a test for SLICC Aug. 23. The test consisted of four real world scenarios. Students had to inspect the sling load and write down all deficiencies.

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Warhorse Pride

Issue 109 Sept. 6, 2012

‘Rolling Thunder’ hosts retirement ceremony Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan 2nd BCT, PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

even Soldiers were honored at the monthly retirement ceremony hosted by 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, at Founder’s Field Aug. 29. “(These) Soldiers have spent the last two plus decades in tremendous service to our Nation, and it is my privilege to recognize them and to thank them for their service to our great nation as they end their active military careers,” said Col. Omar Jones IV, commander, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., during the ceremony. A formation of Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. stood proud in as a show of honor and respect during the ceremony. “Its not just standing in formation,” said Spc. Francisco Rios, cannon crewmember, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. “It’s showing pride and showing them that we respect them for being in this long and that we are honored to be here and experience the joy that they are feeling.” “I think this is wonderful and a great tradition,” said Spc. Nicholas Posey, cannon crewmember, Battery A, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. “Its nice to be able to honor these guys that have made it through their full Army career.”

Warhorse Pride Col. Omar Jones IV........................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

Retirees received the Meritorious Service Medal as well as a certificate of appreciation signed by the President of the United States, a certificate of retirement from the Armed Forces of the United States and a certificate of authentication that accompanied a United States flag. Soldiers offered well wishes to the retirees. “Congratulations on your careers and enjoy your retirement,” Posey said. “You’ve spent your whole life dedicated to the Army so now this is your time to go out and enjoy

your family or whatever you want to do so, just enjoy it.” The ceremony was just one way for Soldiers to show their gratitude of what the retirees have accomplished. “Thank you for leading the way,” Rios said. One retiree, Maj. Jonathan Landon, had this to say to Soldiers still serving, “This is very special to me, it means a lot but it’s time to hand the flag on so carry it proudly because I’ve worked hard to leave it as something to be proud of.”

Col. Omar Jones IV, commander, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., pins Sgt. 1st Class Christian Alexander with the Meritorious Service Medal during the monthly retirement ceremony held at Founder’s Field Aug. 29, 2012. Alexander’s wife and two sons joined him while receiving the medal and received certificates of their own. Seven retirees were honored as well as their families.

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

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Family Readiness Group

Jake Loggins Band Stargazers Theatre and Event Center 8:00 pm Tickets $15.00

New Arts Alley Openings Sean O’Meallie and the Figure, Form and Decay Sept. 7-28 Modbo- 17C E Bijou School House Rock Live Jr. Freedom Performing Arts Center 7:00 pm

Delicious Downtown Food Tour

10:30a to 1:00p at Downtown Colorado Springs Explore the tasty and unique local fare in historic downtown Colorado Springs on this walking food tour! During this 2.5-hour excursion, your guide will lead you to up to six culinary destinations where you will savor generous samples of food and drink (alcohol is included for those 21 and older, and substitutes are available for those underage or those who would rather not partake).

21st Annual “Cruise Above the Clouds” car show Memorial park, Woodland Park 9:00 am

Bilingual story time 4:00 pm Sand Creek Library Branch, Colorado Springs, CO

Issue 109 Sept. 6, 2012

Colorado Springs City Tour 3:00 pm Mining Exchange Hotel Colorado Springs, CO

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

The Price is Right live Pikes Peak Center 7:30 pm Tickets starting at $35.00

B-52’s live 8 pm Pikes Peak Center

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

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Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers

Issue 109 Sept. 6, 2012

BOSS EVENTS REVIEW Boss held its monthly bowling night at Thunder Alley bowling center Aug. 30. 2nd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers did an excellent job this month showing their support toward the BOSS program. Units that showed their support for this event were: Company D, 1-10 CAV; Company C, 2-8 IN; Companies A, B and C, 204th BSB; and HHT, 2nd STB. A huge thank you to these units for their support and in the future BOSS would like to see more support from the rest of 2nd BCT. Some of the Soldiers showed exceptional bowling skills. William Rosebush from Company D, 1-10 CAV bowled a 177. Michael Miles from HHT, 2nd STB bowled a 168 and Christopher Hurst from Company B, 204th BSB bowled a 157. UPCOMING EVENTS Fort Carson Triathlon- Sept. 8 The next Installaion BOSS meeting will be hosted at the HUB, on post, Sept. 20 at 2:00 pm. All Soldiers are welcome to attend and express their ideas for possible future events.