Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
‘Warhorse’ Fall Festival
Issue 115 Nov. 1, 2012
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
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he bright yellow and orange colors of the leaves and the cool breeze set the tone for the Warhorse Fall Festival held at Turkey Creek Ranch, Oct. 19. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division along with the Family Readiness Group sponsored, organized and funded the event, which was free to Soldiers and their Families. “We are very excited to host the first Warhorse Fall Festival,” said Col. Omar Jones IV, commander of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “This is a great way to get everybody together to enjoy being part of the team and for us to celebrate the end of our reset and start the training cycle.” The festival had a plethora of free events for Soldiers and families to participate in such as: a haunted house, face-painting,
Grace Anne Butler, a fairy, gets her face painted by Stephanie Kennedy, the Family Readiness Group leader for Company A, 2nd STB, during the Warhorse Fall Festival held at Turkey Creek Ranch, Oct. 19. Families were encouraged to come dressed in costumes.
a bounce house, horse shoe toss, pie-eating contests, costume contest, three-legged zombie race, pumpkin golf, pumpkin bowling, pie tossing, chili cook off, hay rides, candy crafts and various games. “Each battalion was in charge of holding an event, one for children and one for adults, but the battalions went above and beyond and are having anywhere from three to six events each,” said Valerie Adams, Family Readiness Group leader for the brigade. “There (was) a lot going on.” Soldiers volunteered to help run the different booths. “This has been strictly volunteer, no one has been forced to do this and we’ve had a blast,” said Sgt. Harry Brown, information systems operatoranalyst, Troop B, 2nd Special
Soldiers with 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. gather around the gazebo during the Warhorse Fall Festival at Turkey Creek Ranch, Oct. 19. The gazebo was the main hub for all the events going on during the festival. Every 10 to 15 minutes, announcements were made keeping guests apprised on the different activities going on.
Troops Battalion. “The turn out has been a million times better than any of us expected.” The event brought the Warhorse community together and allowed children to have a good time. “My favorite part was seeing Sarah, (my daughter), just have fun; she really liked the playgrounds and the bouncy houses,” said Kayci Jardine, civilian participant. “We had a good time just wandering
Sgt. 1st Class Deanne Dunnsmith, intelligence sergeant, HHT, 2nd STB, and her daughter Ashley Dunnsmith pet a horse during the Warhorse Fall Festival at Turkey Creek Ranch, Oct. 19, 2012. The ranch is home to the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard and they allowed Soldiers and their Families to pet and feed horses during the festival. The mounted color guard also performed two live demonstrations.
around.” The festival would not have been possible without the many people who contributed to the event. In his opening remarks, Jones said “We want to say a big thank you to everybody who came out here and helped make this possible: the fire department, Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, the battalions and their Soldiers, the FRG and all the Families.”
Spc. Mark Castanon (left), satellite communication systems operator maintainer, and Spc. Joshua Wright, radio operator maintainer both with Troop B, 2nd STB, make noise and prepare to jump out at visitors of the troops’ haunted house.
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 115 Nov. 1, 2012
‘Warhorse’ medically resets
Sgt. Aldrin Tan (left), and Spc. Armando Rios, both unit supply specialists, with HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., inventory a ground ambulance set during a medical reset Oct. 16. The reset supplied all of the medical personnel within the brigade the most up-to-date equipment.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán
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2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
he medical units with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division went through a weeklong medical reset Oct. 15 thru 19. The brigade has recently returned from deployment, so all of the medical units needed to be updated with the new medical technology. The reset also allowed the units to completely restock their entire inventory with expendable equipment like bandages, gauze and needles. “This is very important to do especially coming back from a deployment,” said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Shutt, battalion aid station noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “We are very hard on this stuff through the train up and through the deployment.” Each battalion in the brigade received a half-day in which they were issued their equipment and then were able to inventory it. “When we get a reset, it’s stressful because we have to count all this stuff and we have to go through all the inventory but at the same time now we are able to do our jobs properly and fully equipped,” said Spc.
Conrad Moore, health care specialist, HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. The medics are also being issued the latest in new medical equipment. “A lot of this stuff our medics have never seen before so this is a new experience for them,” said 1st Lt. Heidi Grondahl, medical platoon leader, HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Div. “In the long run, this is better training and better medical care for our Soldiers.” The issuing process can be tedious, but the medics did not let that bring them
1-67 AR Highway clean up
Photo by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán
Sgt. Ben Allen (left) and Matthew Gorman, both fire support specialist, headquarters and headquarters company, 1st Bn., 67th AR Reg., pick up trash along South Academy Blvd. in Colorado Springs, during post clean-up day, Oct. 17. The clean-up is part of the adopt-a-highway program, which helps Soldiers and the local community come together.
down. “I’m excited,” Shutt said. “It’s just like being a kid on Christmas; I can’t wait to get this new stuff in and start using it and put the old stuff out.” This reset will allow the “Warhorse” medics the opportunity to do what they do best. “What we are all about is providing Soldiers better medical care and this equipment is going to help us do that,” Grondahl said. “We are now prepared to medically support Soldiers.”
2nd STB Fall Festival
Photo by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán
Soldiers with 2nd STB gather around the grill to get a hamburger during the battalion’s fall festival Oct. 22. The battalion, along with the Family Readiness Group, put together the function for Soldiers and Families. The festival had a bounce house, three haunted houses, raffle ticket drawing, combat vehicle display, pumpkin painting and lots of candy and food for everyone.
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 115 Nov. 1, 2012
‘Warhorse’ competes for best FIST Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
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ecertification is something that must be done to make sure Soldiers are properly trained and prepared to do their job; the Fire Support Teams of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, decided to breathe life into the recertification process by making it a competition for “Best FIST.” The recertification competition, held Oct. 15 -18, required Soldiers to perform a physical fitness test, a fire support written test, a communication skills test, land navigation, job knowledge certification, a call for fire test and a 12-mile ruck march in three hours or less. “This is a good way for all the battalions to get together and see what their fisters are really made of,” said Spc. Steven Cash, fire support specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion,
8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The training is important, but the competition part is motivation to not just pass, but to get as high a score as possible.” The Soldiers were graded individually as well as in teams of three to five. “It’s been a good team bonding experience,” said Spc. Levi Shiverdecker, fire support specialist, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment. “Most of the events are team events, so either you help each other out or you fail.” This is one of the first times the FIST worked together since the brigade restructured after deployment, said Lt. Col. Keith Jarolimek, commander, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “No matter what this training is, it’s going to make the team tighter and is going to be invaluable in supporting the brigade,” said Capt. Mark Quint, fire support officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd
Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. The certification competition not only tested Soldiers, it showed them their capabilities. “It’s good to get all the fisters in the brigade together for a friendly competition,” said Staff Sgt. Ricky Plant, targeting noncommissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment. “Once you get all the tasks accomplished, you feel more confident in your strength and abilities.” After compiling all the scores, a ceremony was held Oct. 26 for winners at Fort Carson’s Veterans Chapel. The winning team, from Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., consisted of 1st Lt. Derik Munoz, Staff. Sgt. James Spencer, who earned individual NCO top score, Spc. Phillip Kiy, who won individual junior enlisted top score, and Spc. Louie Scott. The team won a trophy, a guidon for their battalion that says “Best FIST” and bragging
Fire Support Team Soldiers with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begin a 12-mile ruck march during their recertification Oct. 18. The Soldiers had to complete 12 miles in three hours or less to pass. All of the recertification events were scored and the top individual Soldiers and teams were awarded the title “Best FIST.”
Spc. Robert Vickery, fire support specialist, HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., and his team draw a rough sketch of the terrain during the fire support recertification at Fort Carson’s Training Area Bravo, Oct. 16.
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen. senior enlisted leader, 2nd BCT, presents Staff Sgt. James Spencer, fire support specialist, Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., with the “Best FIST” guidon for scoring the overall highest score during the brigade FIST recertification and competition, at Fort Carson’s Veteran Chapel, Oct. 26. Fire support specialists from the brigade performed a physical fitness test, call for fire, land navigation, a written test and a 12-mile ruck march in three hours or less.
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 115 Nov. 1, 2012
WWII exhibit honors vets in Trinidad S Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
oldiers from 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, attended an exhibit of WWII memorabilia and reception for local WWII veterans at The Mitchell Art Center in Trinidad, Colo., Oct. 20. The event honored WWII veterans and gave them an opportunity to interact with the community and share some of their experiences. “These warriors not only used their strength to defeat their enemies, but were also generous and compassionate custodians
Sgt. Donald Taylor (front), motor transport operator, and Sgt. Meral Smith, machinist, both with Troop D, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., converse with Louis Cusimano, a WWII veteran, during the Veterans Reception and WWII Exhibit Oct 20.
of liberty and helped rebuild countries, write constitutions and paved the way toward democracy,” said Brigadier General Ryan F. Gonsalves, deputy commanding general for maneuver, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, who was asked to speek at the event. “They did not fight to conquer the world, but to liberate it.” All of the items in the exhibit came from a private owner and had never been viewed before. “When I saw the exhibit, I was speechless,” said Jason Starkovich, collector and exhibit owner. “I’ve known some of the veterans growing up, so its nice to see them being honored in this way.” The honorees were impressed with the exhibit. “It’s great to see all of this stuff,” said Lowell Thompson, one of the honorees. “They have pictures of me that I had forgotten about.” The Trinidad community sent out an invitation for the “Bison” Soldiers to attend. “It was an absolute honor to meet the WWII veterans, to be able to sit down and talk with them,” said Maj. Jerome Barbour, operations officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. “We are happy that Trinidad gave us the opportunity to do that.” Soldiers volunteered to come to the
event. “I volunteered for this because I wanted to see the lineage and meet the men who paved the way for me,” said Sgt. Meral Smith, machinist, both with Troop D, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The stories that they shared with us gave me a sense of pride and respect.” Being able to meet the vets gave the Soldiers an opportunity ask questions about their experiences. “It was very interesting because my grandfather was there, but he passed when I was 15, so I never really got to ask him questions. Today I got to ask those questions from guys that maybe went through the same things he did,” said Sgt. Matthew Callihan, cavalry scout, Troop A, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. “Being able to hear the things they went through seems a lot crazier then the things we go through; these guys are heroes.” Respect for past and present Soldiers was evident throughout the event. “To see the different generations of Soldiers and the respect that they have for each other is awesome,” Starkovich said. The WWII vets inspired the Soldiers with their accomplishments. “It was good to come out here and hear the stories and witness what they went through; it makes me want to push harder in what I want to do in the military,” Smith said.
2nd STB CBRN Chamber Spc. Danny Stanley (left) and Spc. Marc Williams both with Company B, 2nd STB, pose for a photo after exiting the Chemical Nuclear Radiological Biological chamber held at Range 57, Oct. 11. The company held the NBC range so Soldiers could have an opportunity to build confidence with their assigned protective masks. The training is conducted annualy and requires Soldiers to enter the chamber, conduct a series of exercises to test the seal of their mask, remove their mask and sound off with their rank, name and social security number.
Photo by 2nd Lt. Randy Fan
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
Photo by 2nd Lt. Randy Fan
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
Issue 115 Nov. 1, 2012
Gently used & clean clothing and toys are welcome. Nonperishable food items can be dropped in any of the boxes and the chapel will gladly take frozen turkeys and hams.
Collection boxes can be found in each Battalion as well as Veteran’s Chapel.
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CG Golf Scramble @ Golf Course 12:00 p.m.
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Kids Night Out @ Bear Creek Nature Center $15 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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Mountain Post Spouses Club Craft Fair @ Special Events Center 9:00 a.m.
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Colorad Indulgence Festival @ Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Free pictures with Santa for your Christmas cards @ Terra Verde 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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Veterans Day/Rememberance Day @ The Retired Enlisted Association Building 11:00 a.m.
8th Annual Coats & Cans Drive @ Harris Group Realty, Inc. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner @ Sons of Norway Viking Hall $20 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
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Spouse Casualty Notification and Assitane Brief @ Veterans Chapel 6:00 p.m.
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2nd BCT Steering Committee 11:30 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
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Spouse Casualty Notification and Assitane Brief @ Veterans Chapel 6:00 p.m.
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Wynot Radio Theatre @ Millibo Art Theatre 7:00 p.m.
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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 115 Nov. 1, 2012