Issue 116 Nov. 15, 2012
Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
‘Lonestar’ engineers volunteer, help build house Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
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ne lucky Fountain, Colo., family received valuable help when 24 Soldiers of the “Lonestar” Battalion, volunteered their time to help build them a house, Nov. 2. Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division split into morning and afternoon crews and pledged their time to a local nonprofit organization to help build a home. They installed insulation, verified the frame angles, strengthened the frame, placed studs for a more sound structure, enhanced doorways and installed outside paneling. The Soldiers not only gave back to the community, but also conducted some Spc. David Troiani (left) and Sgt. Kyle Iverson, both combat engineers, Company C, 2nd STB, install a section of insulation for a home in Fountain, Nov. 2. “It’s nice to have something different to do and it’s nice to have something to do for the community,” said Iverson.
common task training. “It’s nice to have something different to do and it’s nice to have something to do for the community” said Sgt. Kyle Iverson, combat engineer, Company C, 2nd STB. The family is required to invest 350 to 450 hours of their personal time, to help build the home. With the assistance of Soldier volunteers, the family will be able to buy it for what it cost to build, resulting in payments of up to half of what they normally would be, said Gary Blake, construction supervisor for the nonprofit organization. For some of the Soldiers, the chance to help was an opportunity they had to take advantage of. “Volunteering helps you build yourself up,” said Pvt. Tyler Terry, combat engineer, Company C. “It makes you feel good that you’re a part of something bigger.” The Soldiers know that their volunteer work has
First Lt. Andrew Johnson, platoon leader, Company C, 2nd STB, uses a power saw while Spc. Chris Rogers, combat engineer, Company C, holds the 2x4 while building a house in Fountain, Nov. 2. Twenty-Four Soldiers from the engineer company volunteered to help build the home for a local Family and conducted required training for thier job in the military.
an impact in the community. “The fact that I’m helping made me want to come out here,” said Terry. “Some people struggle and can’t afford a home on the regular market, and this way, we are doing our part.” By this time next year, there are to
have 10 houses built in the Front Range community, and Soldiers are always welcome to help. “We really appreciate the Soldiers coming out and without them this wouldn’t happen,” said Blake. “We hope to see them out here again.”
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 116 Nov. 15, 2012
‘Warhorse’ spends day with Denver Broncos Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán
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2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
s part of the their annual Military Salute event, members from the Denver Broncos spent the day with Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Nov. 13. “They wanted to come down here and show some appreciation to the Soldiers, but what they really wanted to do is understand what Soldiers do,” said Sgt. Maj. Kevin Muhlenbeck, operations sergeant major, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “This is a way for them to build a relationship with Fort Carson.” The group from the Broncos included
Sgt. First Class Bryant Bengs, food service noncommissioned officer, HHT, 2nd STB, receives a signed picture from Miles the Denver Broncos mascot Nov. 13.
defensive end Ben Garland, fullback Chris Gronkowski, five cheerleaders, Miles the Broncos mascot and former Broncos fullback Reggie Rivers and linebacker Randy Gradishar. “We wanted to get out and say ‘thank you’ to the troops, you guys are in our backyard so we just came down here to and get a little taste of the life that Soldiers lead,” said Dustin Frost, Events and Special Projects Coordinator with the Broncos. The day’s events started with a trip to Patriot Grade School and then to 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment’s motor pool where the visitors were shown tanks, different weapons and were able to don gear Soldiers wear. “So they came down and got to play on tanks, handle some weapons and really see how the guys train and it gave them a snap shot of what we do,” Muhlenbeck said. After working up an appetite, the group went to Stack Dining Facility for lunch and an
Denver Broncos defensive end Ben Garland eats lunch with “Warhorse” Soldiers at Stack Dining Facility, Nov. 13.
autograph session with Soldiers. “We love this opportunity,” Garland said. “Any time we can come out and interact with the Soldiers and thank them for their service, it means a lot to us.” Once lunch was finished, the group went and met with 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Commander Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson where they received division coins as gratitude for their visit. The group’s final stop was at 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment’s motor pool. “It’s a great opportunity to have them out and for them to see what we do,” said Spc. Joseph Houser, cavalry scout, Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. “It’s a fun time and it gives us a little break from training.” The visitors were given tours of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and interacted with the Soldiers from the squadron.
“I was very humbled by the experience that they took the time out of their busy schedules to come out and hang out with Soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Larson, cavalry scout, Troop C. “It’s very rare that people of their caliber come and hangout with Soldiers and to see their expressions they seemed impressed with what we do on a day to day basis.” The visitors were not only impressed by the equipment, but by the Soldiers as well. “My favorite part about to day was meeting the Soldiers,” Garland said. “The guns are cool, the tanks are cool but not as cool as the actual Soldiers behind them.” The days visit was just one part of the annual Military Salute; as another gesture of friendship, the Denver Broncos have invited 50 “Warhorse” Soldiers and 25 Family Members to attend the game on Nov. 18. Master Sgt. Luis Sulit, operations sergeant major, HHT, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., shows Katie, a Denver Broncos cheerleader, functions of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Nov. 13.
Staff Sgt. Robert Larson, cavalry scout, Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., talks to Chris Gronkowski, a fullback with the Denver Broncos, inside a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Nov. 13. Members of the Broncos spent the day with Soldiers as part of their annual Military Salute event. Soldiers showed the visitors how the vehicles operate, allowed them to sit inside and answered questions about their capabilities.
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Warhorse Pride
‘Warhorse’ spur ride: Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
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true measure of strength isn’t determined by how much weight a person can lift, but by how much that individual can endure when their body is tested both physically and mentally and when all they want to do is give up, but they push on to accomplish the mission. The Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment both with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pushed themselves to the limit during the squadron’s spur ride held Nov. 1 thru 2. The spur ride, a 36 hour event, pushed Soldiers to their physical and mental limitations by testing their ability to operate as part of a team under high levels of stress and fatigue throughout both day and night conditions. “If you notice, CAV is not a branch, CAV is a state of mind,” said Col. Omar Jones IV, commanding officer of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., senior spur holder. “CAV is about combined arms, it’s about moving faster, shooting straighter and thinking better. It doesn’t matter what your branch is, doesn’t matter what your (military job) is what matters is CAV is in your head and your going to prove that through your spur ride.” The spur candidates were randomly placed into 10 teams each with a “walker” or spur
Issue 116 Nov. 15, 2012
measure of strength, endurance and heart
holder who coached the candidates through the spur ride both with physical and verbal encouragements. “The spur candidates are constantly questioned on cavalry history and basic soldiering skills; if their answer is wrong their body makes up for where their mind failed them, so they have to complete a physical task to make up for their lacking knowledge,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Aanerud, operations noncommissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., spur holder. “As long as they don’t give up, they will get their spurs.” The tasks the spur candidates were required to complete included a physical fitness test, a written test, vehicle identification, an obstacle course and a land navigation course carrying a 40-65 pound rucksack and at each point on the course they were tested on basic soldiering skills. “This is about physical and mental toughness,” said Lt. Col. Dave Guthrie, commanding officer of 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., senior squadron spur holder. “It’s knowing you can overcome the obstacles; you’re going to gut through it because the guy next to you is going to gut through it.” The Soldiers relied heavily on their fellow spur candidates for support and encouragement. “It’s a team effort,” said Spc. Logan Curci, cavalry scout, HHT, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Merrill, spur holder with HHT, watches as Pfc. Ha Lee, spur candidate with Troop B helps his fellow spur candidate Spc. Andre Rose, Troop D, all with 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., call for fires during the squadron’s spur ride Nov. 1. After completing a 12 kilometer ruckmarch, the call for fires stations was their first land navigation point and tasking. Soldiers relied heavily on their fellow spur candidates for support and encouragement throughout the event.
Spur candidates from 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., recite Fiddlers Green under the watchful eye of Sgt. Elliotte Redington, Troop A, during the squadron’s annual spur ride, Nov. 1. Fiddlers Green is a poem describing the afterlife for a cavalryman.
Reg., spur candidate. “We came together as a group and accomplished things we probably wouldn’t have been able to alone because we pushed each other and wouldn’t let each other fail.” The spur ride isn’t just about a Soldier’s bragging rights, it’s also a way for the squadron to distinguish its best and brightest Soldiers. “This is how the CAV identifies their leaders,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Blizzard, senior enlisted leader, HHT, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., spur holder. “So, knowing that every leader in the squadron knows how to push themselves past that limit—that refusal to quit, that’s what makes us stronger as an organization.” Out of 134 spur candidates 123 completed the physically demanding challenge and rucked to a ceremony held at Turkey Creek Ranch where they were presented with silver spurs and a BBQ lunch. “Not every Soldier gets this opportunity and for me to be able to go through this and accomplish it—I feel really proud,” said Sgt. Joyce Ho, intelligence analyst, HHT, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., spur candidate. “I think everyone should do it; it’s a way to test yourself physically and mentally to see what you can do and more often then not, you will surprise yourself at what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it.”
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 116 Nov. 15, 2012
‘Talon’ color guard helps honor Veterans Photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Staff Sgt. Richard Neenan, Sgt. Jeff Carver, Cpl. Zach Ross and Spc. Ivan Roque, all cavalry scouts with HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., performed as members of a color guard at Fountain Mesa Elementary School, Nov. 8. “Talon” is partnered with the school through the Adopt-A-School program. The school held a Veterans Day assembly where the children held a Veterans Day celebration.
‘Rolling Thunder’ conducts training Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Spc. Nicholas Posey (above), and Spc. Rodney Nichols (right) both cannon crew members with Battery A, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., participate in a field exercise Nov. 13. “Rolling Thunder” conducted a one-day training exercise geared toward testing the efficiency of their vehicles and the capabilities of the communications equipment.
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
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 116 Nov. 15, 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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Santa’s Parade @ the Citadel 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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The Nutcracker @ Pikes Peak Center 7:00 p.m.
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Turkey Trot@ Special Events Center 7:00 a.m.
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Illumination @ First & Main Town Center 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Alpaca Holiday Extravaganza @ the Black Forest Community Club 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Discovery Tour @ Cave of the Winds 10:00 a.m.
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Open Mic hosted by Andrea Stone @ Zodiac Venue and Bar 7:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m.
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Gold Fields @ The Black Sheep 7:00 p.m.
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Public Free Day @ the Fine Arts Center 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Holiday Baking @ Savory Spice Shop 6:30 p.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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A Chirstmas Carol @ the Simpich Showcase Marionette 2:30 p.m.
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15th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk @ Briargate Family Center YMCA 9:00 a.m.
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No Laughing Matter? @ Loonees Comedy Corner 7:00 p.m.
CIE @ Hub 9:30 a.m.
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 116 Nov. 15, 2012