Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Issue 119 Jan. 24, 2013
‘Talon’ conducts breach training Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
Capt. Jonathan Dyer, center, observer controller and battalion engineer, HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., evaluates the breaching of an obstacle by Soldiers of Company D, Camp Red Devil, Jan. 10. Talon Soldiers conducted breaching operations using M1A2 Abrams Tanks with the end purpose of engaging and defeating an enemy objective.
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
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ike a stampede of horses, M1A2 Abrams Tanks roared across an open field as Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted breach training near Fort Carson’s Camp Red Devil, Jan. 10. Talon Soldiers conducted training at both the platoon and company level to work on the basics of breaching an obstacle and engaging an objective. “It takes a lot of coordination between the platoons,” said Staff Sgt. Manuel Perez, armor crewmember, Company D. “Knowing your sectors of fire, ensuring support by fire is set up, and near and far security is established are all key elements to a successful breach.” For a majority of the tankers, this is the first time training on their equipment in more than two years. “It’s awesome to do our job now,” said Perez. “We actually get to be tankers again. It was fun being light infantry, but it’s nice to have our equipment and be riding out on our
pigs.” Other Soldiers agreed that being on the M1A2 Abrams Tank is the preferred way to train. “It’s a great feeling being back on our equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffery McLane, armor crewman, Co. D. “It’s what we signed up to do and the training is going really good.” Soldiers performing the breaching techniques encountered multiple defensive obstacles such as scout snipers, M1A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, dismounted scout teams and long range reconnaissance vehicles. “The more realistic the training the better it is,” said Capt. Jonathan Dyer, observer controller and battalion engineer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. “They are doing great, this is just a crawl phase for us, but we will be able to walk and later run.” The Talon Soldiers saw improvement every time they conducted the training. “We are getting better every day,” said McLane. “We started three days ago and the difference is day and night.” Though improving is important, the Soldiers know their main mission is to ensure everyone learns something new together. “It’s all about teamwork and helping each other out,” said Perez. “Everyone has to do their part to make sure no one is untrained.” “Talon” Soldiers are using the training to prepare for upcoming exercises in Pinon Canyon in February and at the National Training Center this summer.
Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., come on line in their M1A2 Abrams Tanks before moving on to assault an objective during breach training near Camp Red Devil, Jan. 10. Talon Soldiers conducted a two-week field training exercise in preparation for movement to Pinon Canyon in February.
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 119 Jan. 24, 2013
‘Death Dealers’ in the field Soldiers with 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., set up a tent during the battalions field exercise, Jan. 09.
Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Johnston, master gunner, Company C, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., points out the position of an M1A2 Abrams Tank to his son, Justin, 9, during the company’s Family day, Jan. 11.
Staff Sgt. Larry Duda, platoon sergeant, Company C, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., plays with his son, Bryce, 2, during the company’s Family day, Jan. 11. During the battalion’s field training exercise, Families were bussed out to the field site to interact with their Soldier and see what happens during an FTX. The Families received a tour of the FTX site and were allowed to inspect an M1A2 Abrams Tank. Staff Sgt. Richard Boone, platoon sergeant, Company C, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., explains details of the M1A2 Abrams Tank during the company’s Family day, Jan. 11.
Col. Omar Jones IV, brigade commander, walks up to an observation tower during a battlefield circulation of 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., field exercise Jan. 9.
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 119 Jan. 24, 2013
‘Lonestars’ judge science fair Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán
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2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
re finger prints hereditary, what type of tape is the strongest, what is life cycle of a fruit, these are just some of the questions asked by students during Russell Middle School’s Science Fair. Soldiers with 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, volunteered to go to the middle school and judge the science fair projects, Jan. 15. The science projects, created by children grades 6th through 8th, were assigned in Oct. and had a various requirements that had to be met, said Alex Wade, 8th-grade science teacher. The judging had two parts, the first was based on the project display and the second was an interview with the student. “I enjoyed being able to get a chance to see the next generation and see their ideas and how much effort they put into their projects,” said Sgt. 1st Class Craig Butterman, brigade personnel noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd STB, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “What surprised me the most was the amount of participants and the students’ interpersonal skills.” Both Soldiers and students said they felt the benefits of volunteering. “The kids really appreciate it,” said Wade.
Sgt. 1st Class Craig Butterman, brigade personnel noncommissioned officer in charge, HHT, 2nd STB, looks at Makayla Hendrickson’s examples during the Russell Middle School Science Fair, Jan. 15. Butterman was one of about 30 Soldiers and Airmen requested to judge the Science Fair projects. The judging had two parts, the first was based on the project display and the second was an interview with the student.
“They are seeing all these men and women in uniform and for some of them that is what they want to aspire to. It’s nice too, because I feel like this whole community has a good relationship with Fort Carson.” During the interview portion, some children seemed nervous but were put at ease quickly. “I got nervous because I didn’t want to mess up, but after a while the Soldiers are really cool so I loosened up,” said Madison Lemley, 12 years old, science fair participant. “It’s cool because I respect the Soldiers and I get to interact with them.” Soldiers were impressed with the projects that students created. “These kids are very smart, a lot smarter than I was at their age,” said Spc. Robert
Cox, air defense battle management system operator, HHT, 2nd STB. “It’s cool to get to see their experiments.” Students liked having the Soldiers there to judge. “I feel like they know a lot, so it’s cool for them to come out and judge us instead of teachers,” said Makayla Hendrickson, 13 years old, science fair participant. Soldiers said they felt a sense of duty to the kids while judging. “To me, it feels pretty good to be able to go out into the community and show people that this is what we do and who we are and that we care,” Butterman said. “At the end of the day, these are our future leaders and I want to make sure we are doing the right thing for them.”
Change of responsibility
‘Head Hunters’ sustain ops
Soldiers with Company B, 2nd STB, raise their arm while singing the 4th Inf. Div. song during a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 16. Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Wilson, outgoing first sergeant, relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt. Matthew Halstead.
Soldiers with HHT, 2nd STB, put up the additional frame support to a DRASH tent system at the Wilderness Training Center, Jan. 14. Soldiers are preparing for the upcoming Pinon Canyon training event in Feburary.
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Family Readiness Group
Issue 119 Jan. 24, 2013
CARE Team level I training is offered by ACS on: 22 January at 1800 12 February at 0900 9 March at 1000 (call 526-4590 to RSVP) Warhorse CAREs is scenario based and will take you a little deeper into what to expect while serving on a CARE Team. Work as a group as you talk through how to handle different situations. CARE Team II will present 6 facilitators that will give insight to lessons learned, examples of CARE Team kits and taking care of the caregiver. CARE Team Level I is recommended but not required to attend training. Levels I & II are both required to be a member of the CARE Team.
Contact your BN FRSA/FRL for more information and to RSVP. Childcare provided at your own cost.
6 FEB
WHC 0900-1100 CT II 1300-1500 12 FEB WHC 1830-2030 27 FEB CT II 1800-2000 12 MAR CT II 0900-1100 WHC 1300-1500 10 APR WHC 0900-1100 CT II 1300-1500 ~All training will be held at the FRC~
Although all training is similar in nature, each is beneficial in its own way for preparing you to care for others. Each training only needs to be attended once.
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Let’s play chess @ Briargate Library 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Nunset Blvd. @ Arnold Hall Theater 7:30 p.m.
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“Wagner & Beethoven” @ Pikes Peak Center 8:00 p.m. tickets from $19
Chickens in the Library @ Sand Creek Library Branch 1:30 p.m.
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Paws to Read @ East Library 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Let’s Cook, Teen Cooking Program @ Fountain Library Branch 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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2nd BCT Steering Committee Meeting 11:00 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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Women in Combat: A Conversation with Female Soldiers @ Colorado College, Worner Campus Center Colorado College, Gaylor Hall 6:30 p.m.
CIE @ HUB 9:30 a.m.
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Warhorse CAREs Training 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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CARE Team II 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
2-8 IN Ursula Pittman...........................................................526-0727 ursula.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 119 Jan. 24, 2013