vol. 68 no. 7 feb. 19, 2010 word of the month: assimilation · weapons familiarization. “knowing...

Story and photo by Spc. Chastity Boykin3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office,4th Infantry Division

The familiar sounds of cadence callsresounded across Fort Carson, carried to the stepof a not-so-familiar group — Army spouses learningto march in formation.

Wives of Company B, 1st Battalion, 8thInfantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4thInfantry Division, spent a day in their husbands’boots to gain a new understanding of Soldiersduring a Family Readiness Group SoldierAppreciation Day Feb. 5.

“It is very exciting,” said Lauren Nelson, FRGleader, Company B, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd BCT,4th Inf. Div. “With our husbands gone for a year at atime, it helps us get a tangible idea of what it is theydo on a day-to-day basis.”

The Army spouses participated in several trainingevents at different stations, learning about formations,basic facing movements, physical training and basicweapons familiarization.

“Knowing how hard certain tasks within theArmy are gives you a sense of gratitude,” said WendiBoelke, wife of Cpl. Douglas Boelke, a wheeledvehicle mechanic assigned to Co. B, 1st Bn., 8thInf. Reg. “I now have a better appreciation andunderstanding of what our husbands do.”

The training events were toned down from thata Soldier might experience but provided the wivesthe opportunity to participate in exercises Soldiersface in a basic training environment, said Capt.Thomas Nelson, commander, Company B, 1st Bn.,8th Inf. Reg.

“We can go home and tell our wives what we doevery day, but for them to actually come out and getto experience that is a new understanding for whatwe do,” he said.

Nelson said the FRG-led event helped bring thewives together as a stronger, more cohesive team while

the Soldiers prepare for their upcoming deployment.Lauren said that one of the most important things

about a deployment is the support structure amongthe wives and knowing other spouses they can talk to

while their husbands are deployed. FRG events such as the Soldier Appreciation Day

provide military spouses an opportunity to build thatsupport structure, she said.

Training day

Spouses walk in Soldiers’ boots

Pvt. Aaron Wrightman, a wheeled-vehicle repairer assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps his wife, Pauline, disassemble an M4 carbine rifle at aweapons-familiarization station during a Family Readiness Group Soldier Appreciation Day Feb. 5.

Story and photo by Devin FisherMountaineer staff

Fort Carson has experienced asteady increase in the number ofSoldiers deploying in support of theGlobal War on Terrorism, and thattrend is going to continue, according to

the post commanding general.More Soldiers will deploy from

the Mountain Post in support ofOperations Iraqi Freedom and EnduringFreedom than did for the VietnamWar, Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins,commanding general, 4th InfantryDivision and Fort Carson, said during a

Feb. 11 community leader update atthe Elkhorn Conference Center.

“Fort Carson (is) about to see evengreater … numbers of Soldiers andunits leaving here, going into harm’sway … for extended periods (of time)with their Family members left backhere,” Perkins told the more than 50

community leaders in attendance.“That’s why it is very important … thatyou all are here … you all are thatcommunity face that all of these units… and Families will be looking for.”

He said Fort Carson will be tasked

OPTEMPO calls for more local support

Page 9

CommunityCommunity

8 Pages 20-21

IINNSSIIDDEE

MilitaryMilitary FeatureFeature

Vol. 68 No. 7 Feb. 19, 2010

Word of the month: Assimilation

See Update on page 4

2 MOUNTAINEER — Feb. 19, 2010

“I love it; it’s beautiful. Youcan be outside in 30-degreeweather in short sleeves,and it’s comfortable.”

Debbi AndersenFamily member

“It can become hazardousand delay work. The weatheris sometimes extreme andcan be very dangerous.”

Pfc. Erich S. Tyler183rd Maint. Company

“It’s a lot worse in the moun-tains than it is here. It canget snowy and cold, but it’snot as bad as people ... think.”

Jim FeuersteinContract employee

“I love the weather out here.I’m from Texas where youhave two (seasons) and overhere you have all four.”

Sgt. Michael San Miguel1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

PPOOSSTTPPOOSSTT TTAALLKKTTAALLKKWhat do you think aboutColorado’s winter weather?

Springs’ spring chillingby Staff Sgt. Jeffrey SmithMountaineer staff

I looked out my window the other day as puffysnowflakes were falling from the skies and coating myneighborhood in a glistening white blanket of pristinewinter beauty and thought to myself, this is nice, but Ican’t wait for it to be over.

I then took a look at my calendar and let out a heavysigh, because I knew that my desire for the passing ofwinter was going to end in disappointment as it hadevery year since I moved here. I knew that spring wasnot coming anytime soon.

I came to Colorado Springs in February 2005 during whatI thought was the middle of the winter season. With springwaiting just around the corner, I looked forward to it kickingthe cold and snow out and bringing in the sunny skies,warmer weather and nonicy roads that I could enjoy speedingalong in my new car. I was apparently sadly mistaken.

March and April came and went, and I still foundmyself with chattering teeth as I stood in formation, tryingnot to fall as I ran the “banana belt” during morning physicaltraining in the snow and constantly being in the middle of abattle of wills between the slick roads and my tires.

I quickly learned, as most Coloradans do, that winterhere does not abide by the laws of nature that govern

most states. The first day of spring, when, traditionally,the snow is supposed to melt and reveal the lusciousgreen grass in its place, was simply a date that theColorado weather chose to ignore. It was as if we had our own Punxsutawney Phil that not once, but twice,comes out of his hole every year and is drawn to his evilwinter-loving shadow like a moth to a flame.

I have learned my lesson though, and during whatshould be the spring months, I am still making sure that my car is stocked with the necessary winter survival itemsthat I had to learn the hard way to keep in it at all times.

With the rest of the 4th Infantry Division moving uphere from Fort Hood, Texas, I do not envy the sadness andsurprise Soldiers will probably experience when May comes and instead of enjoying the hiking trails, the PuebloReservoir or taking a stroll through the Cheyenne MountainZoo, they are putting logs on a fire, bundling up and stayingin because winter is throwing its final frozen punchesbefore going on hiatus till October.

We experience all four seasons in Colorado, I promise; it’s just that winter seems to think it’s the superior season andtherefore deserves eight months instead of the usual four.

So before you pack up your skis and snow tires,remember that winter here likes to serve up its hardest hitswhen you least expect it and laugh at you when you thinkit’s almost over. Trust me; winter laughs at me a lot.

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MOUNTAINEERCommanding General:

Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins

Garrison Commander:

Col. Robert F. McLaughlin

Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer:

Dee McNutt

Chief, Print and Web Communications:

Douglas M. Rule

Editor: Julie M. Lucas

Staff Writers: Rick Emert

Devin Fisher

Geoffrey Roper

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Smith

Sgt. Alexis Ramos

Happenings: Nel Lampe

Sports Writer: Walt Johnson

Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall

Classified advertising329-5236

Display advertising634-5905

Mountaineer editor526-4144

Post information526-5811

Post weather hotline526-0096

Directorate of Public Works

During the remaining snow season of fiscal 2010,Directorate of Public Works’ snow response is reduced due to budget changes.

The services provided on Fort Carson by the operationand maintenance contractor, Fort Carson Support Services,will be limited compared to past years.

The following describes what will occur during a winter storm event:

• FCSS will evaluate the road conditions based on therate of snowfall, ambient temperature, road surfacetemperature, weather forecast and moisture content of the snow.

• As necessary, FCSS will apply a minimum amount of de-icing product only to gates, hills, curves andintersections on the marked emergency snow routes.

• Plowing of the marked emergency snow routes willnot occur unless snow depth exceeds three inches.

• Snow removal of Warrior Transition Unit barracks

buildings 1043 and 1046 will remain unchanged from previous years, along with chapels on Sundaysand child development centers.

• FCSS will perform snow removal of runways, taxiwaysand aircraft ramps at Butts Army Airfield and the rail-head after the end of a snowstorm and only if required.

Snow removal of sidewalks, steps and handicap rampswill be the responsibility of the facility occupants, asrequired by Fort Carson Regulation 420-6.

If the snowfall starts during the night, FCSS willrespond early in the morning so the emergency snow routes are as safe as possible to get personnel on post.

If snowfall begins during a normal workday, FCSSwill start services to keep emergency snow route roadconditions as safe as possible to get post employees off post and notify FCOC of road conditions.

If FCSS determines the storm is significant, it willwork as long as necessary to keep the emergency snowroutes open for traffic and provide road condition updatesto the operations center as necessary.

Snow removal process changes

3Feb. 19, 2010 — MOUNTAINEER

10th CSH changes commandStory and photos by Pfc. Andrew Ingram4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Soldiers of the 10th Combat Support Hospital bidfarewell to their outgoing commander, Col. Rafael DeJesus, during a change of command ceremony at theSpecial Events Center Feb. 9.

Col. Michael Place assumed command from DeJesus by the traditional passing of the unit colors.

Place, formerly the command surgeon for U.S.

Army Cadet Command, said he wasblessed to lead such a well-respected andseasoned unit as the 10th CSH.

“‘Mountain medics,’ I am honored toserve as your commander,” said Place,“As a team, we will continue to providethe highest quality of medical carewhenever and wherever our nationcalls, so we can rightfully claim ourwell-deserved title as the best combatsupport hospital in the world.”

In his farewell address, De Jesuscalled 10th CSH Soldiers heroes andthanked them for their perseveranceand dedication to fulfilling the missionof healing wounded Soldiers at homeand on the battlefield.

“The value of these Soldiers cannot beoverstated or underestimated,” said DeJesus. “They completed our mission of sav-ing lives and they honor the Army Values.”

Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, com-manding general, 4th Infantry Division andFort Carson, presided over the ceremony.

Perkins thanked De Jesus for hisexemplary leadership, citing the 10th CSH as thegreatest combat multiplier in Iraq.

“There are literally thousands of American Soldierswho would not be with us today without the missionyou led and accomplished there,” said Perkins.

Perkins also welcomed Place and his Family to

the Mountain Post Team and expressed confidence inhis ability to continue the unit’s record of excellence.

De Jesus, the Mountain Medics’ commander formore than two years is leaving Fort Carson toassume command of the 65th Medical Brigade inSeoul, Korea.

Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th InfantryDivision and Fort Carson, right, passes the colors to Col. MichaelPlace, incoming commander, 10th Combat Support Hospital, during achange of command ceremony at the Special Events Center Feb. 9.

Col. Rafael De Jesus, outgoing commander, 10th CombatSupport Hospital, bids farewell to his Soldiers and theMountain Post during a change of command ceremonyat the Special Events Center Feb. 9.

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to fill many of the nation’s require-ments in support of the Global Waron Terrorism.

“The good news is our nation hasconfidence that our Soldiers are well-trained … well-led and they have a lot ofconfidence in the ability of Fort Carsonand the community to … sustain thisvery high … operational tempo ofpeople coming and going,” Perkins said.

The community leader updateprovided command leadership anavenue to dialogue with key localcommunity leaders on current andfuture Fort Carson initiatives to includedeployment cycles; the Warrior FamilyCommunity Partnership program; acampaign to build resiliency in theentire Mountain Post community;reaching out to Families of fallenSoldiers and memorializing those whomade the ultimate sacrifice with a“wall of heroes” display within eachunit; and the Fort Carson sponsorshipand donation programs.

The Warrior Family CommunityPartnership will be a centrally locatedhub that links Soldiers, Familiesand the community to information,programs and services on Fort Carson,said Col. Robert F. McLaughlin,garrison commander.

Noting past successes, McLaughlinis confident the partnership betweenFort Carson and the local communitywill “do what we need to do collectivelyto help our Soldiers and Familiesduring this time of deployment.”

The WFCP integrates existingsystems of support and services toFort Carson Soldiers and theirFamilies to assure an optimal qualityof life while fulfilling their mission tothe nation, according to its missionstatement. The WFCP concept alsoserves the Greater Front Rangecommunity by providing a forumand facility space for individuals andgroups wishing to support Soldiers

and Families with services, gifts andvolunteer activities.

McLaughlin said initial plans callfor Alternate Escapes to serve as thehub for the WFCP. The WCFP staff willbe linked to existing Army CommunityService programs allowing them toprovide information quickly and thefacility will be redesigned to accom-modate meetings, he said. Plans call forthe Family Readiness Center to bevirtually linked to the WFCP to provideadditional assistance and expansion ofthe Forrest Fitness Center to house awellness center for Family members.

Once a new commissary is built,planned for late 2011, the WFCP willrelocate to the current commissarylocation, he said.

“We’re hoping to combine ACS,WFCP and the Wellness Center all inone building, providing one-stopshopping for our Soldiers, Familiesand community members,”McLaughlin said.

Sean Stewart, Directorate ofFamily and Morale, Welfare andRecreation marketing, provided anoverview of the Fort Carson sponsorshipand donation program, informingcommunity leaders of possible avenuesto support the installation.

He said Fort Carson is fortunate to belocated in Colorado Springs, “one of themost generous cities in the country forsupporting its military.” He cited thepost’s commercial sponsorship programranked as number two in the Army.

Noting DFMWR sponsorshipsare used to provide events, activitiesand programs that support the FortCarson community, Stewart provided alist of projected activities needingmonetary support.

Brian Binn, president of the MilitaryAffairs Division at the Greater ColoradoSprings Chamber of Commerce, said itis important for Mountain Post leaders toprovide community leaders with asnapshot of what is happening on FortCarson and share ways they can supportthe Soldiers and their Families.

“It’s welcomed that they wouldtake their valuable time to talk to usabout what is happening here at FortCarson, what their initiatives are andthe needs are and how the communitycan be more supportive.”

Binn said those in attendancecan now share the information withtheir networks to continue thecommunity support.

“It’s very important to be able toreach back to the Soldiers and their

Families, because this community under-stands the sacrifices they make,” he said.

Perkins thanked those in attendancefor their continued overwhelmingsupport of the Mountain Post.

“What we do here at Fort Carson… cannot be done to the order ormagnitude that we have done in thepast, or more importantly, in the future,without your support,” he said.

Perkins said the Mountain Postcommunity will be leaning evenheavier on the generous surroundingcommunities after the total populationgrows from 45,000-75,000 by theend of 2011.

Perkins shared the events of Feb.10 — a morning memorial service forfive fallen comrades and an eveningceremony honoring Soldiers returningfrom a yearlong deployment — withthe community leaders noting it wasindicative of what Fort Carson willcontinue to experience.

“That is what (the Fort Carson)community goes through routinely andwhat our Soldiers and Families gothrough. To their credit, they have livedup to, and really performed above,anyone’s expectations,” Perkins said,noting it’s only possible through thesupport of the community.

from page 1

UUUUppppddddaaaatttt eeee

Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, discusses the post’s operationstempo during the Feb. 11 Fort Carson Community Leader Update session at the Elkhorn Conference Center.


Army retiree

Former CSM reflects on serviceby Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

As a child, a young German orphan followed U.S.Army Soldiers on maneuvers in Gelnhausen, a smallrural town outside of Frankfurt, Germany. CollectingC-rations and chocolate, the young boy never thoughthe would one day serve as an American Soldier.

By 1967, that same boy, now a U.S. citizen,completed his first combat tour as a platoon sergeantassigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd InfantryRegiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision, at Pleiku, Vietnam.

Twenty-one years later, Command Sgt. Maj.Hans Liebrich assumed responsibility as the seniorenlisted leader of the “Ivy” Division at Fort Carson, aposition he would hold until he retired in 1991.

Liebrich said that during his career spanning threedecades of service to the nation, he has seen manychanges in the institutional Army, yet “taking care ofSoldiers,” remained the one constant throughout hiscommitment to serve and defend the people of theUnited States of America.

“My platoon sergeant sat me down and gave mea little spiel about the military,” Liebrich said. “Hewas a master sergeant. He was a good platoonsergeant; I learned a lot from him and the squadleaders … he looked out for his Soldiers and squadleaders and made sure they did their job, whichwas taking care of Soldiers.

“And that stuck in my head a long time, evenwhen I made sergeant major. Taking care of Soldiersand their Family was about the most important thingI ever did.”

As a child, Liebrich moved from one foster hometo the next, working farms, trade jobs and eventuallybecoming a baker’s apprentice.

Liebrich said he always had a dream to move tothe U.S. and eventually had the opportunity to get ajob in Montreal.

When he was 20 years old, Liebrich applied for avisa and acquired sponsorship from an uncle, whohelped him move to Boston where he worked at arestaurant in a country club.

Drafted into the Army in 1961, Liebrich completedBasic Combat and Advanced Individual Training atFort Dix, N.J.

He remembered being in disbelief of beingdrafted since he was not even an American citizen.The draft board assured the young man he in fact hadbeen drafted into the U.S. Army.

Traveling by boat and train, the new privatereported to the 38th Battle Group, 3rd InfantryDivision, in Schweinfurt, Germany.

It was during this time Liebrich met his futurewife, Mathilde, whom he married in March1963 after he made the rank of specialistfourth class.

“We could not get married(in my unit) if I was not a (spe-cialist) 4,” he explained. “Imade sergeant the same year… my wife sewed all thestripes on.”

Liebrich said theArmy could not send himto Vietnam unless he wasa U.S. citizen, so beforehis first tour, he wasescorted to a courthousein Macon, Ga., to takethe Oath of Allegiance.

According toLiebrich, the judge askedone question; “Who wasthe first American presi-dent?”

“‘Man, that’s easy, judge… Washington,’ and the judgesaid, ‘Good, you passed,’ andtwo weeks later, I was back onorders to Vietnam,” said Liebrich.

Liebrich’s duty positions during hiscareer included his line time as an infantry-man; service as an instructor at officer candidateschool; an ROTC instructor; garrison commandsergeant major at Wildflecken, Germany; and com-mand sergeant major of the 4th Engineer Battalion.

The senior noncommissioned officer said hissuccess as a Soldier and the opportunity to carrythe division standard stemmed from the platoonsergeants and squad leaders who raised himthrough the ranks.

Liebrich, who retired in July 1991 after completinghis stint as the 4th Inf. Div. command sergeant major,said that as a young NCO, he strived to continue theirexample, mentorship and counsel throughout hiscareer, all the while working to take care of Soldiers.

“I was really honored to achieve the rank ofcommand sergeant major, and I never forgot thementors I had throughout my career, the NCOs whobrought me up through the ranks,” he said.

In 1999, he took a job as superintendent forapproximately 323,000 acres of maneuver space atPiñon Canyon Maneuver Site.

Supervising nine contractors, Liebrich wasresponsible for constructing several of the

Mountain Post’s live fire ranges, and saidthat after 9/11 he spent the next seven

years training conventional andunconventional forces at Fort

Carson for deployments in sup-port of Operations EnduringFreedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Retired Col. Bob Stack,Liebrich’s former rangeofficer and commander ofthe 1st Bn., 22nd Inf.Reg., 1st BCT, 4th Inf.Div. from 1979-1982,said the push to traindeploying units requiredthe staff to expand FortCarson training grounds,working 18-hour daysto ensure forces were

combat ready.He also noted how

Liebrich built improvisedbrush trucks out of Humvees

to respond to flash fires on thetraining ground.“He is a great Soldier,” said

Stack, who also served with Liebrich inVietnam. “He was dedicated to the well-

being and taking care of the American Soldier. A realAmerican patriot — one of the very best Soldiers Ihave ever known. A self-starter and innovative, I never had to push him to accomplish the mission.He just got the job done.”

Liebrich acknowledged the Army’s mission haschanged greatly since the days when he soldieredduring the Cold War.

“The Army of today is more knowledgeable,”he said. “The Soldiers today get better equipment,they get better training. Going to Iraq andAfghanistan, Soldiers are better prepared than whenwe went to Vietnam.”

“And they are volunteers, so they want to be in,” headded. “In the 60s, most were drafted. Back when I camein, guys did not want to be in the Army. I mean we had

See CSM on page 7

Liebrichs


Carson honors fallen heroes

Sgt. Joshua A. LengstorfDec. 3, 1985-Jan. 3, 2010

Sgt. Joshua Allen Lengstorf was born in Yoncalla, Ore.,and enlisted in the Army in August 2006. He attended BasicTraining and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning,Ga. After his training, Lengstorf was assigned to 1stBattalion, 9th Infantry Regiment. He deployed in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom VII in March 2007. In April 2008,1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment was reflagged as 1stBattalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade CombatTeam, 4th Infantry Division, and he was reassigned toCompany B, 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Reg., 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Hedeployed in May in support of Operation Enduring FreedomX where he served as a team leader.

Lengstorf ’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, ArmyAchievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, NationalDefense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, IraqCampaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal,Combat Infantryman Badge and Overseas Service Bar.

Lengstorf is survived by his wife, Jesse, and daughter,Kadence; mother, Ronda Crewse; and father, Eric.

Spc. Brian R. BowmanJuly 24, 1985-Jan. 3, 2010

Spc. Brian R. Bowman was born in Crawfordsville,Ind., and enlisted in the Army in August 2008. He attendedBasic Training at Fort Benning, Ga. and AdvancedIndividual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Bowmanserved as a medic and as a primary care specialist workingalongside the physician’s assistant at DiRaimondo Clinic,Fort Carson. He was then assigned to 1st Battalion, 12thInfantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision, in February 2008, where he served as a companyline medic for Company B. He deployed in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom X in May.

Bowman’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, PurpleHeart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National DefenseService Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War onTerrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, OverseasService Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Combat Medical Badge.

Bowman is survived by his wife, Casie; father, William;mother, Paula; and sisters, Sarah and Erin.

Spc. Robert J. DonevskiJune 17, 1990-Jan. 16, 2010

Spc. Robert J. Donevski was born in Phoenix and enlistedin the Army in July 2008. He attended Basic Training andAdvanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Ga. After histraining, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th InfantryRegiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.He served as an automatic rifleman. He deployed in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom X in June.

Donevski’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal,Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, NationalDefense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army ServiceRibbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and theCombat Infantryman Badge.

Donevski is survived by his father, Ganko; his mother,Linda; and his brother, Christopher.

Pfc. John P. DionFeb. 4, 1990-Jan. 3, 2010

Pfc. John P. Dion was born in Californiaand enlisted in the Army in June 2009. Heattended Basic Training and AdvancedIndividual Training at Fort Benning, Ga. Hewas assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th InfantryRegiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4thInfantry Division, in October, where heserved as an automatic rifleman. Hedeployed in support of Operation EnduringFreedom X in November.

Dion’s awards include the Bronze StarMedal, Purple Heart Medal, Army GoodConduct Medal, National Defense ServiceMedal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, GlobalWar on Terrorism Service Medal, ArmyService Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon,NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badgeand Overseas Service Bar.

Dion is survived by his mother,Patricia Elsner; stepfather, Mark Elsner;and father, John.

Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith Sept. 11, 1985-Jan. 3, 2010

Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith wasborn in Troy, Ill., and enlisted in the Air Forcein 2006. He graduated from Basic AirborneSchool, Air Assault School and PathfinderSchool. His first assignment was with the14th Air Support Operations Squadron atPope Air Force Base, N.C. He was thenassigned to the 10th Air Support OperationsSquadron at Fort Riley, Kan., where he servedas a joint terminal attack controller. Hedeployed in support of Operation EnduringFreedom X in December.

Smith’s awards and decorations includethe Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal,NATO Medal, Air Force Combat ActionMedal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal andGlobal War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Smith is survived by his wife, Tiffany;daughter, Chloe; father, Gary; mother, Paula;brother, Staff Sgt. Gary Ryan Smith.

Photos by Geoffrey Roper

The boots, rifles, identification tags and helmets of the four fallen Soldiers and onefallen Airman are on display at a memorial service Feb. 10.

The rifle detail and bugler pay tribute to the fallen servicemembers outside Soldiers’Memorial Chapel during the memorial service Feb. 10.


Miscellaneous

U.S.Army Warrant Officer Association — Pikes PeakSilver Chapter meets at noon March 11 at the RaiderDining Facility, building 2330. All warrant officers —active, retired and former — are invited to attend.Casualty Assistance Center — provides trainingupon request for units, family readiness groups, careteams and other interested parties regarding casualtyoperations, personal effects, predeploymentpreparedness, estate planning and more. Call JeanGraves at 526-5613 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.U.S. Military Motorcycle Mentorship Program — isopen to servicemembers, veterans, Family members,Department of Defense civilian employees and con-tractors. The group meets Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. atAlternate Escapes for socializing, learning mentorshipprinciples and organizing rides. Motorcycles must beregistered on post to join. For more information,contact Terry Mullins at 526-4103 or 338-2585.DPW services — The Directorate of Public Works isresponsible for a wide variety of services on FortCarson. Services range from repair and maintenance offacilities to equipping units with a sweeper andcleaning motor pools. Listed below are phone numbersand points of contact for services:

• Facility repair/service orders — KIRA serviceorder desk can be reached at 526-5345. Use thisnumber for emergencies or routine tasks.

• Refuse/trash — Call Eric Bailey at 526-5898when needing trash containers, trash is overflowing oremergency service is required.

• Facility custodial services — Call H.D.“Woody” Wood at 526-1854 for service needs or toreport complaints.

• Elevator maintenance — Call Sharon Gayle at526-1695.

• Motor pool sludge removal/disposal — CallDon Phillips at 526-9271.

• Repair and utility/self-help — Call Gary Grantat 526-5844. Use this number to obtain self-help toolsand equipment or a motorized sweeper.

• Base operations contracting officer represen-tative — Call Terry Hagen at 526-9262 for reportingwind damage, snow removal concerns, damaged trafficsigns or other facility damage.

• Portable latrines — Call H.D. “Woody” Wood at526-1854 to request latrines, for service or to reportdamaged and overturned latrines.

Briefings

Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training —will be held March 16-19 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in theFamily Readiness Center, building 6237, room 104.This training is required for all Soldiers asked toperform this solemn duty. Per Army Regulation600-8-1, this duty is limited to those in the ranks ofsergeant first class-command sergeant major, chiefwarrant officer 2-5 and captain and above. Noreservations are required to attend training. Classes fillup on a first-come, first-served basis. For moreinformation contact Jean Graves at 526-5613/5614.

Disability Evaluation System Pilot — The MedicalEvaluation Board Outreach Counsel Office conductsbriefings on the Department of Defense/Department ofVeterans Affairs Disability Evaluation System Pilot thefirst Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Soldierand Family Assistance Center, building 1039. The pilotis a test of a new process design to eliminate theduplicative, time-consuming and often confusingelements of the two current disability processes ofthe departments. Key features of the DES pilotinclude one medical examination and a single-sourced disability rating. For more information callRhonda Joell, MEB paralegal, at 526-9854.Reassignment briefings — are held Tuesdays forSoldiers heading overseas and Thursdays for personnel being reassigned stateside. The briefingsare held in building 1219, room 202A; sign-in is at6:45 a.m. and the briefings start at 7 a.m. Soldiers donot need to bring a copy of their orders, but mustbring a pen to complete forms. Call 526-4730/4588for more information.Retirement briefings — are held from 8 a.m.-noonthe second and third Wednesday of each month at theKit Carson Neighborhood Activity Center, 4800 HarrAve. at McNierney Street. The Retirement ServicesOffice recommends spouses accompany Soldiers tothe briefing. Call 526-2840 for more information.ETS briefing — for enlisted personnel is held thefirst and third Wednesday of each month. Briefingsign-in begins at 7 a.m. at building 1219, room 202A,on a first-come, first-served basis. Soldiers must bewithin 120 days of their expiration term of service,but must attend the briefing no later than 30 daysprior to their ETS or start date of transition leave. Call526-2240/8458 for more information.Army ROTC Green to Gold briefings — are heldTuesdays at noon at the Education Center, building1117, room 120. For more information, contactUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs ArmyROTC at 262-3475.Special Forces briefings — are held Wednesdays inbuilding 1217, room 305, from 10-11 a.m., noon-1 p.m.and 5-6 p.m. Soldiers must be specialist-staff sergeantfrom any military occupational specialty, have ageneral technical score of at least 100, be a U.S. citizen,score 229 or higher on the Army Physical Fitness Test,and pass a Special Forces physical. Call 524-1461 orvisit the Web site at http://www.bragg.army.mil/sorb.

Hours of Operation

Claims Office hours — are Mondays-Fridaysfrom 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. The Claims Office islocated on the first floor of building 6222, 1633Mekong Street. Claimants who receive shipmentsunder the old system, Full Replacement Value orDefense Personal Property Program system, shouldsubmit their notification forms (Department ofDefense Form 1840/ 1840R or DP3 Form) foradditionally discovered loss or damage to the ClaimsOffice within 70 days to receive appropriate initialguidance. For more information call 526-1355.Central Issue Facility regular business hours —are listed below. Call 526-3321 to make appointments.

In-processingMondays-Thursdays from 7:30-10:30 a.m.Initial issuesMondays-Thursdays from 12:30-3 p.m.Partial issuesMondays-Thursdays from 12:30-3 p.m.Cash sales/report of surveyMondays-Thursdays from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.Direct exchangeMondays-Thursdays from 12:30-3 p.m.Partial turn-insMondays-Thursdays from 12:30-3 p.m.Full turn-insMondays-Thursdays from 7:30-10:30 a.m.Unit issues and turn-insCall 526-5512/6477 for approval.

DFAC hours — Fort Carson dining facilities operateunder the following hours:

• Wolf — Mondays-Fridays, 7-9 a.m. (breakfast),11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 5-6:30 p.m. (dinner).Saturday and Sunday, 7:30-9 a.m. (breakfast), 11:30a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 5-6:30 p.m. (dinner).

• 10th SFG (A) — Mondays-Thursdays, 7-9 a.m.(breakfast), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch), 5-6:30 p.m.(dinner). Fridays, 7-9 a.m. (breakfast), 11:30 a.m.-1p.m. (lunch). Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

• Iron Brigade — Mondays-Fridays, 7-9 a.m.(breakfast), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 5-6:30 p.m.(dinner). Closed Saturday and Sunday.

• Butts Army Airfield — Mondays-Fridays, 7-9a.m. (breakfast), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 5-6:30p.m. (dinner). Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

• Raiders — Mondays-Fridays, 7-9 a.m. (break-fast), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 5-6:30 p.m.(dinner). Closed Saturday and Sunday.Education Center hours of operation — TheMountain Post Training and Education Center,building 1117, 526-2124, hours are as follows:

• Counselor Support Center — Mondays-Thursdays 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Fridays 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• Learning Resource Center/Military Occu-pational Specialty Library — Mondays-Fridays 9a.m.-5 p.m.

• Defense Activity for NontraditionalEducation Support and Army PersonnelTesting/eArmyU testing — Mondays-Fridays7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:15-4:15 p.m.Medical Activity Correspondence Departmentoffice hours — The Correspondence (Release ofInformation) Office in the Patient AdministrationDivision hours are Mondays-Fridays 7:30 a.m.-4:30p.m. and closed Thursdays and on federal holidays.Call 526-7322 or 526-7284 for more information.

BOSS meetingsare held the f irst and third Wednesdayof each month atAlternate Escapes at 10a.m. For information,call 524-BOSS.

lawyers who got drafted. They were smartbut they did not want to be in the Army.”

The Army as a whole has workedto improve quality of life and supportfor Soldiers, especially since thebeginning of wars in Afghanistan andIraq, he said.

Liebrich told about his tours inVietnam; how it took six months for thepaperwork for an allotment for his wifeto go through, and especially remem-bered the lack of communication withhome during his first 12-month tour.

No e-mail or phones at the forwardbases during those days, Liebrich saidhe used a radio to make maybe twophone calls the entire year and wrote

many letters that his wife said shereceived several months later.

He especially noted the differencein the public support Soldiers receivetoday from their community versus theanimosity Vietnam veterans faced inthe late 60s and 70s.

“It was a hard time for all of us,”he said.

During Operation Desert Stormin 1990, leaders began to realize tomaintain an eff icient modernwarfighting force they would have toallocate resources to improve servicesfor both Soldiers and their Families,said the retired sergeant major.

As the wife of a senior enlistedleader, Mathilde said she worked dayand night to help Army Families inneed during the deployment.

Mathilde explained there was astigma amongst the Families to reporttheir problems to Army CommunityService, so she operated a Familysupport center, known as “The LittleHouse” for Fort Carson spouses.

She started a food locker to assistspouses who could not or would not getassistance from ACS while theirSoldiers were deployed to the SaudiArabian desert. She also collectedmoney to assist Families with the helpof all the sergeants major.

She remembered one morning,during physical training, a brigade ofSoldiers ran by The Little House, eachdelivering foodstuff and canned goodsfor the food locker.

“Most of the wives back then didnot know what the Army was all

about,” said Liebrich. “They nevergot taught, and they felt ACS had toomuch red tape to go through to getsomething done.”

The Army has changed for thebetter now, said Mathilde, reiteratingthat she often heard the old adage, “Ifthe Army wanted you to have a wife, theywould have issued you one,” during herhusband’s many years of service.

“It is important to take care of theFamily and the Soldier,” she said. “Youget a better Soldier if the Family istaken care of.”

The retired command sergeantmajor lives in Colorado Springs withhis wife of 47 years. They have twochildren, Mary-Anne and Thomas, andthree grandchildren, who live nearSacramento, Calif.

from page 5

CCCCSSSSMMMM


by Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Though PresidentBarack Obama announced a three-year discre-tionary federal spending freeze during his State ofthe Union Message Jan. 27, it won’t apply todefense spending.

The initiative, to begin next year, won’t affectnational security programs, the president told ajoint session of Congress gathered at the Capitolfor the address.

The president made clear he will ensurewarf ighters have what they need to succeed.He also emphasized his continuing support forveterans programs.

“Tonight, all of our men and women inuniform — in Iraq, in Afghanistan and around theworld ... have to know that they have our respect,our gratitude and our full support,” he said. “Andjust as they must have the resources they need inwar, we all have a responsibility to support themwhen they come home.”

The president urged Congress to brush asidebipartisan differences to address the fundamentalvalues all Americans share. “Throughout ourhistory, no issue has united this country more thanour security,” he said.

“I know that all of us love this county. Allof us are committed to its defense,” he said.

“Let’s reject the false choicebetween protecting ourpeople and upholding ourvalues. Let’s leave behindthe fear and division, and dowhat it takes to defend ournation and forge a morehopeful future — forAmerica and the world.”

Obama cited strengthenedU.S. partnerships from thePacific to South Asia to theArabian Peninsula, andstepped-up efforts he creditedwith capturing or killing hun-dreds of extremists, includingmany of their senior leaders.

The president noted thetroop surge under way inAfghanistan to build on thiseffort, and said he is“absolutely confident we will succeed.”

While taking the fight to al-Qaida, the UnitedStates will continue the troop drawdown in Iraq,as the Iraqis take security responsibility for theircountry, he told Congress.

“We will support the Iraqi government asthey hold elections, and continue to partnerwith the Iraqi people to promote regional peaceand security,” he said. “But make no mistake:

This war is ending, and all of our troops arecoming home.”

Bottom line

• Warfighters will have what they need to succeed.• The president cited strengthened partnerships

from the Pacific to South Asia to the ArabianPeninsula.

• The U.S. will continue the drawdown in Iraq.

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2nd STB motor pool opens Story and photo by Spc. April York2nd Brigade Combat Team Public AffairsOffice, 4th Infantry Division

The 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry Division, opened a newbattalion motor pool Feb. 2.

The motor pool will improve the mission by200 percent, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 JoseYanez, battalion maintenance technician, 2nd STB,2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

“(Having) our own motor pool greatly enhancesour maintenance capabilities and enhances battalionreadiness,” he said.

Since returning from Iraq in August, Soldiers ofthe combat service support battalion shared a motorpool with 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT,4th Inf. Div.

Sharing resources and motor bays with anotherunit limited the battalion’s capabilities, said Staff Sgt.James Braden, battalion motor sergeant, 2nd STB.

Mechanics can now achieve 100 percent of theirmission due to adequate supplies and space, whichwill allow them to compete for the Army Award forMaintenance Excellence, said Braden.

According to Yanez, the motor pool is equippedwith a small-engine repair shop, small electronicsshop, a radio shop and two classrooms that can beused by the entire battalion.

Yanez said the mechanics will have the ability toservice up to eight vehicles at a time.

“There are heated floors and electric oil fillers,”said Sgt. Dennis Hines Jr., senior mechanic,Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd

STB, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “It is great. It makesa lot of us want to stay in this battalion just becauseof this building.”

Yanez said the plans for the new motor poolstarted three years ago, and construction for the

project began last year during the unit’s recentdeployment to Iraq.

“The guys that are going to be working here feelreally great and really proud,” he said. “We finallyhave a home to call our own.”

Pvt. Drew Autry, radio operator maintainer with Company B, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,4th Infantry Division, checks the oil on a Humvee.

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Brothers-in-arms

Twins re-enlist stay togetherStory and photo by Spc. Eugene Cushing4th Brigade Combat Team PublicAffairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASEFENTY, Afghanistan — A recentre-enlistment ceremony had observersseeing double at Forward OperatingBase Fenty in eastern Afghanistan’sNangarhar Province.

Spc. Justin L. Hastings and hisidentical-twin brother Pfc. Josh L.Hastings re-enlisted at the same time Jan.18 during their 12-month deploymentwith Task Force Mountain Warrior.

The Hastings brothers joined theArmy separately in 2008 and foundthemselves both assigned to the 4thBrigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision, after completing initialentry training.

Justin, a transportation specialist,Company G, 2nd Battalion, 77thField Artillery Regiment, describedthe brothers’ decision to re-enlist as amutual one.

Josh, a cavalry scout, assigned toTroop C, 3rd Squadron, 61st CavalryRegiment, claimed the idea was all his.

By re-enlisting at the same time,the two were able to pick an assignmentat the same unit again.

“It is great; I could not askanything more than that,” Joshsaid about sticking together attheir next assignment.

The brothers related storiesabout times that looking alike andhaving the same last name hadgotten one or the other in trouble.

In one case, Justin wasstanding in formation at the endof the day while his brother waitedbehind the formation for him.They said the platoon sergeantdid not notice Justin in formationand asked where he was, whenanother Soldier said he wasstanding behind the formation.

“Our platoon sergeant startedfreaking out,” Justin said. Theplatoon sergeant later broughthis brother over and had thetwins stand next to each otheronce the mix-up was cleared.

The Hastings said they have alsogone to great lengths to establishthemselves as individuals.

“We’re both excelling pretty well inthe military,” Justin said. He went on tosay that he has been selected forSoldier of the quarter boards.

Josh’s achievements includedbeing an honor graduate from his initialentry training.

After the deployment, the brotherssaid they are transferring to a unit inGermany, although they argued — in truebrotherly fashion — over whose idea itwas to try for an assignment in Europe.

“I wanted to use the Army as a wayto see the world,” Josh said. “I couldnot pass up the opportunity to go toGermany and have my brother comewith me.”

“Technically, (Josh) came withme,” Justin said. “Germany soundedgreat, just me and my brother inGermany, spreading our wings andseeing the world.”

“It’s a great learning experience,”Josh explained.

“He’s always tailing me,” Justin said.“Whatever,” Josh countered. “He’s

the one tailing me.”

Spc. Justin L. Hastings, left, a truck driver for Troop G, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field ArtilleryRegiment, and Pfc. Josh L. Hastings, a squad-automatic weapon gunner for Troop C, 3rdSquadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, take the oath of enlistment at a re-enlistment ceremonyheld at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, Jan. 18.

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Town Hall

Community addresses post concerns

What can be done about bullying at the post schools and at bus stops? (District 8, whose representative alsoasked to meet with the questioner after the town hall to address a specific

situation) Statistically speaking … CarsonMiddle School discipline has improved significantly over the last two years, particularlywhen it comes to bully-proofing and thosetypes of incidents. We do not tolerate that; wewant to make sure all of our kids are safe.

What is Balfour Beatty Communities,LLC’s policy when it comes to thesetypes of situations that are going on

at school and after school where you have residents that the military police have been totheir house numerous times for violence andfor bullying and beating people up?

(McLaughlin, who also asked to meetwith the questioner after the meeting)We’ve talked about this before; I call it

the triad of security — it involves Balfour Beatty,the chain of command and the communityitself. We do not want our communities — ourneighbors — to feel threatened. If the situationgets out of hand and we feel that the neighborsare threatened, we issue a warning to theoccupant. If we feel the occupant of the houseis not abiding by the rules of the post, I havethe authority to issue an eviction notice. It’snothing that we haven’t done in the past.

Recently, I had to get a new decal formy vehicle. Without checking anythingbesides my ID card, (a member of

the staff at the Vehicle Registration Office)handed me my new decal and sent me on my way. Is it being tracked that this decal isregistered to my vehicle?

(Directorate of Emergency Services) Ireceived an e-mail (about this and) forwarded that to the physical security

branch. If you have any additional informationreferencing who you spoke with, we can targetthat specific provider at the Vehicle RegistrationOffice. That is definitely not the procedure. Weare already in the process of correcting that.

What is being done to get a shuttle bus onto Fort Carson for people who used the transit system

before it was discontinued on post?(McLaughlin) The big picture is thatthe community did cut back on itsshuttle. (Something) that we’re going

to start doing immediately is trying to get a carpool venue. We’re going to try to get carpools within the workforce. As far as getting a shuttle from the installation to off post, that is something we’re looking at.

Will there be an installation emergency scenario exercise this year?(McLaughlin) We’re going to do a largeexercise this summer. We’re lookingfor role-players to help us with the

exercise. We are very concerned across theArmy to learn lessons from what happened at Fort Hood (Texas), and make sure our security is sound … at Fort Carson to be betterproactively and reactively. The post recentlyhad a seminar with force protection expertsfrom across the Army. We’re going to developa training plan that implements skills we needto continue to improve security, and it’s goingto culminate with an exercise this summer.

Is there something we can do totrain people on customer service at TRICARE and (Evans Army

Community Hospital)?(McLaughlin) I can tell you that the(EACH) deputy commander is veryinvolved in leadership training. I had

him working with my staff earlier this month.We’re both very interested in making sure thatour staffs are customer-service oriented. Weare starting from the top, with the leaders —working with various initiatives to make surethat our people understand the importance ofcustomer service and continue to push it. Your feedback is critical. There are two partsof customer service. I believe that 80 percentof customer service is attitude.

The hospital receives money for eachcustomer survey it receives. Is it forany survey turned in, or is it only

for the ones that are the 90-percent satisfied?(EACH) It is only for the 90-percent-satisfied survey responses. We could actually lose money if it’s below

90 percent. So, it is our definite priority to

improve customer satisfaction. We are usingthese surveys directly attributed to a providerto make changes.

For Balfour Beatty, regarding the new airconditioners that are going into housing.For those communities that are going

to get it, are you going to raise the baseline?(Balfour Beatty) Yes, for two monthsduring the summer, we’ll increase thebaseline by a calculated amount that

the utility company tells us this is the averageamount for a home with an air conditioner.

Is there any way to extend the hours for a pediatric clinic until 11 p.m.?(EACH) I can certainly take that back,and we can look at that. It would be alittle unusual to have a pediatric clinic

open until 11 p.m. We do use the urgent careon the other side of the emergency room to treat(children with ear infections or other ailments).

Do we have a 24-hour Evans ArmyCommunity Hospital hotline or an on-call physician?(Evans) We are working toward a 24-hour nurse/triage line — a nurseadvice line. We currently have a nurse

advice line that is used during the day. We are working with Peterson Air Force Base andthe Air Force Academy to increase that serviceto 24/7 nurse triage where there is someoneon the other line that can help you through that nonurgent situation and advise you whatto do based on the symptoms.

I found out about last month’s Webblog chat, because Maj. Gen. (DavidG.) Perkins has a Facebook page,

and he posted about it. Is there any way wecan get that entry on there more often?

(McLaughlin) As a matter of fact, you canhelp. We’re going to do a session withvolunteers where we’re going to look at

the Facebook page and the Web page to improveit. That should happen in the next couple of weeks.

What is being done to slow the traffic down on PrussmanBoulevard?(DES) We have the standard patrols,so we’ll just, now that we know thelocation, provide that on to the traffic

section and the patrols to focus there and see if we can find somebody and stop it.

Is there anybody from Balfour Beatty that goes by the playgroundsperiodically to inspect them for safety

issues, or do you count on a mom letting youknow that a playground is dangerous? Isthere a general maintenance that’s happeningto keep our kids safe?

(Balfour Beatty) Both. We do havepeople go by regularly and do a trashpick-up and look without looking really

close; we may miss some things. We reallyappreciate your help in finding the little ones.

Some of us, when our husbands aredeployed, enjoy the framing shop andthe ceramic shop. I was wondering

if there was a thought about opening theceramics shop back up?

(DFMWR) We are looking at that.The facility that we had for it is gone.What we are looking at is providing

some of that service in other facilities andother programs. We don’t have the answeryet; it’s a work in progress. We’re looking at taking a room at Alternate Escapes andmaking it a multi-purpose crafts facility, but it will not be of the magnitude of the frameshop or a full service wood shop.

Is there an overall District 8 DrugAbuse Resistance Education program?(District 8) We do have a DARE program — both in schools on postand off post. We usually have the

garrison commander come and speak duringRed Ribbon Week. We do have the active programs. Feel free to contact your principaldirectly for more information.

Is there any chance we can extend the hours to keep Gate 5 open longer?(DES) The hours of Gate 5 are setspecifically by what we are currently able to man with our contract guards.

We have looked at extending those hours both inthe morning and the afternoon. I’ll bring that backto the table with physical security. But, right now —with current manning — if we increase manningat one gate, we decrease at another gate.

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The Fort Carson town hall, Feb. 9 at McMahon Auditorium,brought out concerns on a variety of issues including customerservice, Family housing, schools, leisure events and Evans ArmyCommunity Hospital.

The 90-minute meeting, conducted by Garrison Commander Col.Robert F. McLaughlin, included updates from various communityleaders and concluded with a question-and-answer session.

McLaughlin spoke about improving customer service at various post facilities and agencies based on customer feedback. He also addressed how reductions to the fiscal 2010

budget would affect post services.“We are in a constrained budget this year. What we are doing,

like all garrisons across the country, is looking at ways to savemoney,” McLaughlin said. “We’re in a phase where we’re negotiating to the best of our ability, saving money then goingback to higher headquarters and trying to figure out what additional funding we can get.”

McLaughlin said he was looking at some of the post’s contracts that could be cut and at ways to continue offering services through community partnerships and sponsorships.

Below are the questions raised at the town hall and responsesfrom the appropriate community leaders.

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Story and photos by Tim HippsFamily and Morale, Welfare andRecreation Command

Capt. Matt Pratt and his wife, Lisa,from Fort Carson, lived the dream ofthe Army Family Covenant Feb. 1 insouthern California.

Lisa earned an all-expenses-paidtrip to record a three-song demo CD atDMI Music’s Firehouse RecordingStudios in Pasadena, Calif., by winningthe 2009 Operation Rising Star singingcontest, one of hundreds of programsthe Army Family and Morale, Welfareand Recreation Command provides for Soldiers and their Families.

After her first session in therecording studio, Lisa sang the praises of the Army Family Covenant,which pledges to support Soldiers and their Families with resourced programs that deliver a quality of lifecommensurate with their service and sacrifice to the nation.

“The Army Family Covenant, thisis what it is,” Lisa said before departingthe recording studio to attend The Jay Leno Show in Burbank, Calif.,

where she got to meet one of theworld’s most famous comedians. “It really is awesome. It gives theFamilies high-quality programs athome and around the world.”

“I never knew that OperationRising Star was going to open allthese doors for me,” she said.

For Lisa, the journey to serve asan ambassador for FMWRC’s ArmyEntertainment Division had justbegun. For Matt, who redeployed fromMosul, Iraq, with Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 1st Battalion,67th Armor Regiment, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry Division,last autumn and accompanied his wifeto Hollywood, the Operation RisingStar winner’s journey reaffirmed his belief in the Army’s promise tosupport Soldiers and Families.

“I’m trying to take it all in, but it’s an emotional time for me because Iget to see Lisa do what she absolutelyloves doing,” said Matt, a 2006 graduate of the United States MilitaryAcademy at West Point, N.Y. “For thepast year while I was in Iraq, she wassupporting me and what I was doing.

Now the Army has provided me theopportunity to sit here and support her with what she does.”

“It’s like it hascome full circlefor us. There are alot of emotionsthat are going intoit, but I couldn’tbe happier seeing her doing whatshe’s good atdoing and whatshe loves doing.”

Matt never hadthe opportunity to sit back andwatch his wife ofnearly four yearsperform until she took the stageto compete inOperation Rising Star, a program best described as American Idol forthe military.

“In church, I play the guitar andshe sings,” he said. “But to see herunder the lights and me be on thereceiving end as part of the audience,

I’d never had the opportunity to dothat. I’ve always been out on a fieldexercise or deployed. So when I came

out to see her atFort Belvoir andbe there when her name wasannounced as thewinner, that wasthe first opportu-nity I’ve had to bethere, no kidding,instead of hearingabout it on theInternet or seeingit in photos.”

Matt knewthat Lisa had wona recording gig,but he had no idea what level of professionalism

awaited them in Pasadena.“To come into a place like DMI

Studios and see the setup they have —the professional musicians and the services they are providing — it’s allsort of unraveling real fast what isreally involved,” he said. “That’s partof the magic. It’s overwhelming to seethe level that she’s at and to see herbasking in it. It still seems very surreal.”

“I asked her, ‘Is this really happening?’ And she said, ‘I don’tthink it is,’ so I think both of us are sort of caught in some sort ofhyper-reality right now.”

Lisa is not the only Pratt singing thepraises of the Army Family Covenant.

“I told my Soldiers the day beforewe flew out here to Los Angeles thatfor the next week I was going to be inLos Angeles with my wife and she’sgoing to be in a recording studio andwe’re going to get to enjoy the sightsand take it all in,” Matt said. “Butwe’re not just going for a vacation; theArmy’s sending us.

“So here we are in sunny LosAngeles right now, and the ArmyFamily Covenant is the reason we’rehere, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The Pratts believe it is only a matter of time before more ArmyFamilies will experience the promise.

“It’s making its way down, I think, slowly but surely. As more programs touch more Soldiers, you’regoing to find it making its way intoeverybody’s vocabulary.”

Matt said this was the Pratts’best Family experience since they said “I do,” and he redeployed fromthe Middle East.

“The only thing I would comparethis to, as far as the level of emotion I feel, was walking into the gym andseeing Lisa for that first time after Icame back from Iraq,” he said. “Thisis up there. It’s on par with that sort of feeling of surreal. This is oneof the most exciting times since Lisaand I have been together.”

Matt then hustled away and droveLisa to meet Leno.


Rising Star winner praises Family covenant

Operation Rising Star winner Lisa Pratt, wife of Capt. Matt Pratt, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,records a song at DMI Music's Firehouse Recording Studios in Pasadena, Calif., Feb. 1.

Pratts


Focus on true purpose of Lenten fastCommentary by Chap. (Capt.) Benjamin Dillon3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

It’s that time of year again: time to leave yourFacebook page dormant, refrain from chocolate or leave the TV off.

That’s right it’s the season of Lent for most Christians.

However, as we enter into the 40 days leadingup to Easter, perhaps we should focus on the true significance of Lent. The Lenten season was originally celebrated as a time of fasting andspiritual formation in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

I must admit that in my church backgroundthere has never been much emphasis on Lent in thesense of giving something up. Growing up, I did enjoy the fast food sale on the Filet O’ Fishsandwich, but I never understood the full meaningof this time. It was in recent years that I began todiscover why God would want us to fast and how thiswould help us to focus on our relationship with him.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia,http://www.newadvent.org, fasting during Lent canbe traced back to the time of Irenaeus in the earlysecond century, who claimed, “some think theyought to fast for one day, others for two days, andothers even for several, while others reckon 40hours both of day and night to their fast.” Thus the tradition of 40 days of fasting and looking toimprove our closeness with God was born. Whatbetter time to do so than just before Easter, the

main purpose for Christianity to exist? Having other Christians around me that observe

Lent has raised some questions as to how this is significant to me, a follower of Christ. My biggeststumbling block with the practice of fasting for Lent is this; what is the motivation behind it?

As I sarcastically mentioned at the beginning, I have so many friends that “give up” something ofmodern convenience for Lent. Students I workedwith in youth ministry would give up Facebook orother vices in an attempt to be more devoted to the Lord. It’s never a bad thing to spend less timeonline, but I always wondered if it really helped one to become more spiritually mature.

The main focus of our fast should be to determine what is hindering spiritual growth andabstain from that. Thus, use the time you wouldnormally spend engaged in such activities to focuson the Lord, perhaps praying or meditating onscripture. The act of fasting forLent really goes back toRomans 14:6 which states“He who regards one dayas special, does so to the

Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for hegives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.”

Whatever you are doing to honor God, ensurethat you are indeed honoring God and it has notbecome a meaningless pious motion.

I encourage you to prayerfully consider what iscoming between you and the Lord and abstain fromthat out of reverence to God. As we enter the season ofLent may we focus on the grace that was made possiblefor all of us through the penalty that was paid byChrist on the cross? Let us not stop there, though, aswe rejoice in the new life he gave when he defeateddeath at the resurrection. It’s because he lives that allthis talk of fasting means anything to begin with.

Perhaps this year I will even join in on the fast and refrain from physical training: I could really use that time for more daily devotions.

“He who regards one day as special, does so tothe Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, forhe gives thanks to God; and he who abstains,does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.”

— Romans 14:6


Chapel ScheduleROMAN CATHOLIC

Day Time Service Chapel Location Contact PersonSunday 8:15-8:45 a.m. Reconciliation Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Gross/526-5279Sunday 9:15 a.m. Mass Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Gross/526-5279Sunday 10:30 a.m. CRE Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Pat Treacy/524-2458Sunday 10:30 a.m. RCIA Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Pat Treacy/524-2458Sunday 11 a.m. Mass Healer Evans Army Hospital Fr. Nwatawali/526-7347Tu/Thurs noon Mass Healer Evans Army Hospital Fr. Nwatawali/526-7347

PROTESTANTFriday 4:30 p.m. Intercessory prayer, Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Firtko/524-4316

Bible StudySunday 9 a.m. Protestant Healer Evans Army Hospital Chap. Roberts/526-7387Sunday 9 a.m. Liturgical Service Prussman Barkeley & Ellis Chap. Mitchell/650-8042Sunday 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Heidi McAllister/526-5744Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Prussman Barkeley & Prussman Heidi McAllister/526-5744Sunday 10:50 a.m. Protestant Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Firtko/524-4316Sunday 11 a.m. Protestant/Gospel Prussman Barkeley & Prussman Ursula Pittman/503-1104Sunday 11 a.m. Chapel Next Veterans Magrath & Titus Chap. Frailey/526-8262Tuesday 9:20 a.m., 5:50 p.m. PWOC Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Chap. Firtko/524-4316Wednesday 2:30-4:30p.m. Youth ministry Soldiers’ Nelson & Martinez Heidi McAllister/526-5744

JEWISHFor information and a schedule of Jewish Sabbath services, call the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel at 333-2636 or Chap. (Maj.) Howard Fields at 526-6263.

WICCASunday 2 p.m. Building 4800 Harr & McNerny [email protected]

COLORADO WARRIORS SWEATLODGEColorado Warriors Sweatlodge ceremonies (He Ska Akicita Inipi) are offered to military Family members and Department of Defense personnel. These lodges are traditional Lakota spiritual ceremonies for cleansing, purification and prayer, and are fully sanctioned and supported by the Fort Carson command chaplain. MichaelHackwith is the spiritual advisor. For information and directions call Zoe Goodblanket at 442-0929 or e-mail [email protected].

Daily Bible readings: To assist in regular Scripture reading, the following Scriptures are recommended. These Scriptures are part of the common daily lectionary, which is designed to present the entire Bible over a three-year cycle.

Friday — Psalms 75, Leviticus 10-12Saturday — Psalms 76, Leviticus 13-15Sunday — Psalms 77, Leviticus 16-18Monday — Psalms 78, Leviticus 19-21Tuesday — Psalms 79, Leviticus 22-24 Wednesday — Psalms 80, Leviticus 25-27Thursday — Psalms 81, Numbers 1-3

Calling all Soldiers — Looking for a service that offers the needed encouragement and strength to persevere the daily grind? Join in “Transitions,” a new worship service Sundays at 6 p.m. at VeteransChapel. Come early to enjoy some fellowship at the“Holy Grind” coffeehouse located at the chapel. For more information call 338-6114 or [email protected].

Protestant Women of the Chapel — announces newmeeting times and changes to PWOC. PWOC is aresource for all women in the community to makenew friends, get support through tough times andgrow spiritually. Meetings are held at Soldiers’Memorial Chapel Tuesdays with a morning sessionfrom 9:20-11:30 a.m. and a new evening session from5:50-8 p.m. Evening sessions begin with a potluckdinner, so bring a dish to share if you can. Child care is provided with a light meal through Child,Youth and School Services. A religious educationclass for 4- and 5-year-olds has been added in addition to the home school room during the morning session. The spring semester will include small-group studies covering a variety of topics through book studies. Contact [email protected] for complete details onchild care options offered during PWOC meetings.

All children in grades six-12 areinvited to Fort Carson’s postwide youthministries which meet at Soldiers’Memorial Chapel Sundays from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Youth ministries include

fellowship, Bible study, mission trips, activitiesand much more. For more information, contact Heidi McAllister, director of Religious Education, at 526-5744 or e-mail

[email protected].


Claims against the estate — With deepest regret tothe Family of Spc. Robert J. Donevski, deceased.Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to hisestate should contact Capt. Ryan Main at 503-4200.Claims against the estate — With deepest regret tothe Family of Spc. David J. Tetrault, deceased. Anyonehaving claims against or indebtedness to his estateshould contact 1st Lt. Jessie L. Best at 719-338-1793.Retirement ceremony — The next Fort Carsonmonthly post retirement ceremony takes placeWednesday at 10 a.m. in the Special Events Center.The ceremony honors the careers of retiring Soldiersand the sacrifices of their spouses.Sidewalk construction project — Two federalstimulus funded contracts have been awarded toexpand and otherwise improve traffic flow throughthe intersections at Specker Avenue at Ellis Streetand Specker Avenue at Nelson Boulevard. Right turnlane pockets will be constructed and traffic controlsignals will be erected at both intersections. Theentrance driveway to the indoor pool will be reconfigured and additional/connecting sidewalksections with handicap ramps will be constructedalong Nelson Boulevard and along Specker Avenuebetween the two intersections. A temporary road tothe indoor pool parking lot has been constructed offof the south Wolf Dining Facility driveway. Concretework has already started; asphalt work will be delayeduntil warmer weather. Both intersections are expectedto be completed in April, weather permitting.Drivers are asked to drive carefully through the construction area. For more information call 492-4308.Education Center college registration — is underway for the Spring II session with classes beginningas early as Wednesday and as late as March 29. Someclasses are offered during the lunch hour, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The center offers flexible schedules and a wideselection of courses for students taking their first college class all the way up to graduate courses.Students are encouraged to register early to securetheir seat. Enrollment is open to everyone. For moreinformation call the Education Center at 526-2124.Educational planning — The Military ChildEducation Coalition and Carson Middle School present “Chart Your Course” Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the Carson Middle School cafeteria. Theinformational meeting, open to parents of fifth-eighthgrade students attending school on Fort Carson, provides resources to assist middle school to highschool students prepare for post-secondary education. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m.; presentation begins at 8:45 a.m. Day care is availablefor non-school age children by reservation.Registration deadline for the presentation and day care is Wednesday. For more information contactBrenda Richardson at [email protected]. Donated annual leave for Fort Carson civilianemployees — is currently being accepted for the following civilian employees under the VoluntaryLeave Transfer Program. The employees who haveexhausted all available leave because of medicalemergencies and are currently accepting leave donations are: George Anderson, Mary Koziol andDanette Wyatt, Directorate of Family and Morale,Welfare and Recreation; Jeanette Hellwig,Directorate of Public Works; Anthony Jackson,Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization andSecurity; Craig Wright, Jennifer Taylor and Jamesand Torie Koller, Directorate of Emergency Services;Bradley Bills, Denver Holden and Michael Patrocky,U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command;and Kelly Sangwin, Civilian Personnel AdvisoryCenter. To donate annual leave under VLTP, contactthe Garrison Resource Management Office at 526-1841/1839 or [email protected] toobtain form OMP-630A, “Request to Donate AnnualLeave,” or the OMP-630B for an outside agency.Free Tax Center — The Fort Carson Tax Center isaccepting appointments from Soldiers, retirees andtheir Families for free tax preparation. The center isopen through May 14, Mondays-Thursdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m., excluding federal and training holidays. The center is also openfrom 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 20, March 13 and April 10. No walk-ins are available; however, space-availableslots may be available. The office is located in building6285 on Woodfill Road, directly across from theColorado Inn and Elkhorn Conference Center. Call524-1013/2013 to schedule an appointment.Healthy Heart Month — Evans Army Community

Hospital offers several activities in celebration ofHealthy Heart Month. A nutrition and tobacco usecessation information booth will be available in thehospital all month. A chef-taught cooking classtakes place Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. in the wellness center. Call 526-3887 to register for thisfirst-come, first-served class. Cholesterol classeswith cholesterol lab work are Friday and Feb. 26from 8:30-11 a.m. in the wellness center. Classesinclude group education about heart healthy dietsfrom a registered dietician, information on medicationsand cholesterol production and a one-on-one withhealth care providers to discuss individual heartrisks and any needed medications. Call 526-3887 toregister. Cholesterol blood draws must be completedat EACH at least three days prior to the class. Labhours are Mondays-Fridays, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Emergency room capacity restriction — TheEvans Army Community Hospital Emergency Rooms limited capacity to accommodate construction ofthe new Emergency Department, which will open in March. ER patients should limit those whoaccompany them to the ER waiting room to Familymembers needed to assist the patient; additional visitors may wait in other areas of the hospital. For more information contact Capt. Trisha Bielski,clinical nurse officer in charge, at 526-7205.Hospital east parking lot — The 233-space parkinglot on the northeast corner of Evans Army CommunityHospital, near the bus stop, includes open, handicapand motorcycle parking for patients. Patients using theparking lot can enter the east end of the hospital usingthe sidewalk that starts from the northeast parking lot and ends at the east entrance. Hospital officialsremind patients that parking is only allowed in designated parking stalls on paved surfaces. Police are ticketing those vehicles illegally parked in the dirtor gravel alongside hospital roads or in grass-coveredareas. For more information call 526-7655.Optometry services — The Evans Army CommunityHospital Optometry Clinic offers services to TRICAREPrime beneficiaries — active-duty Soldiers, Familymembers ages 4 and older and retirees 64 andyounger. The clinic, located on the second floor of the hospital, is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Call the central appointment line at 457-2274.Hospital after-hours entrance — The westentrance revolving door is the only after-hours nonemergency entrance to Evans Army CommunityHospital. Visitors must check in with the securityguard and receive a visitor’s pass. Emergencypatients are the only ones who may enter the hospital through the north-side Emergency Roomentrance. For more information, call 526-7655.Influenza self-care medications — TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries 18 and older can pick up influenzaself-care medications acetaminophen and ibuprofenwithout a prescription at the Evans Army CommunityHospital pharmacy window 2 Mondays-Thursdaysfrom 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. andSaturdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The commissary pharmacyand the outlying clinic pharmacies will also distributeself-care medications during normal operating hours.Parents can obtain medications for their eligible children; those picking up medications for children less than 2 years old will need to know their child’sweight. For more information contact the PharmacyInformation Line at 524-4088. For information aboutflu vaccinations call the Flu Shot Hotline at 526-6422.Balfour Beatty Communities FoundationScholarships — Balfour Beatty Communities isaccepting scholarship applications from high schooland undergraduate students of Family housing residents for the 2010-2011 academic year. To applyfor the scholarships, go to the foundation’s Web site, http://bbcommunitiesfoundation.org, print out,complete and submit the application along with allrequired materials to Balfour Beatty CommunitiesFoundation at 10 Campus Blvd., Newton Square, PA19073. Applications must be received by April 15.Fort Carson had two scholarships awarded last year.Officer spouses club scholarships — The FortCarson Officers’ Spouses’ Club offers merit-basedscholarships to Family members including high schoolseniors, spouses and those already attending college.Family members of Army active-duty, retired, Reserve,National Guard, deceased or those missing in actionand Department of Defense civilians planning toenroll as full-time students in a bachelor, associate orsimilar degree/diploma program from an accredited

two- or four-year college, university or vocationaltechnical school are eligible. Selection will be basedon scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership,citizenship, motivation, diversity of interest and community involvement. For more information or torequest an application, contact the FCOSC scholarshipchair at fcosc(underscore)[email protected] applications must be postmarked by Saturday. Mail applications to Fort Carson Officers’Spouses’ Club, Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box12886 Fort Carson, CO 80902.Scholarship program for children of Soldiers —The Army Emergency Relief ’s Maj. Gen. JamesUrsano Scholarship Program is for children ofactive-duty, retired and deceased Soldiers who arefull-time students at an undergraduate, technical or vocational institution accredited by theDepartment of Education. The scholarships areawarded annually up to four academic years. Funds may be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies or school room and board. Students mayreapply each year and must maintain a grade pointaverage of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Toqualify, students must be under the age of 23 forthe entire 2010-2011 academic year and must be anunmarried child of an active-duty or retired Soldieror a Soldier who died in either status. All Soldiersand students must be registered in the DefenseEligibility Enrollment Reporting System; studentscan verify their DEERS status at 800-538-9552.Applications for the 2010-2011 scholarships areavailable online at http://www.aerhq.org. Onlineapplications must be submitted by March 1. Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program —is for spouses of active-duty and retired Soldiers, andwidows and widowers of Soldiers who died either onactive duty or in a retired status, and are residing inthe United States. All spouses must be registered inthe Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System,which can be verified at 800-538-9552. This programdoes not apply to second undergraduate or graduatedegrees. Scholarship awards are based on financialneed and are awarded annually for up to four academicyears to attend post secondary school full time asundergraduate level students. Funds are to assist withacademic expenses at the attending university/schooland are disbursed equally between the fall and springsemesters or quarters to assist with tuition, books,fees and supplies. Students must maintain a gradepoint average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale.Applications for the 2010-2011 academic year scholar-ships are available online at http://www.aerhq.org.Applications must be submitted by March 1.


Soldiers carry piece of homeStory and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey SmithMountaineer staff

The Army trains some of themost effective and lethal infantrySoldiers in the world in preparationfor deploying them to combat zonesoverseas. However, despite the extensive training those Soldiers gothrough, some enjoy the comforts of having a good luck charm givingthem a little something extra to ensurethey come home safely.

Staff Sgt. Perry Maynor, 1stBattalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision, carries a green crayon,given to him by his daughter, in theankle pocket of his uniform as hisgood luck charm.

“It’s the first thing my daughtergave to me when I left for (my third)tour,” Maynor said. “As I was walkingout of the car … she was crying andshe was coloring, and she gave it tome and I just put it in my pocket.Every single time we went outside the wire it was in my pocket.”

These charms that Soldiers carrycan be anythingfrom crayons andribbons, to reli-gious medallionsand even tattoos. It seems that theyall serve the samepurpose, and that’smaking theSoldiers feel betterabout whatever situations they findthemselves in.

“It makes mefeel better,” saidSgt. DonaldWilliams, 1st Bn.,8th Inf. Reg. “Itputs your mindsomeplace else.Keeps your mindoff some of thethings you have todo and gives you

something to look at and remember.”All the men in his Family have

gotten a shamrock or a cloverleaf tattoo somewhere on their bodies,Williams said. He got his done prior to joining the Army, knowing that hewould soon be fighting overseas.

“I notice everything that I wearover in Iraq somehow gets damaged or broken or ripped up,” saidWilliams. “So if it’s on my body,unless it gets hit, I’m good.”

Some Soldiers, like Sgt. JonathanFarr, also with 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.,have had their lucky charms handeddown from prior generations, or havehad them since their childhood.

“My grandfather bought it inGermany when he was in the Army,and he carried it through the war and

… his whole Armycareer,” Farr said,talking about amedallion that nowbelongs to him.“The day I wasleaving for bootcamp … he gaveme (the medallion).That was the lasttime I saw him. Hepassed away while I was in basic. Itjust makes me feelmore comfortable Iguess. I feel like ifthat’s with me, thenhe’s with me.”

Another itemthat never leavesFarr is a ribbon,one that used tobe pink but hasfaded over the

years, that he wore to the funeralof one of his friends who passedaway when Farr was 15.

“He had red hair and we calledhim pinky,” Farr said. “At his funeral… we all wore it on our shirts. Eversince then I always carried it with me.He always had my back when we werekids; he still has my back now.”

It’s not that these Soldiers don’tfeel confident in their abilities tocarry out their mission without theircharms, some just like the comfort of having the items with them.

“I don’t think I need one, it’s justsomething good to have,” said Sgt.Blaise Kulp, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. “I feel that I can do what I need to do just fine but … just a little thingthat I’ll feel it on my neck, or I’ll look at it when I take my (bodyarmor) off or shirt off; it’ll remind me that I’m here for a reason, and I’llgo home for a reason.”

Kulp wears St. Christopher and St.Michael pendants around his neckduring his tours overseas as a way tokeep him in touch with his faith and

to help remind him that he’s just passing through this time in his life.

“I kind of look at it more as, notgoing from point A to point B,” Kulpsaid, “but like traveling through life. It’s just something to keep in touch with faith and then (St. Christopher) in particular just to keep me in the mindset of just get from here to home.”

1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., has beenramping up in preparations for its nextdeployment by conducting live-fireranges, first aid and language classesand military operations in urban terrain training, according to Kulp.

Lucky charms or not, theseSoldiers have the utmost confidence in their unit and their Soldiers’ abilityto do their job and come home alive.

“My squad is awesome,”Williams said, “they’re gonna dotheir job, they’re gonna do whatthey’re told and they’re gonna dowhat needs to be done.”

“These guys, we see them train andit’s like, if you were the enemy, youcan’t beat that,” Maynor said, speakingof his unit’s training and efficiency. “I would say by far, if I had to go over with anyone, it would be (withCompany A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.)”

The St. Christopher and St. Michaelspendants that Sgt. Blaise Kulp wearsaround his neck during his tours are away of keeping him in touch with his faith.

Sgt. Donald Williams shows hisshamrock tattoo that he got prior tojoining the Army and deploying toIraq for his first tour.

Sgt. Jonathan Farr lays out a medallionand ribbon that he carries with himwherever he goes as reminders of hisgrandfather and a childhood friend.


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21Feb. 19, 2010 — MOUNTAINEER20 MOUNTAINEER — Feb. 19, 2010

Layout by Jeanne Mazerall

Story and photos by Geoffrey RoperMountaineer staff

More than 500 Soldiers with the4th Engineer Battalion were reunitedwith Family and friends at the SpecialEvents Center after completing a yearlong deployment, spending timein both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Soldiers arrived on severalflights between Feb. 9-Tuesday. Familymembers got their first chance to bewith the Soldiers during welcome-homecelebrations held shortly after returning to the Mountain Post.

One mother in particular wasboth excited and relieved to bereunited with her son. Jane Goinshad missed her son, Sgt. TyroneHale, while on deployment andadmitted it was tough being away from him.

“You do a whole lot of praying,” she said.

Goins admitted she was afraid towatch the news or read newspapers,for fear her son might have been mentioned as injured or killed. Shehad lived through this many timesbefore, as her uncles, dad and husbandserved in the Army, Navy, Air Forceand Marines. She knew the risks hetook going in. Goins admitted she didnot want her son to join the military,and told him so, but his response wasone many young men and womenhave given to their parents in the past.

Hale told her, “I need to do thisfor me. I trust your judgment; I valueyour opinion. But I need this for me.”

Hale’s sister, Sharice Goins,

admitted she was nervous about hisdeployment, but said at least today’stechnology makes communication easier.

“(I’m) glad that we can at leastkeep in touch with him through e-mails,but it is really stressful,” she said.

Sgt. Leo M. Hunter, a former member of the battalion, flew in fromFort Campbell, Ky., for the celebration,because he still feels close to many of his friends and fellow Soldiers who still serve in the battalion.

“This is my old unit, and they had a pretty rough year,” he said. “(I came) to support some of my friends and Soldiers.”

Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th InfantryDivision and Fort Carson, told thecrowd, “There are few events that happen here at Fort Carson that cancompare to this.”

He noted how tough their job had been, initially deploying to Iraqthen being re-tasked to Afghanistanwithout a break to come home. Hesaid that it was the largest unit movement from one operation toanother since World War II.

Perkins said the engineers’ jobwas simple — making both countriessafe for those that followed, providingsecurity for all the Soldiers and civilians around them.

“Thanks so much for what you’vedone for this unit,” he said “Thanks so much for what you do for our country, and thanks for being anexample of what a true American is.”

The remaining 4th Eng. Bn.Soldiers are scheduled to return laterthis month.

Engineers return fromIraq, Afghanistan

WELCOME HOME

Left: The 4th EngineerBattalion Soldiers exittheir plane in ColoradoSprings Feb. 9.

Right: Soldiersfrom the 4th

Engineer Battalioncheck in at the

Arrival/DepartureAir Control

Group Feb. 9.

Above: Sgt. Tyrone Halefinally gets to see hismother, Jane Goins, andnephew, Cameron, aftera yearlong deployment.

Crowd members at the welcome home ceremony Feb. 11 react as members of the4th Engineer Battalion enter the Special Events Center.

Welcome home signs hang from a pedestrian crossing on Academy Boulevard, just offpost, for returning Soldiers to see as they come in from the Colorado Springs Airport.


Soldiers share in faith, break breadStory and photos by Sgt. Alexis RamosMountaineer staff

The Fort Carson NationalPrayer Breakfast was held Feb. 11at the Elkhorn Conference Center.

Jim Fore, a World War ll veteran who became a fighter pilotat the age of 18, served as the guestspeaker The 85-year-old recalledhis past as if it had happened justthe other day. Fore, who was captured by the Gestapo andthrown into Fresnes prison campin France, told his story about triumph and how he came to faith.

Fore recounted a prayer thathelped him through his time atFresnes: “Father, I don’t knowmuch about your word now, but Ido know this. I know you exist; I know you’re a supreme beingand your strength and powers areunlimited. My life is in your handand I don’t think you’re going tolet them shoot me,” he said.

Many Soldiers attended thebreakfast. They were entertainedby the music of the local group,Pearl Street Confessions, but it

was the story of resiliency byFore that was heartfelt for some.

“Phenomenal speaker, I wish he could have continuedspeaking. It’s always good to hearthose that came before us to helpus keep focus on why we do what we do,” said Sgt. 1st ClassToprane Coatney from the 43rdSustainment Brigade.

Resiliency was this year’stheme for the National PrayerBreakfast.

“It is especially important intoday’s Army; we have Soldiersand Family members facing multiple deployments,” saidChap. (Lt. Col.) Guy E. Glad,U.S. Army Garrison installationchaplain. “Every time a Soldierdeploys, relationships arestressed. As far as marriedSoldiers go; the integration, reintegration and separation phaseis a cycle that presents challengesto some of our married Soldiersand their Families that no one in the civilian world can everunderstand, so resilience helpsour Soldiers and Family membersdeal with (that).”

MWR employeedies in avalancheby Nel LampeMountaineer staff

Kellen Sams, 27, died in an avalancheincident Feb. 11 while skiing the back country in southwestern Colorado,in the San Juan Mountains nearRidgeway. Sams was a recreation aide in Fort Carson’s Outdoor RecreationAdventure Programs and Education.

Previously, Sams served the post asan Outdoor Recreation intern in 2006while completing his studies at GreenMountain College in Poultney, Vt.

Sams worked for Outward Bound,teaching outdoor skills and later workedin Crested Butte, teaching adaptive skiing programs for special-needs skiers, before joining the OutdoorRecreation staff about 18 months ago.

Sams was on a private outdooradventure during his off time when theavalanche occurred, doing the kind ofthings he was often doing — the thingshe loved to do, said Eric Hill, OutdoorRecreation director. He took full advantage of his time off, spending histime in the outdoors.

Sams was primarily involved inteaching rock climbing but also was a white-water rafting guide and led

backcountry skiing trips for OutdoorRec, where “he touched a lot of (FortCarson) people,” said Hill.

“Kellen lived a short life, but it wasdefinitely a full life,” Hill said. “He was always doing something outdoors.

“He was a great guy. He had a wayof relating to people and being able toinstruct so they could understand. Hisloss leaves a big hole in our program.”

A memorial service for Sams washeld Monday at the Garden of the Gods.

Photo by Anita Bridges

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Police blotterThe following crimes were committed on the Fort Carson installation Feb. 4-10.

AWOL crimes1 – servicemember was cited for AWOL, failure to

go to place of duty.

Motor vehicle crimes1 – servicemember was cited for abandonment of a

motor vehicle.1 – servicemember was cited for unsafe backing.2 – servicemembers were cited for careless driving.1 – civilian was cited for careless driving.1 – civilian was cited for lack of compulsory insurance.3 – servicemembers were cited for driving under the

influence of alcohol.1 – civilian was cited for driving under the influence

of alcohol.1 – civilian was cited for driving under the influence

of drugs.1 – servicemember was cited for driving a motor vehicle

when license under restraint.1 – civilian was cited for driving a motor vehicle when

license under restraint.1 – civilian was cited for driving a motor vehicle with

blood alcohol content greater than 0.08.3 – servicemembers were cited for driving a motor

vehicle with blood alcohol content greater than 0.08.2 – servicemembers were cited for exceeding speed

for conditions.1 – servicemember was cited for failure to obey

general order, driving while privileges suspended.2 – servicemembers were cited for speeding.1 – servicemember was cited for a traffic accident

resulting in damage to property.6 – servicemembers were cited for traffic accident,

vehicle to vehicle, no injuries.

1 – servicemember was cited for a vehicle having defective license plate lamps.

Drug and alcohol crimes, not includingmotor vehicles3 – servicemembers were cited for drunk and

disorderly conduct.3 – civilians were cited for controlled substance violations.3 – servicemembers were cited for failure to obey a

general order, drug paraphernalia.1 – servicemember was cited for failure to obey a

general order, use of a mind-altering substance.1 – civilian was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.1 – servicemember was cited for use of dangerous drugs.1 – servicemember was cited for wrongful possession

of marijuana.

Miscellaneous crimes3 – servicemembers were cited for assault

consummated by battery.2 – civilians were cited for assault.4 – servicemembers were cited for assault.1 – servicemember was cited for blank firearms.1 – servicemember was cited for domestic violence,

both spouses subjects.1 – civilian was cited for domestic violence,

both spouses subjects.3 – servicemembers were cited for domestic

violence, civilian female victim.1 – civilian was cited for domestic violence,

military male victim.2 – servicemembers were cited for domestic violence.1 – servicemember was cited for failure to properly

ground guide.

1 – servicemember was cited for failure to obey general order — weapons registration.

1 – civilian was cited for harassment, harassing communication.

1 – servicemember was cited for harassment, physical contact.

1 – servicemember was cited for larceny of Army andAir Force Exchange Service property.

1 – servicemember was cited for felony menacing with a deadly weapon.

1 – servicemember was cited for obstruction of telephone service.

1 – servicemember was cited for resisting apprehension.1 – servicemember was cited for attempted suicide.1 – civilian was cited for attempted suicide.1 – servicemember was cited for unlawful

possession/carrying of weapon, knife.1 – civilian was cited for violation of a restraining order.


Brothers seekstate hoops titleStory and photos by Walt JohnsonMountaineer staff

Martin and Malcolm Thomas were on top of the Colorado Springs basketball world four years ago when they led Carson Middle School to a championship. Now, they are on the verge of beingable to repeat that feat at the high-school level.

The journey to the Colorado 5A title officiallybegins Sunday, when the Colorado High SchoolAthletic Association announces the pairings for thisyear’s tournament. But, for the Trojans, the journeystarts Friday when it hosts theColorado 5A second-seededRampart Rams at Fountain-FortCarson High School.

The Trojans come into thecontest as the third seed inColorado 5A competition, having lost only to No. 1 seededRegis-Jesuit, Rampart andPalmer high schools. Both teamsin Friday’s contest should be inline for a top seed no matter the outcome of the game. But,what is also at stake is a shareof the conference championshipfor the Trojans or an outrighttitle for Rampart.

After they dominated the middle school basketball league,many people may have felt the Thomas twins wouldhave led a high school team to a title or two. Thebrothers, however, understood the challenge theyfaced as they left middle school for high school. The two young men, who were coached by theirmother in middle school, seem to have as solid aFamily unit as anyone could want.

Malcolm said basketball at the high-school levelhad the intensity and fast-paced action he expected.

Martin said he echoed those thoughts and alsotalked about what he did to prepare himself for the upcoming season.

“I knew that high school basketball was going to be tougher but I thank my mom, my dad and mycoach for preparing us for the intensity of highschool basketball,” Martin said. “I know that when I was preparing to play high school basketball, Ispent a lot of time running drills and practicing and preparing for the challenge.

“I wasn’t surprised at all at the skill level ofhigh school players, because I know that teams are putting their best athletes on the floor in varsitybasketball. I also knew that I am a pretty good player and that my skills would allow me to also get out on the floor and perform every day.”

As they go into the final stage of their highschool careers, the Thomas boys can look back ontheir most memorable game over the past four yearswith great pleasure. Malcolm said he will alwaysremember the game against Grand Junction lastyear, because his brother wasn’t available to finishthe game with him. One of his teammates made acourageous effort to pull out the victory.

“We played Grand Junction last year and Martinfouled out,” Malcolm said. “Chris (Davis) was stillrecovering from cancer, but he came in and hit a big three-point shot for us to help us get to overtime. Chris and I then led the team to a victoryin overtime. It was a big step for Chris at the time,because he was battling cancer.”

Martin said another team victory will be themost memorable game he has played for the Trojansin his varsity career.

“Last year, when we played Doherty (HighSchool), it was our first year playing 5A and a lotof people thought we would be the underdog in a lot of our games. We had to come out and prove we belonged in 5A. We ended up winningthe game ... by 20 points, and I had 26 points inthat game,” Martin said.

They know they belong now, but the one thingthey haven’t been able to do is get a high-school

championship. Malcolm said he and his teammates know itwill be a tough battle to get onethis year but thinks his team isequipped to win.

“I think we need to improveon our intensity. There are teamsthat are not as good as we are butwe let them hang around becausesometimes we don’t have theintensity over four quarters,”Martin said. “If we can do that, Ithink we can make it to Boulderfor the state championship.

“We need to come out of the gates stronger. In theplayoffs we are going to runinto some teams that are strongor possibly stronger than we

are, and we are going to have to be strong to make it through the playoffs.”

While the journey for the state championshipwill officially begins Sunday, in reality it startsFriday for the Trojans.

Malcolm Thomas, 15, drives to the basket over two defenders Feb. 11 at Palmer High School.

Martin Thomas, 23, hits a jump shot over a Pine Creek HighSchool defender Saturday at Pine Creek.

In the playoffs weare going to run

into some teamsthat are strong orpossibly strongerthan we are, and we are going tohave to be strongto make it throughthe playoffs.

‘

’— Martin Thomas


On the Bench

Trojans seek No. 1 seed Fridayagainst Rampart Ramsby Walt JohnsonMountaineer staff

The Fountain-Fort Carson boy’sbasketball team looks to go where ithasn’t been since 2004 when it hosts the Rampart Rams Friday at 7 p.m.

The Trojans close out their season asthey host the Rams, with a top seed in theupcoming Colorado 5A state basketballplayoffs at stake. The Rams and Trojans are seeded second and third in the latesthigh school sports rankings. The Rams have lost once this year while the Trojanshave dropped contests to Regis-Jesuit,Palmer and Rampart high schools.

This will be the last regular seasongame for Colorado high school athletesas the seeding and draw for the upcomingstate playoffs will be announced Sundayat http://www.chsaa.org. The Trojansshould be in position for a great seed nomatter the outcome of the game againstRampart, as they are ranked one of thetop four teams in 5A and will have lost to a team seeded higher. TheTrojans’ first playoff game should beFriday or Saturday at Fountain-FortCarson High School. The time and date of the game will be in next week’s

edition of the Mountaineer.A great event that promotes family

fun is coming back to the Special Events Center.

Family Skate Night returns Feb. 27from 4-8 p.m. Admission is free.Children of any age can take part in theevent, but children 16 and younger mustbe accompanied by an adult. Skates will be issued as available and helmetsare highly recommended. For more information call 524-1163.

McKibben Physical Fitness Centeroffers a new fitness program.

The center offers free TRX Trainingclasses for all patrons. The program isdesigned to develop functional strengthand improve flexibility, balance and corestability with cutting-edge tools.

The classes are offered on Wednesdaysand Thursdays from 10-11 a.m., noon-1p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Each class will be limitedto the first 12 participants. Also, groupphysical-training appointments can be madeby calling McKibben PFC at 526-2597.

The post youth sports and fitnessdivision is currently accepting sign-upsfor the upcoming spring soccer season.

Photo by Walt Johnson

Score itStewart Mitchell, 230th Finance Battalion, fires up a jump shot duringintramural action Feb. 10 at Waller Physical Fitness Center. Theintramural playoffs are scheduled to begin next week at Waller PFC.

See Bench on page 29



Lady Trojans scoreFountain-Fort Carson’s Yhanna Harris fires up a jump shot as Pine Creek High School defenders and teammateslook on Saturday at Fountain-Fort Carson High School. The Lady Trojans end regular season Friday at Rampart HighSchool when they meet the Lady Rams at 7 p.m.

Youth soccer (ages 4-15) and StartSmart Soccer (ages 3-4) programs areavailable. Registration is open until March16 with the season scheduled to run April 17-May 29.

The cost for each soccer program is $40 and is open to children of Department of Defense identification cardholders.

The American Cancer Society holds aClimb to Conquer Cancer event in May.

A kickoff party for the event is March 13 from 1-3 p.m. at the Cheyenne MountainState Park Visitors Center, just outside ofGate 1. The event, three- mile or five-milehike, takes place May 22 at the park. Theclimb begins at 9 a.m. and will be followedby a free lunch at the pavilion in the park.

The Air Force Academy hold itsRunning for Rachael five-kilometerevent in March.

The annual event for the Rachael’sRibbons of Hope Foundation takes placeMarch 27. People interested in participating in the event to support children’s brain tumorresearch and awareness can register onlinethrough March 24 at http://www.active.com.

The cost for the event is $20 per personfor registration before March 13 and $25 per person after. Race day registration isavailable at Falcon Stadium on the Air Force Academy.

For more information on the event call 301-237-6186 or e-mail [email protected].

from page 28

BBBBeeeennnncccchhhh


MountaineerMountaineer AA tt hlehle tt e of te of t he Whe W eekeek


Damien RussellIntramural basketball player

Damien Russell, pictured at right in the photo, grew up in Miami and gravitated to sports so he “could stay out of trouble.” Russell played basketballand football while growing up and continues to play basketball as a Soldier.

What was your favorite sport growing up?Basketball was my favorite sport. I was taller than most people at the time,

and I was naturally good at the game. Football was a very close second, though.Why did basketball win out over football?I tried out for football first, but my mom didn’t want me to play the sport

because she didn’t want me to get hurt.What has been your best moment in sports?In 2004 I was assigned to Iraq, and there was a unit that was across the

road from us. We used to have a little back-and-forth. Finally the commandersgot a game together. We went over to their unit, played and beat them. It was agreat way to boost morale during the deployment.

What has been your favorite professional moment in sports?The Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning the Super Bowl. (2003)If you could meet any sports person who would it be and why?Patrick Ewing. I grew up a big Knicks fan. He never could win that

championship, but he has always been one of my favorite players.If you could change anything in sports what would it be?I would change the playoff format in the NBA. Instead of the top

eight teams in each conference making the playoffs, I would take the top 16 records and seed them one through 16.

People would be surprised to know that …I’m not as mean as most people think I am. Being a first sergeant means

sometimes I have to discipline Soldiers. But off duty, I am just like anyone else; I like to watch sports and relax.

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Story and photos by Nel LampeMountaineer staff

El Paso County has several regional parks for residents to enjoy.The parks have a program, “No ChildLeft Inside,” to encourage children toget out and enjoy nature.

Although there are severalregional parks in the system, to include Black Forest RegionalPark, Fox Run Regional Park, Paint Mines Regional Park,Widef ield Community Park, ClearSpring Ranch Park and CeresaPark, only two parks have a naturecenter. Nature centers provide shelter and activities on inclementweather days.

Fountain Creek Nature Center andBear Creek Nature Center are not farfrom Fort Carson.

Closest is Fountain Creek NatureCenter, at 320 Peppergrass Lane. Nearthe Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area,wildlife thrives there.

Many species ofbirds are seen nearthe nature center,sometimes includinggreat blue herons.The herons visit thewetlands whenreturning from a winter in Texas, NewMexico and Mexico,about this time ofyear. For many yearsthe herons built nestsin trees near thenature center, but inrecent years havemoved the rookeryfurther south alongFountain Creek, butthe herons are stillsometimes seen in the area near thenature center.

A microphoneoutside the nature center brings the songs and chirps of visiting

birds inside. Turtles, foxes,

beavers, deer, muskratsand frogs are regular visitors in the nature center area.

A large window inthe nature center offers aspectacular view of PikesPeak, with FountainCreek in the foreground.

Displays in FountainCreek Nature Centerencourage children tolearn about the wildlife.There are telescopes visitors may use to watch birds and turtles.Displays of herons andtheir nests are in thenature center as well as several taxidermy displays and hands-onlearning displays.

Hiking trails are nearby, accessibledawn-dusk, as well as access to the El Paso Regional Trail.

Fountain Creek Nature Centerhas a day camp scheduled for springbreak, as well as summer daycamps. Birthday parties can bearranged; call Fountain CreekNature Center at 550-6745.

Fountain Creek Nature Center andits grounds are part of a three-park system. About a half-mile south of the nature center is Willow Pond Park,which has a walking trail around thepond as well as benches and a pavilion.Fishing is allowed in the pond. A large parking lot is provided.

To get to Willow Pond Park, exitfrom Gate 20, go over Interstate 25(that water is Willow Pond) to the exit(Highway 16), to Highway 85/87. Turnright, take an immediate right ontoWillow Springs Road and continueuntil reaching the park.

Feb. 19, 2010

Places to see in thePikes Peak area.

See Nature on page 32

The Fountain Creek Nature Center is just minutes from FortCarson’s Gate 20.

Trails near the Fountain Creek Nature Center can be used fromdawn to dusk.

Fountain Creek and Pikes Peak can be seen from theFountain Creek Nature Center. Hiking trails are nearby.

El Paso County parks feature nature centers

El Paso County parks feature nature centers

The Nature Center is a half mile south onHighway 85/87. The entrance is on CattailMarsh Road, which becomes Pepperwood Lane and leads to the nature center. Watch forthe signs amid the road construction.

A third park is about a half-mile south ofthe nature center. Duckwood active-use park has two large playing fields for soccer and othergames, three large-group pavilions that may be reserved and several small pavilions. Thepavilions may be reserved through El Paso

County Parks Department at 520-6375.The park also has basketball courts,

horseshoe pits and playgrounds — bringyour own equipment.

The other nature center is Bear CreekPark Nature Center, 245 Bear CreekRoad, on Colorado Springs’ west side.

The nature center has interactiveexhibits, taxidermy displays and a largecolony of bees so visitors can watch the bees at work.

Large windows provide visitors with great views.

The park has cottonwood trees, pinetrees and scrub oak, as wellas a creek, meadows andhiking trails. Two miles ofpicturesque hiking trails arein the park, ranging from easy to moderate walking.

Trails may be used from dawn until dark. The nature center is open Wednesdays-Fridays from 9 a.m-2 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Educational or historic programs are held in the naturecenter. The programs address a variety of subjects includingwildlife, birds, rocks, geologyor history.

Bear Creek Nature Center alsoschedules birthday parties; call520-6387.

From Fort Carson, takeInterstate 25 to the Cimarron Exit,then take Highway 24 West to21st Street and head south on 21stStreet to Lower Gold Camp Roadand turn west. Follow Lower GoldCamp Road to Bear Creek Road.

Bear Creek Park includesother park areas.

Bear Creek Terrace contains six coveredpavilions, each with tables and grills. There are also playing fields, volleyball courts andhorseshoe pits — bring the equipment — basketball courts and an exercise course. This park area is reached off 21st Street andArgus Boulevard.

Still another park area is known as BearCreek East. It’s reached by taking 21st Street to Rio Grande and taking Rio Grande east toCreek Crossing, which leads to the park. Thispark has two picnic pavilions that each seat 50 people and has charcoal grills. The park areahas horseshoe pits and volleyball courts, butvisitors must bring their own equipment.

Bear Creek dog park is at the corner of RioGrande Street and 21st Street. It’s an off-leash,voice-controlled, 25-acre dog park that hasroom for exercising dogs and a separation ofsmall and large dogs.

El Paso County parks are free and open to everyone. Some programs and presentations may require a fee; there maybe pavilion rental fees.


from page 31

NNNNaaaattttuuuurrrreeee

Chris Kelley looks through the telescope in an interactive exhibit atBear Creek Nature Center.

Left: Bear Creek NatureCenter has great viewsfrom its large windows.

Right: Visitors learn aboutarea wildlife in several

interactive exhibits in BearCreek Nature Center on the

city’s west side.

Upcoming eventsFountain Creek Nature Center, 530-6745Winter Bug Mysteries, Saturday, 10-11:30 p.m. $5 All About Mammals, March 11, 9 a.m. $3

Silly Squirrels, March 4, 9 a.m. $4Rascally Rabbits, April 1, 9 a.m. $4Slithery Snakes, May 6, 9 a.m. $4

Bear Creek Nature Center, 520-6387Spring Has Sprung, March 25, 9 a.m. $3

Animal Babies, April 11, 9 a.m. $3Wiggly Worms, May 27, 9 a.m. $3

Animal Adaptations, March 18, 9 a.m. $4Gnaw-it-all Rascals, April 15, 9 a.m. $4

Bird Watching for Kids, May 20, 9 a.m. $4


Pvt. Hazardby James Boroch

Courtesy photo

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Pikes Peak Center“Opera Theatre of the Rockies: The Magic

Flute” is in the Pikes Peak Center, 190 S.Cascade Ave., Feb. 27-28.

Los Lonely Boys with Alenandro Escovedoand Carrie Rodriguez are in the Pikes PeakCenter March 2 at 7 p.m.

“Avenue Q” is in the Pikes Peak CenterMarch 16-17, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“The Glenn Miller Orchestra performsApril 18 at 4 p.m. in the Pikes Peak Center.

“The Wizard of Oz” is in the Pikes PeakCenter at 7:30 p.m. May 19-20.

Call 520-SHOW for ticket information.Visit http://www.pikespeakcenter.comfor information.

Up with People free concertUp with People features 100 singers and is

in the Special Events Center Friday-Saturday.Showtime is 7 p.m. No tickets are required.

Fine Arts Center exhibitionFine Arts Center, at 30 W. Dale St., is open

Tuesdays-Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Admission to the center is $10 for adults and $8.50 for students. However, the facility offers a free day to the community on the third Tuesday ofthe month. Free guided tours are also offered at10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m. Call 634-5583for information.

Denver attractions have free dayThe Denver Museum of Nature and Science

observes a free day March 1. The museum is in

Denver’s City Park, at 2001 Colorado Ave.; call303-322-7009, or go to http://www.dmns.org.DMNS is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

The Denver Art Museum,100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway in the downtownDenver area, is free to Colorado residents on the first Saturday of the month. It is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Call 720-865-5000 for information or logon tohttp://www.denverartmuseum.org.

Zac Brown Band concertZac Brown Band and other Southern

Ground Artists, Nic Cowan, Levi Lowrey andSonia Leigh, perform at Colorado SpringsWorld Arena March 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $30.50, call 520-SHOW.

Academy concertsLe Grand Cirque is in the Air Force

Academy’s Arnold Hall Theater March 5 at7:30 p.m. Call 333-4497 for ticket information.Take the North Gate exit off Interstate 25 north,and go to the cadet area.

Cripple Creek Ice FestivalCripple Creek has its annual ice festival,

“Enchanted Garden of Ice,” Saturday-Sundayalong Bennett Avenue. The festival features ice sculptors carving blocks of ice to createwinter scenes. There will also be live music, a maze and other events. Go online tohttp://www.cripplecreekevents.com or call 689-3461. Cripple Creek is about 45 miles fromColorado Springs; go west on Highway 24

through Woodland Park to Divide, then takeHighway 67 south to Cripple Creek.

Sugarland concertCountry duo Sugarland will stop in Colorado

Springs during its “The Incredible Machine” tourMay 8. The concert is at the World Arena.Tickets are on sale at Tickets West outlets,including the World Arena box office, KingSoopers or online at http://www.worldarena.com.

Disney on IceDisney on Ice celebrates 100 years of magic

when the show is in the World Arena March 25-28. Performances are at 7 p.m. March 25-27and March 28 at 1 p.m. There will also be shows March 27 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.Tickets start at $17. Military personnel withvalid identification can get a $5 discount. Ticketsare sold online at http://www.ticketswest.com,http://www.disneyonice.com, or at the CitadelMall, King Soopers and the World Arena.

Metal concertStargazer Theatre is hosting its first metal

concert since opening a year ago. Part of anationwide metal concert tour, bands in thelineup are Gwen Stacy, Vanna, Oceana, Dead and Divine along with ColoradoSprings’ own Inelements and Show Me TheSky. The concert is Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Go to www.stargazerstheatre.com for information or tickets. Stargazers Theatre is at 10 S. Parkside Dr., just off Pikes PeakAvenue. Tickets are $12.

— Compiled by Nel Lampe

40 MOUNTAINEER — Feb. 19, 201040 MOUNTAINEER — Feb. 19, 2010

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