ringing in the holidays - fort carson

Vol. 73, No. 47 Dec. 4, 2015

INSIDEMessage boardSoldier for Life Transition

Assistance Program holds a mini job fair for transitioning Soldiers,

veterans and spouses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in building 6237, 1626 Elwell St.

Call 526-1001/1002/6465or contact a transition counselor to register.

Pages 16-17 3

Page 10

Cold-weather gear

Soldiers can mix camo patternsBy C. Todd LopezArmy News Service

WASHINGTON — As winter weather approaches and temperatures drop, Soldiers turn to their cold-weather gear to keep warm outdoors while conducting training or operations.

Many Soldiers now wear their Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in the new Operational Camoufl age Pattern (OCP). But their organizational clothing and individual equipment (OCIE), such as their wet-weather gear and their Extended Cold Weather Clothing System sport the Universal Camoufl age Pattern (UCP).

Soldiers don’t need to freeze to avoid a uniform faux pas, however; the Army wants Soldiers to know that it’s OK to wear the foliage green fl eece cold-weather

jacket and other UCP cold-weather gear on top of their new OCP uniform.

“Soldiers should continue to use the equipment they have been provided to remain safe and warm in environments that call for it,’ said Sgt. Maj. Eva M. Commons, uniform policy sergeant major, Army G-1. “This is why the Army gives you this gear to wear.”

Cold-weather gear is not part of the “clothing bag” issued to Soldiers during basic training. Instead, Soldiers get items such as the fl eece cold-weather jacket, the wind cold-weather jacket, the soft shell cold-weather jacket and trousers, or the extreme cold/wet-weather jacket and trousers from the central issue facility at their installation.

Commons said that no matter what ACU Soldiers are wearing — the one in UCP pattern or the one in OCP pattern — they are allowed to wear the

winter-weather gear that is issued by the CIF.“Any item issued from CIF is permitted for wear,”

she said. “There is no restriction based on camo pattern or color.”

The Army also has two different colored T-shirts available for wear under the ACU. There is the “sand-colored” T-shirt and the “Tan 499” T-shirt. Belts are also available in both of those colors. Boots are available in sand or coyote colors, as well.

The rule here, Commons said, is that when a Soldier is wearing the UCP ACU, he must wear the undershirt, belt and boots designed for wear with the UCP ACU. However, when Soldiers wear the OCP ACU, they can wear any combination of boots, belt and T-shirt, in any

See Uniforms on page 2

Photo by Dani Johnson

Ringing in the holidaysDon Ward, KKTV (CBS) Channel 11 anchor, watches as the 4th Infantry Division Band “Iron Brass” performs at the news station Tuesday. The performance will air during the Christmas weekend. The band will perform a free holiday show open tothe public at McMahon Auditorium on Fort Carson at 7:17 p.m. Thursday. The concert begins at 7:17 p.m., 1917 military time, in honor of the 4th Inf. Div. activation Dec. 10, 1917.

2 MOUNTAINEER — Dec. 4, 2015

MOUNTAINEERCommanding General: Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves

Garrison Commander: Col. Joel D. Hamilton

Fort Carson Public Affairs Offi cer: Dee McNutt

Chief, Print and Web Communications: Rick Emert

Editor: Devin Fisher

Staff writers: Jeanine Mezei Scott Prater

Happenings: Nel Lampe

Sports writer: Walt Johnson

Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall

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of the available colors; the boots, belt and T-shirt do not have to match each other.

Commons caveated that, however, by saying, “both your left and right boot must be the same color.”

The Army has an inventory of items including belts, boots, T-shirts, uniforms and cold- and wet-weather gear, Commons said. Each of those items has a certain wear life on them. Items such as cold-weather jackets last a long time, she said. Other items, such as T-shirts, can be worn for less than a year before they ought to be replaced.

The liberal policy for how uniform items can be mixed with the OCP ACU allows the Soldiers more fl exibility in the wear of their uniform, and additionally allows more time for the Army to eventually get OCIE in the new OCP pattern.

“With all these different uniforms, we have to give the widest range of allowance to Soldiers to properly wear (uniforms), and not have that come out

of pocket,” she said. “It also allows the Army to make sure they have proper stock in issuing facilities to support demand.”

Commons said that Soldiers can continue to wear the UCP ACU until Sept. 30, 2019. After that, they must show up to work wearing the OCP ACU.

Soldiers who are deploying or have an operational need are provided with OCIE items in the Operation Enduring Freedom Camoufl age Pattern (OEF-CP).

“Deployers will never go without,” Commons said. “The Army will ensure Soldiers get the appropriate equipment for their mission.”

The Army has been issuing the pattern to those deploying for some years and will continue to do so until the transition to OCP.

It will be some years before UCP OCIE is exhausted and is replaced with OCP OCIE because the items are “quite durable,” Commons said.

Commons said some Soldiers had expressed confusion about what camou-fl age pattern the name and service tapes should be in on their UCP-colored fl eece jacket. She said the name and service tape pattern should match the color of

the fl eece jacket, not the pattern of the ACU the Soldier is wearing underneath.

Commons said that for some time, the OEF-CP was worn only in Afghanistan. And while deployed to Afghanistan, the rule was to wear the tactical subdued American fl ag patch on the right sleeve.

“Soldiers had only seen the subdued patch on that uniform, so they assumed that is the only patch allowed with that uniform,” Commons said.

But that is not the case.According to AR 670-1, paragraph

21-18, “All Soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. fl ag embroidered insignia on utility and organizational uniforms, unless deployed or in a fi eld environment.”

Commons said that the OEF-CP ACU, and the OCP ACU can, and should be, worn with the full-color American fl ag while in garrison. Soldiers should wear the subdued fl ag patch on those uniforms while deployed, or in a fi eld environment.

First sergeants, she said, will let Soldiers know when they are going to be in a fi eld environment, and what the uniform requirements will be.

UniformsFrom page 1

Hospital announces

weather policy

U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Fort Carson Public Affairs Offi ce

Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) makes every effort to remain operational during most inclement weather events, delays or early releases.

More than 65 percent of the EACH staff is on mission-essential status to care for patients during weather events. With suffi cient forecasting, clinics may contact patients to reschedule, suggest alternate appointment

times during weather delays or to ask patients to come earlier than their appoint-ment time when anticipating early releases.

The EACH Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/EvansArmyCommunityHospital, is where hospital offi cials post weather updates.

Since the weather can vary greatly across the region, patients are encouraged to call the appointment line at 526-CARE (2273) to cancel or reschedule appointments.

The emergency room is always open.

4ID to host holiday, birthday concert

Brigades home fi rst time in 6 yearsBy Maj. Gen.

Ryan F. GonsalvesCommanding general, 4th Infantry Division

and Fort Carson

To the Soldiers, civilians and Families of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, merry Christmas and happy holidays. As we celebrate this holiday season, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby and I want to thank each of you … the Soldiers, Families, joint service members, civilian employees and the great Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado community. Your hard work, sacrifi ce and selfl ess service are what make this organization and its Soldiers a success and a true blessing to be a part of. Your steadfast support truly makes Fort Carson the Army’s “best hometown.”

This holiday season is a time of celebration to be enjoyed by all with Families, friends and loved ones. We encourage ev-eryone to enjoy this special time, but to do so responsibly. Look out for each other, and take a moment to remember our fellow Soldiers and service members who are deployed in harm’s way or who are separated from home in service to this great nation.

The “Iron Horse” Division has much to be thankful for as we refl ect on all that our Soldiers have accomplished this past year. Iron Horse and Fort Carson Soldiers have distinguished themselves as the division supported missions in United States Army Europe, operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and many others across the globe. The 1st Stryker Brigade

Combat Team and 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted training at the Army’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California; supported the Cadet Summer Training program at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as well as provided support to United States Northern Command. Their efforts add to the already-distinguished history of the 4th Infantry Division.

We will celebrate that distinguished legacy Thursday as the division celebrates its 98th birthday. This year’s is a special birthday as the colors of all six 4th Infantry Division brigades are present on Fort Carson. For the short time we are all together let’s make the most of it. I encourage everyone to join us this year in celebrating the history of the “Ivy” and Iron Horse Division at the free Holiday and Division Birthday event at 7:17 p.m. Thursday at McMahon Auditorium.

As we commemorate the achievements of this division, let us remember that for many this holiday season is bittersweet. On Dec. 11, the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade will case its colors in preparation for its deployment to Afghanistan. Early next year Soldiers from 2nd IBCT will deploy in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Soldiers from the division headquarters continue to support Army Europe’s Atlantic Resolve mission.

From everyone here at Fort Carson, to all the men and women forward deployed safeguarding our freedom, we thank you and honor you for your service to our nation, our Army and the Army’s fi nest division — the 4th Infantry Division. From the deserts to the mountains, from Europe to the Front Range, our Soldiers, our sister service members, civilians and Families continue to serve and sacrifi ce in answer to our nation’s call.

To everyone who is a part of the Mountain Post team, have a joyous and safe holiday season and a happy new year. Thank you for all you do. You are truly America’s best.

Steadfast and Loyal. Iron Horse.

3Dec. 4, 2015 — MOUNTAINEER

By Staff Sgt. Craig Cantrell

Fort Carson Public Affairs Office

All six Fort Carson dining facility (DFAC) staffs show-cased their culinary expertise during the Commanding General’s Best Dining Facility competition Nov. 13-25.

The competition is an annual tradition hosted by the com manding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson and judged by the installation food program manager team.

“We went around to each dining facility to … determine which facility is the best decorated and has the best centerpiece,” said Gregory Joell, installation food program manager, Fort Carson.

The James R. Wolf Dining Facility won the best decorated category and Evans Army Community Hospital claimed

best centerpiece honors.Each dining facility staff based

its decorations on a designated theme assigned to its facility and displayed a centerpiece constructed by culinary specialists assigned to the DFACs.

“Our theme this Thanksgiving is the Chinese New Year and the centerpiece we created is made of tallow, a product with candle wax consistency,” said Pvt. Fadra Jones, culinary specialist, 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.

Teams collaborated to create centerpieces that tied their theme together with the food they served.

“With all the work we put into the project it got frustrating at times, but learning to work together and respect the views and opinions of others brought us together to complete the centerpiece,” said Jones.

The centerpiece took the Warfighter DFAC team of culi-nary specialists approximately a

month to create. “The project was very time

consuming and I can honestly say that this could not have happened without everyone con-tributing to the project,” said Spc. Bria Jewell, culinary specialist,

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.

“This project gave us a chance as culinary specialists to express our creativity and learn from each other,” she said.

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Above: Carissa Beach gives Old St. Nick’s beard a little tug Monday during the first day of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Roaming Santa at the Outdoor Recreation Center. Carissa is the daughter of Staff Sgt. Adam Beach of Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Left: Santa counts out the age of 3-year-old Rico Nunnery at the Outdoor Recreation Center Monday. Rico is the son of Sgt. Cordarrell Nunnery, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Santa roamed across Fort Carson this week to visit with as many children and Family members as possible before heading back to his North Pole workshop.

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Not In My Squad

Story and photos by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

“What are the three most common challenges that you face every day at the squad leader level?”

The 4th Infantry Division’s senior enlisted leader directed the junior NCOs gathered before him to write down the challenges and then bring it to the panel of sergeants major.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, hosted a Not In My Squad Symposium Nov. 18, inviting squad leaders and team leaders to voice the daily problems, issues and concerns the junior NCOs experience in the execution of their duties and responsibilities.

“Tell us what skills, knowledge and attributes you think you need as a squad leader,” Crosby said. “How can we empower you as a sergeant and staff sergeant?”

The event provided a forum for junior leaders and NCOs to hold an open dialogue with brigade and battalion sergeants major and command sergeants major.

The group of senior enlisted leaders collectively offered more than 120 years’ of experience, education, skills and attributes in answering questions about NCO empowerment, leader development and training.

After a peer-to-peer sensing session, junior NCOs identified several issues regarding counseling, writing NCO evaluation reports and how to empower NCO leader-ship and break down barriers. Following the huddle, small group leaders took turns respectively bringing his team’s grievances before the panel of sergeants major.

“So everyone in here is a noncommissioned officer, right?” Crosby asked the group of more than 50 NCOs in attendance. “I would challenge you to go to your rater or leader and say, ‘Here I am — I need you to counsel me. I need to know the expectations of me as a noncom-missioned officer in charge of this section or squad, so I know how to achieve excellence.’”

The senior enlisted leaders from the 4th Inf. Div.

and Fort Carson units provided advice and counsel to the Soldiers for working with their chains of command and holding NCO professional development and training. The board of sergeants major encouraged the NCOs to use all available resources, to include each other, and develop the skills needed to best meet challenges at their level.

“Some of the issues that we are dealing with, we are causing ourselves as NCOs; with regard to discipline, we have to instill it ourselves,” said Staff Sgt. Latrisha A. Howard-Robinson, human resources NCO, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. “We need to network with each other as far as learning how to write and things that we are not proficient in.

“For instance … I work in the battalion (personnel shop), so if a sergeant needs help with writing evaluation reports or awards, (he) can come to me and I can help assist (him) with training.”

Howard-Robinson said the forum was beneficial because it involved senior leadership who assured the NCOs that they have dealt with many of the issues they are experiencing.

“It was a sensing session, but we got answers to the questions we had,” she said. “I think it is very helpful that we have this forum, and we should continue to do it.”

Junior leaders are empowered to lead, train and develop Soldiers at all levels, said Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Parsley, Division Artillery, 4th Inf. Div.

Senior enlisted leaders conduct professional leadership development to build upon NCOs’ leadership abilities, leading, developing and mentoring junior Soldiers.

“You have to earn their respect and confi-dence,” Parsley said. “Nowhere in the Creed (of the Noncommissioned Officer) does it state that we are entitled to that trust and respect.”

Communication is critical in motivating Soldiers, said Parsley, using platoon sergeants and first sergeants as examples.

“Motivation comes through talking about it,” he said.Lack of discipline in senior leaders bleeds into junior

Soldiers, Crosby said to the group of NCOs, stressing the importance of maintaining basic standards and discipline, such as addressing a noncommissioned officer.

If privates see their leaders not upholding the stan-dard, they will think it is OK to act the same way, he said.

“You are empowered as a junior noncommissioned officer, but if you see a deficiency, you should correct it. If you walk by it, you have just depowered yourself,” Crosby said.

“I am going to bring the leader development,” he said. “You are the future leader, and we have to invest back into you.”

The forum offered a rare opportunity for NCOs to see that the issues and challenges they face are not isolated to just their experiences but have shared commonalities across the board, said Sgt. Maj. Charles Tennant, rear detachment command sergeant major, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.

“I took notes of all the squad leaders that stood and voiced their concerns and their opinions, which is awesome,” Tennant said. “That is what I expect of a noncommissioned officer. They are the backbone, so without their voice, we are voiceless. We will have problems directing our noncommissioned officers to the fullest capacity that they are supposed to be at if they don’t say this is where we need help.”

The sergeants major took the issues and concerns back to their units to develop leader training and professional development for the Army’s future leaders.

The 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson command ser-geant major will host a Not In My Squad forum for junior NCOs quarterly in an effort to develop junior leaders and break down communication barriers.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, outlines requirements for Fort Carson squad and team leaders participating in the Not In My Squad Symposium at the 4th Inf. Div. Headquarters conference room Nov. 18.

Sgt. Maj. Philson Tavernier, second from right, current operations sergeant major, 4th Infantry Division, offers direction to a group of junior NCOs during the Nov. 18 Not In My Squad Symposium held at the 4th Inf. Div. Headquarters conference room.

Carson NCOs open up with senior leaders


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Carson CIF drawing attentionStory and photo by

Scott PraterMountaineer staff

Sgt. Maj. Rodger Mansker, logistics sergeant major, Headquarters, Department of the Army, toured Fort Carson’s Central Issue Facility (CIF) Nov. 20 and learned about the changing processes that have occurred at the facility since its opening in 2013.

Sprague Taveau, Logistics Readiness Center Supply and Services Division chief, and Larry Parks, CIF manager, guided the Army’s top logistics sergeant major through the facility, showing the process CIF staff experiences when issuing Soldiers’ gear.

“This was an opportunity for the (logistics) sergeant major to obtain the ground truth (about operations at the division level),” said Ken Wycoff, Fort Carson Logistics Readiness Center direc-tor. “Following the tour, he said the CIF was excellent; one of the best he’s seen.”

The CIF was formerly housed in building 330, but relocated to building 1525 (the old post commissary) in December 2013. Taveau said the Army renovated both buildings to prepare for the move — to the tune of $6.5 million.

The northern third of building 1525 now resembles a modern and efficient distribution center, yet with a touch of style. The CIF features wood and brick accents, the latest shelving and machinery, and bright, inviting décor.

But, the new interior reveals only part of the ongoing changes taking place at the CIF.

“Since we moved from 330, we began slowly implementing changes to how we do business,” Taveau said.

The new policies and procedures have made a drastic impact.

“Formerly, when Soldiers walked into the CIF, they would visit five separate counters to collect their gear,” Taveau said. “Now, on day zero of in-processing, we give them a sizing sheet; they fill out their sizing infor mation, then we pre-pack their gear and deliver it to them at the replacement detachment.

They don’t even need to stop at the CIF.”This new operating process is fairly

unique for the Army, according to Fort Carson logistics leaders, saving time for Soldiers and commanders in the short term and money in the long term.

Soldiers depend on the more than 200 items they collect from the CIF, including helmets, flak vests, plates for their flak vests, sleeping bags and ruck sacks; gear they’ll use for both training and deployments.

“If Soldiers find they are missing something once they conduct their inven-tory, they can visit the CIF,” said Taveau.

He explained that with the previous

process Soldiers spent upwards of four hours collecting their gear. With the new process, they’ll collect their gear in as little as 15 minutes at the replacement detachment.

“We also can now accommodate walk-ins, which we couldn’t do before,” Taveau said. “Soldiers can walk in anytime they want now and make appointments every day.”

Logistics leaders also changed the turn-in process. Formerly, Soldiers would stop at multiple counters and endure a lengthy visit to the CIF.

“We’ve initiated a one-on-one process,” Taveau said. “When a Soldier enters the CIF to turn in gear they’ll encounter one staff member, who will take care of their entire turn-in process. We were able to reduce Soldiers’ turn-in time from 45 minutes to 22 minutes.”

While the CIF changed its processes, logistics leaders also incorporated new automated equipment. For instance, the area behind the service counters was formerly occupied by traditional shelving. Now the CIF uses a rotating shelving system (known as the Hanel system) which increases storage capacity by a factor of eight.

“This Hanel system reduces the number of steps our staff members must make to pull from stock,” Taveau said. “It’s just a more efficient process. Our staff members are pleased with the facility and are growing accustomed to the new process changes.”

Sgt. Maj. Rodger Mansker, left, logistics sergeant major, Headquarters, Department of the Army, learns about recent changes in both automation and processes at the Fort Carson Central Issue Facility (CIF) Nov. 20. Sprague Taveau, right, Logistics Readiness Center Supply and Services Division chief, provided the tour, along with CIF Manager Larry Parks, center.


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‘Raiders’ serve meal, work with students

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

COLORADO SPRINGS — A Soldier of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, walks between crowded tables while serving up slices of pumpkin pie to students and family members at Centennial Elementary School Nov. 20.

The Soldiers of Headquarters and Head-quarters Company, 1st SBCT adopted Centennial Elementary School as part of the Adopt-A-School program and volunteered at the school’s fifth annual Thanksgiving Day festival.

“Our school at Centennial has about 90 percent free and reduced lunch enrollment; this event may provide an authentic Thanksgiving (meal) for families not able to provide that at home,” said Kelly Lane, assistant principal, Centennial Elementary School. “We really take pride in providing this opportunity for our families to get together, be thankful and celebrate the holidays.”

The Soldiers assisted in classrooms, served food in the lunch line, cut up and served pumpkin pies, gave piggyback rides on the playground and helped clean up after the meal.

“Each student got to read three books to me. I think at first they got nervous because they see someone in uniform, but once you start talking to them they start warming up,” said Spc. Richard Azevedo, Stryker driver, 1SBCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Azevedo arrived early and assisted with a second-grade class.

“We are the mountain climbers, and we are climbing our way to third grade. We are working very hard on our computers and reading to the Soldiers and working on all that,” said Laura Weber, second-grade teacher, Centennial Elementary School. “It is just great to have somebody for our kids to read to; as much as they can practice, it really helps them and they just get excited when they see Soldiers.”

Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, serve Thanksgiving meals at Centennial Elementary School in Colorado Springs Nov. 20.

1st Lt. David Choe,

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School read to him during the school’s

Thanksgiving Day festival

Nov. 20.


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Veterinary center achieves excellence

From left, Capt. Marlaina A. Nelson, officer in charge, U.S. Army Public Health Command, receives an award from 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Commanding General Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves Nov. 24 for her work in helping the Fort Carson Veterinarian Center achieve the American Animal Hospital Association certification. Less than 15 percent of all veterinarian clinics across the United States and Canada have achieved this certification. “I’ve been in the Army 31 years and this is the best clinic we’ve ever had. Hats off to you,” said Gonsalves.


‘Operation Smoked Turkey’

Holiday- themed event builds unit cohesion

Story and photos by Sgt. William Howard

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office,

4th Infantry Division

Soldiers grabbed for outstretched arms as they pulled one another out of the crowd and onto the top of a shipping container during “Operation Smoked Turkey” Nov. 24.

The third annual Thanksgiving -themed physical training event for Soldiers with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, focused on the importance of cohesive teamwork and provided an opportunity for the Soldiers to showcase pride in their unit.

“It’s great to see the motivation and teamwork inherent to these brigadewide physical readiness training events,” said Col. David M. Hodne, 1st SBCT com-mander. “Most Soldiers were so focused on negotiating the obstacles and helping their team that they did not realize they ran almost 5 miles and climbed almost 50 flights of stairs. Of course, deliberately introducing a little chaos, friction and confusion to test leaders made the event

even more fun and memorable.”Soldiers of the brigade have learned

to anticipate these annual events and compete for the fastest completion time with their respective company, troop or battery.

“We’ve been mentally preparing ourselves for the past two weeks and pretty much crushing physical training day in and day out looking forward to this event,” said 1st Sgt. David Briseno, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT. “The bottom line is you stay unified as a team, you start as a team and you finish as a team.”

Formations of Soldiers negotiated over walls, tra-versed through tank ditches, crawled under barbed wire and over shipping containers while moving through the course with a heavy, unruly Medium Tactical Vehicle tire.

“Overall it was quite

a challenge. All of us have different abilities, so we had to make sure that everyone was involved as a team,” said Pfc. Stephen Muranga, water treatment

specialist, Company A, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st SBCT. “We should organize more of these events. It was a good teambuilding event overall.”

Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, move a Medium Tactical Vehicle tire over rough terrain during the brigade’s “Operation Smoked Turkey” annual physical training event Nov. 24. Soldiers hurdled over walls, traversed through tank ditches, crawled under barbed wire and over shipping containers while moving through the course as an entire formation and managing a heavy, unruly Medium Tactical Vehicle tire.

Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pull a Medium Tactical Vehicle tire through a barbed wire obstacle during the brigade’s annual “Operation Smoked Turkey” physical training event Nov. 24. The Thanksgiving themed physical training event focused on the importance of cohesive teamwork and provided an opportunity for the Soldiers to showcase pride in their unit.

Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, climb over a shipping container obstacle during “Operation Smoked Turkey” Nov. 24.


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Miscellaneous Troops to Principals — School Leaders for America

Troops to Principals is a GI Bill and state approved program that places and trains military veterans as teachers and school principals. The program coaches and mentors candidates for employment with interviewing skills, résumé writing and job applications. The program finds openings to fit their qualifications and continues to train in K-12 education. Visit http://www.schoolleadersforamerica.org or contact John Evans, program director, at 303-840-9830 or [email protected] for more information.

Soldier care move from Warrior to Iron Horse — Over the next several months, active-duty Soldiers currently seen at the Warrior Family Medicine Clinic will move to the Iron Horse Family Medicine Clinic (IHFMC). The move will improve access to care and facilitate provider changes. IHFMC is located in the hospital on the second floor of the Woods Soldier Family Care Center. Call 524-4068 for more information.

German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) — testing will take place on Fort Carson March 1-3. This is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, that can be awarded to all German soldiers and allied Soldiers and Airmen of any rank. The GAFPB is one of the few approved foreign awards that can be worn by U.S. service members. The GAFPB combines the requirements of superior physical fitness and soldiering skills — awardees must excel at both to earn any award. Only participants who have mastered both the soldiering events and physical fitness requiring speed, strength and endurance will earn the gold level of this award. Email Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Douglas at [email protected] for details.

Veterans in Piping — Applications for the Veterans in Piping class that runs Feb. 29 to June 20 are available at the Education Center. This program provides 18 weeks of free training in pipe welding to selected participants while still on active duty. Stop by the Education Center, building 1117, room 150 or call 526-2124 for more information.

Ongoing First Sergeants’ Barracks Program 2020 — is located

in building 1454 on Nelson Boulevard. The hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. The office assists Soldiers with room assignments and terminations. Call 526-9707 for more information.

Sergeant Audie Murphy Club — The Fort Carson Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meets the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Evans Army Community Hospital in the Aspen Room. The club is named after Audie Leon Murphy, the most highly-decorated Soldier in American history. To be a member, a Soldier must be recognized as an NCO of the highest quality, demonstrating both leadership and performance. Armywide, SAMC membership reflects the top 1 to 2 percent of NCOs. Email [email protected] for more information.

Legal services — provided at the Soldier Readiness Processing site are for Soldiers undergoing the SRP process. The SRP Legal Office only provides powers of attorney or notary services to Soldiers processing through the SRP. Retirees, Family members and Soldiers not in the SRP process can receive legal assistance and powers of attorney at the main legal office at 1633 Mekong St., building 6222, next to the Family Readiness Center. Legal assistance prepares powers of attorney and performs notary services on a walk-in basis from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday.

Directorate of Public Works services — Services range from repair and maintenance of facilities to equipping units with a sweeper and cleaning motor pools. Below are phone numbers and points of contact for services:• Facility repair/service orders — Fort Carson

Support Services service order desk can be reached at 526-5345. Use this number for emergencies or routine tasks and for reporting wind damage,

damaged traffic signs or other facility damage.• Refuse/trash and recycling — Call Eric Bailey at

719-491-0218 or email [email protected] when needing trash containers, trash is overflowing or emergency service is required.

• Facility custodial services — Call Bryan Dorcey at 526-6670 or email [email protected] for service needs or to report complaints.

• Elevator maintenance — Call Bryan Dorcey at 526-6670 or email [email protected].

• Motor pool sludge removal/disposal — Call Dennis Frost at 526-6997 or email [email protected].

• Self-help/troop construction — Call Tony Haag at 526-2859 or e-mail [email protected]. Use this number to obtain self-help tools and equipment or a motorized sweeper.

• Base operations contracting officer representative — Call Larry Dickerson at 524-0191 or email [email protected] for questions on snow removal, grounds maintenance and contractor response to service orders.

• Portable latrines — Contact Jerald Just at 524-0786 or [email protected] to request, for service or to report damaged or overturned latrines.

• Signs — Call Jim Diorio, Fort Carson Support Services, at 896-0797 or 524-2924 or email [email protected] to request a facility, parking or regulatory traffic sign.

Briefings Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training —

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson com manding general has directed all Soldiers, sergeant first class through command sergeant major, chief warrant officer 2-5 and officers, captain and above, must attend Casualty Assistance Officer and Casualty Notification Officer Training. The three-day training course is held monthly at Veterans Chapel. Soldiers must register through their school NCO for attendance of this training. Call 526-4551 for details.

Retirement briefings — are available at http://www. carson.army.mil/dhr/DHR/MPD/PPB/Retirement Services.html. Call 526-2840 for more information.

ETS briefings — are available at http://www.carson.army.mil/dhr/DHR/MPD/PPB/Transitions.html. Call 526-2240/8458 for more information.

Reassignment briefings — are available at http://www.carson.army.mil/dhr/DHR/MPD/PPB/Briefings/Levy.html.

Disposition Services — Defense Logistics Agency Dis position Services Colorado Springs, located in building 381, conducts orientations Fridays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. The orientations discuss DLA processes to include turning in excess property, reutilizing govern ment property, web-based tools available, special handling of property and environ-mental needs. To schedule an orientation, contact Arnaldo Borrerorivera at [email protected] for receiving/turn in; Mike Welsh at [email protected] for reutilization/web tools; or Rufus Guillory at [email protected].

Army ROTC Green-to-Gold briefings — are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at noon at the education center, building 1117, room 120. Call University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Army ROTC at 262-3475 for more information.

Hours of OperationSoldier for Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-

TAP), formerly known as Army Career and Alumni Program, is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; open training holidays but closed on federal holidays:• SFL-TAP Computer Lab and Clearing Station,

building 1118 room 133, 526-1002 — located behind the Garrison Headquarters, services

include Individual Transition Plan review and appointments with career counselors; computer labs for required pre-separation briefs, job searches and résumé writing; and clearing (only location to clear, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Transition University, building 6237, 526-1001/ 6465 — five-day program includes classes on transition overview, Military Occupational Skill Crosswalk, financial planning, U.S. Department of Labor employment workshop and Veterans Affairs benefits. Elective classes available following the program include social networking, employer day, advanced résumé, federal résumé and dress for success. Optional track days consist of entre preneurship, technical and higher education.

• Soldier Family Assistance Center, building 7492, 524-7309/7310 — services are for Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers.

• Briefings — predeployment briefs for transitioning service members and professional development briefs for leaders and staff can be scheduled by calling 526-1001/6465.

Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO) — is currently open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beginning Sept. 1, the office will be open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is located in building 1012.

Logistics Readiness Center Supply and Services• Central issue facility, building 1525 — Monday-

Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-4 p.m. Last customer is served at 3:30 p.m.

• Reparable exchange/directed exchange or turn-in — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-4 p.m. on a walk-in basis. For faster turn-in service, call 526-3321 for an appointment.

• Ammunition supply point, building 9370 — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Last issue/turn-in to ASP is at 2:30 p.m.; exceptions coordinated on case-by-case basis.

• Subsistence Support Management Office, building 350 — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-4 p.m.; call 526-4086/5195.

• Post Supply Support Activity, building 330 — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-4 p.m. Last customer served at 3:30 p.m.; call 526-9094.

• Installation Property Book Office, building 330 — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-4 p.m.; call 526-5984.

• Post Laundry, building 310 — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-4 p.m. Last customer served at 3:30 p.m.; call 526-8803.

• Bulk fuel point — Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight.• Hazardous Material Control Center, building

400/406 — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact administration operations at 526-5349 or the warehouse at 526-2979.

Education Center hours of operation — The Mountain Post Training and Education Center, building 1117, 526-2124, hours are as follows:• Counselor Support Center — Monday-Thursday

7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Army Learning Center — Monday-Friday

8 a.m. to 9 p.m.• Defense Activity for Nontraditional Educa tion

Support and Army Personnel Testing — Monday- Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Medical Activity Correspondence Department office hours — The Correspondence (Release of Information) Office in the Patient Administration Division hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; closed all federal holidays. Call 526-7322 or 526-7284 for details.

BOSS meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. in The Hub conference room. Contact Spc. Anna Lopez at 524-2677 or visit the

BOSS office in room 106 of The Hub. Text “follow CarsonBOSS” to 40404 to receive updates and event information.Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers

Fort Carson dining facilities hours of operationDFAC Friday Saturday-Sunday Monday-ThursdayStack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m.

Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.

Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m.

Wolf Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: Closed.

Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.

Warfighter (Wilderness Road Complex)

Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m.

Closed Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.

LaRochelle 10th SFG(A)

Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: Closed

Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: Closed


Community celebrates heritage

By Jeanine MezeiMountaineer staff

Fort Carson Soldiers and local community members gathered at the Elkhorn Conference Center Monday to celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month.

The 4th Infantry Division Equal Opportunity (EO) team organized the event highlighting local tribal dancers. Held annually in November, the month helps celebrate American Indians who have made contributions to the country and honors their heritage.

Attendees were treated to an opening ceremony featuring the Sister Nations Color Guard posting the colors while the Denver Singers (Drum Group) sang the intertribal flag song.

The featured guest speaker, John Emhoolah Jr., shared his experiences while serving as a Soldier in the Korean War and continues to spread awareness about American Indian traditions and customs. A member of the Kiowa and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma, Emhoolah has worked to preserve American Indian culture while educating students in Denver area schools.

Emhoolah attended Wichita State University in Kansas and Colorado State University before beginning his career in education in Washington, where he started initiatives to promote American Indian education and culture.

“I want to say thank you to all our servicemen and women,” said Emhoolah, who then said a prayer in Kiowa to the crowd. “You are the ones who put your lives on the line for us so we can have the freedom that we have here in America.”

He spoke about the history of his Kiowa tribe and others in the region, to include Colorado American Indians such as the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Comanche. He also educated the crowd about American Indians who served in the military since World War I.

“When it comes to call for help for our country, we need to fight for our country,” Emhoolah said. “We will come and answer that call.”

He said he was proud of his service during the Korean War and thanked Fort Carson officials for inviting him to share his story.

The event culminated with the Sweetwater Indian Plains Dancers performing traditional dances in their customary clothing and Soldiers joining them for the Round Dance.

“This is what it is all about,” said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson commander. “This is why we have heritage months, so that we learn and take away just how much other communities have sacrificed and what other peoples have given to the U.S.”

John Emhoolah Jr., a Korean War veteran and member of the Kiowa and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma, gives a speech during the National American Indian Heritage Month observance Monday at the Elkhorn Conference Center.

Community members participate in the Round Dance with

members of the Sister Nations Color Guard and the Sweetwater Plains Indian Dancers during the

National American Indian Heritage Month observance Monday at

the Elkhorn Conference Center.

Members of the Sister Nations Color Guard and the Sweetwater

Plains Indian Dancers perform a traditional dance during the

National American Indian Heritage Month observance Monday at the

Elkhorn Conference Center.


MEDDAC changes to improve careBy Jeff Troth

U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Fort Carson Public Affairs Offi ce

Army Medicine is transforming to better support Army Force 2025 and beyond and U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) – Fort Carson and its Evans Army Community Hospital are leading the way in those changes.

The changes include a reorganization of the Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) organizational structure from fi ve regional medical commands to four multidisciplinary regional health commands. The command team structure is also being standardized in Army hospitals and medical clinics.

“Although there are a lot of changes happening in Army Medicine, it will be transparent to our patients,” said Lt. Col. Eric Poulsen, deputy commander for administration, MEDDAC. “The restructuring of our higher headquarters and our local command team will only improve patient care. They will continue to have access to safe and quality health care.”

The reorganization means that instead of reporting to Western Regional Medical Command, located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., the MEDDAC and Evans hospital now fall under the command and control of Regional Health Command-Central (RHC-C), located at Joint Base San Antonio. RHC-C is responsible for all Army medical assets in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states.

This reorganization aligns medical units more closely with the Army units that they serve. RHC-Atlantic is aligned with XVIII Airborne Corps units, RHC-Central is aligned with III Corps units, RHC-Pacifi c covers units within U.S. Army Pacifi c, and RHC-Europe is aligned with U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army Africa units.

Restructuring is also taking place within Army hospitals. Like most hospitals, the Fort Carson MEDDAC and Evans had a commander, command sergeant major and three deputies. Now, the command team structure has expanded from fi ve to 12. The daily operations of the hospital were divided among those three deputies, with each responsible for certain functions within the hospital. Those responsibilities are now shared by seven deputies.

“The three deputy commanders have served us well,” said Poulsen. “But this new structure will allow deputies to concentrate on a smaller number of departments and give them the attention, the focus and the leader develop-ment time they deserve.”

Poulsen, who is the only one of the three former deputies to remain in his position, said that in the past each deputy had around a dozen departments for which he was responsible. This structure didn’t allow enough time to give every department the attention it needed, he noted. Now each deputy will oversee only fi ve or six departments.

Besides the deputies, the command group will also gain a deputy commanding offi cer, a chief nursing offi cer and a chief medical offi cer.

“We are going to make this new structure work because we have a great team, and we have some fantastic folks who are stepping into these positions,” said Col. Dennis LeMaster, MEDDAC commander. “The long-term benefi t that we are going to reap is an enhanced focus on readiness, health, quality and safety.

“Additionally, this structure provides new (and more) leadership opportunities for both military and

civilians on our team,” he added. “The Army is looking for leaders, and that is what we are going to give them.”

Army Medicine planned to fi ll these new deputy positions with mili-tary offi cers in all but one position. The deputy to the commander for quality and safety will be held by an Army civilian. The MEDDAC chose to also make the deputy to the commander for health readiness an Army civilian.

To assist these new deputies the medical staff is going to assign each of them a senior sergeant.

“I am excited about this, it is a terrifi c opportunity for our NCOs,” said MEDDAC Command Sgt. Maj. Theon Hart. “Working with the depu-

ties for 18 months, they will learn so much more about how a hospital works than they could by being limited to working in a department or clinic. This will help them to become great sergeants major in the future.”

The Fort Carson MEDDAC is the fi rst Army hospital to implement this new command structure and will be the fi rst Army hospital to go through The Joint Commission hospital accreditation process under this new structure. The commission is responsible for accrediting and certifying more than 20,500 health care organizations and programs in the United States. All aspects of the Evans system for health will be evaluated by this civilian organization next year.

“We will be the fi rst medical center or large medical activity to go through a Joint Commission with this new structure,” said Poulsen. “Evans has always led the way, implementing new ideas and structures for MEDCOM and in February we are going to prove that this new leadership model will help us attain the highest level of accreditation possible.”

“ The long-term benefi t that we are going to reap is an enhanced focus on readiness, health, quality and safety.”— Col. Dennis LeMaster

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The advertised transaction is a rental-purchase agreement (or in NV, a lease agreement with an option to purchase; in IA, ND, NE and SC, a consumer rental-purchase agreement; in AK, DC, DE, HI, ID, KS, OR, SD, VA and WA, a lease purchase agreement; in MA and RI, a lease; in CT, NH and VT a rent-to-own agreement). Participating locations only. Product availability and pricing may vary by store. No credit needed. Agreement requires verification of residence, income and four personal references. You will not own the merchandise until the total amount necessary to acquire ownership is paid in full or you exercise your early purchase option. Ownership is optional. MA and RI: after the first 90 days, you may purchase the merchandise for 80% of the remaining Total Cost, plus applicable sales tax. See Store Manager for complete details. Consulta con el Gerente de la Tienda para los detalles completos. †Offer good while supplies last and cannot be combined with any other promotion. The “Total Price” does not include applicable taxes, optional fees and other charges (such as late charges) that you may incur. Advertised rental rates and terms are for new merchandise only. Prices not valid outside U.S. Savings from reduced weekly rates will not reduce early purchase option or total amount necessary to acquire ownership. Only select items may be combined or bundled; some items excluded. “Save $8 per week” applies only to Ashley “Brodie” Sofa and Loveseat (5570138/35, 5570238/35, 5570338/35, 5570438/35) combined with Ashley Tables and Lamps (T180-13 or T165-13 and L405284-2 or L141714-2). Offer ends 12/31/15. **Delivery and set-up are included, and RAC services and maintains the merchandise while on rent (or in NJ for duration stated on agreement); set-up does not include connection of gas appliances. For model upgrades, simply return the product you are currently renting and open a new agreement for another model. You can return your product and freeze your payments. To restart an agreement on a returned product, RAC will retain your payment records for two years. Thereafter, simply bring in your last payment receipt for reinstatement Other trademarks, registered trademarks and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the properties of their respective owners. ROP1512_MIL_COL

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Ensure toys safe for age, abilityEditor’s note: This article is

reprinted from “The Exceptional Advocate,” a newsletter for military Families with special needs.

Are you ready for this year’s round of holiday shopping?

You’ve probably made a list and maybe even checked it twice. But if that list includes toys for the children in your Family, it’s important to make sure those toys are both fun and appropriate for their age, abilities and needs.

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, which stresses the importance of finding safe toys for your children to enjoy.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires all children’s toys to meet mandatory safety regulations. As a parent, you can serve an important role by making sure toys are appropriate and used correctly at all times.

Consider some of these factors before purchasing a toy for a child:

² Age: Find toys that are appropriate for the child’s age group.

² Level of development: Search for toys that interest your child based on his capabilities.

² Special needs: Some children may be sensitive to toys that make loud noises or have blinking lights.

² Abilities and skill level: Toys should be challeng-ing enough without being frustrating to a child.

² Durability: Make sure a toy can stand up to repeated use by your child. Once you get those new

toys home, follow these “SAFE” tips provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

² Supervision: Watch children as they play with toys, and teach children how to use toys safely. Keep an eye out

for any broken parts. ² Age appropriate: Read labels on toys to make sure they’re safe for the child, and choose toys that are appropriate for your child’s specific needs.

² Free of hazards: Avoid toys with small parts, sharp points

and edges, and long cords for younger children.

² Equipment: Use the appropriate safety equip-ment when using certain toys, such as helmets and protective clothing while bicycling or skateboarding. And set a good example by using protective gear when you participate with your child.Read more about

enjoying healthy holidays at Military OneSource (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-and-wellness). Celebrate a fun and festive season by giving your children safe toys for

their enjoyment. Their safety and happiness is a gift that will keep on giving throughout the year.

Contact the Army Community Service Exceptional Family Member Program office at 526-4590 for more information.

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Photo by Jeanine Mezei

Culinary specialists Spc. Chantal Lucas, right, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Spc. Allen Druitt, 59th Military Police Company, 759th MP Battalion, unload turkeys at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy Nov. 18.

Photo by Jeanine Mezei

Culinary specialists prepare to unwrap turkeys at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy Nov. 18. Cooks from around the post volunteered to work in support of Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Community Dinner in Colorado Springs.

Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams

Photo by Sgt. William Smith

Carson shows thanks with local holiday meal

By Sgt. William Smith4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Offi ce

“It is our way of giving back” was the answer every culinary specialist replied as to why they volunteered to prepare 367 turkeys and all of the Thanksgiving meal side dishes.

Seventeen culinary specialists spent more than 48 hours

cooking over 3,000 dinners for the Colorado Springs Salvation Army Thanksgiving Day meal.

This is the 25th year Fort Carson teamed up with the Colorado Springs Salvation Army to provide holiday meals to community members.

The volunteers prepared more than 4,400 pounds of turkey, 635 pounds of green beans and 1,100 pounds of mashed potatoes and stuffi ng.

“I am honored to help serve those who are less fortunate,” said Sgt. Shawn Ribar, culinary specialist, Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. “I am humbled by the opportunity to be able to give back to the community. I would encourage others to do the same when afforded the chance.”

Sgt. 1st Class Mark Vickery, NCO in charge for the meal service, said he is glad Fort Carson is able to give back to the community.

“The Soldiers are here on their own time to cook and prepare all of the food for the meal,” Vickery said. “It is 100 percent volunteers; they are cooking because they want to give back to the community and all it does for us.

“The Front Range community does a lot for us,” he said. “They have a number of programs that benefi t so many of our military members in the community, and this is our way to give back for all that they do.”

Spc. Tony Lee, an immigrant from South Korea who became a citizen before joining the U.S. Army, said he is honored to have the opportunity to help make this meal happen for the past two years.

“It feels great to help those who are less fortunate,” said Lee, a culinary specialist with 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “When I was in the Republic of Korea Army, we never had anything to give back to the people.”

After the Soldiers prepared the meals, Fort Carson leaders helped serve the food at the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving Day.

“This is a great opportunity to support our community by helping those who are less fortunate,” said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. “Having the Army support, especially Fort Carson and all of its Soldiers contributing, from our cooks to our Soldiers who are helping serve, is absolutely wonderful. It is just a special moment for me to participate in something like this and see everybody’s enjoyment in having our Soldiers give their time.”

Photo by Sgt. William Smith

Sgt. Daniel Dickens, culinary specialist, 984th Military Police Company, 759th MP Battalion, opens cans of green beans Nov. 24 at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy. Food service specialists volunteered to cook 367 turkeys, 1,100 pounds of mashed potatoes and stuffi ng and 635 pounds of green beans for the Thanksgiving Day meal served at the Salvation Army.

Pfc. Kendrick Taylor, culinary specialist, 110th Military Police Company, 759th MP Battalion, cuts up turkey at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy Nov. 24.

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Commanding General Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves,

right; his wife, Janet Gonsalves; and Sgt. Maj. William J. Richards III, food service sergeant major,

4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, serve Thanksgiving dinners at the Colorado Springs Salvation Army

Corps community center Nov. 26. Brig. Gen. James J. Mingus, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div., and his wife, Amy Mingus, also helped fi ll plates and

trays with turkey and all the trimmings during the annual community holiday dinner.


Chapel briefsFacebook — Search “Fort Carson Chaplains (Religious

Support Offi ce)” for events and schedules.Chapel NeXt — meets at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday

at Veterans Chapel. Contemporary worship, children’s ministry and biblical preaching is offered

during both services. Youth group meets Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Chapel NeXt Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/chapelnextfortcarson for more information.

Religious Education class — Classes are held from 10:30-11:50 a.m. throughout the school year for

preschool (at least 4 years old) through high school. Registration is also being held for adults seeking to be confi rmed in the Catholic church. These classes are held on a weeknight. Contact Pat Treacy at 524-2458 or [email protected] for details.

Youth Ministries — Prussman youth group meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. and the Veterans Chapel youth group meets Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Catholic youth group meets at 2 p.m. Sunday at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel.

Catholic Women of the Chapel — Child care is available by emailing children’s names and ages to [email protected]. CWOC meets Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel; call 526-5769.

Protestant Women of the Chapel — meets Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel. Free child care is available. Email [email protected] or visit “PWOC Fort Carson” on Facebook for details.

Native American prayer/spiritual services — The He Ska Akicita (White Mountain Warriors) hosts Inipi (sweat lodge) services at Turkey Creek Recreation Area biweekly and include prayer and purifi cation, blessing of protection, and continued spiritual and emotional support. The ceremonies are conducted in traditional Lakota Style. Call Michael Hackwith at 719-285-5240 or Kevin Cheek at 405-313-8049 for more information and protocols.

Knights of Columbus — a Catholic group for men 18 and older, meets the third Wednesday of the month at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel. Call 526-5769 for details.

Latter Day Saints Soldiers — meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. for pizza and social, followed by an Institute (Bible study) at 6:30 p.m. at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel. Contact elder Ott Dameron at 433-2659 or [email protected] or Capt. Jacob Snell, chaplain, at 330-3120 or [email protected] for information or a ride.

Chapel scheduleCatholicSoldiers’ ChapelNelson Boulevard and Martinez Street

• Saturday, 4:15-4:45 p.m., reconciliation, 526-8583

• Saturday, 5 p.m., Mass, 526-8583• Sunday, 8:15-8:45 a.m.,

reconciliation, 526-8583• Sunday, 9 a.m., Mass, 526-8583

• Sunday, 10:30 a.m., religious education, 524-2458

• Sunday, 10:30 a.m., RCIA, 524-2458

• Monday-Friday, 11:45 a.m., mass, 526-8583

• Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., CWOC, 526-5769

Healer ChapelEvans Army Community Hospital

• All Catholic services and daily Mass are temporarily suspended.

ProtestantHealer Chapel (Traditional)Evans Army Community Hospital• Sunday, 9 a.m., worship, 526-7386

Prussman Chapel (Gospel)Barkeley Avenue and Prussman Boulevard

• Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Sunday school, 526-5744

• Sunday, 11 a.m., gospel, 526-9640

Soldiers’ Chapel (Multidenominational Worship Celebration)Nelson Boulevard and Martinez Street

• Sunday, 11 a.m., worship, 524-4316• Tuesday, 9 a.m., PWOC, 524-4316

Veterans Chapel Magrath Avenue and Titus Boulevard

• Sunday 9:30 and 11 a.m., Chapel NeXt, 526-8889

Eastern OrthodoxFort Carson does not offer Eastern Orthodox services on post. For off-post services please call 715-473-9238.

JewishFort Carson does not offer Jewish services on post. Contact the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel for Jewish services information at 333-2636. The chapel is located at 2346 Academy Place on the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Islamic

Colorado Warriors Sweat LodgeMeets once or twice monthly and upon special request. Contact Michael Hackwith at 719-285-5240 or Kevin Cheek at 405-313-8049.

Fort Carson does not offer Islamic services on post. Contact the Islamic Society at 2125 N. Chestnut, 632-3364 for information.

Fort Carson Open Circle (Wicca)Fort Carson does not offer Wicca services on post at this time.

Latter Day SaintsService held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel. Contact Capt. Brian Croak, chaplain and LDS branch presidency, at 502-0739.

Events show battle against evil is not over

Commentary by Capt. Matthew Shenton

Chaplain, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 68th Combat Sustainment Support

Battalion, 4th Infantry Division

“Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm

if he takes no part and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass

their ends than that good men should look on and do nothing.” — John Stuart Mill

No one who has fi rsthand seen the atrocities of war can argue that it is truly a tragic thing; lives are lost, people are injured, houses and communities are destroyed. However, I would argue that it is not the most tragic of things in this world. Far more tragic is the loss of morals, values and patriotism which lends people to think that nothing is worth a war.

When people are used as mere instru-ments of war for no greater good it degrades a society. However, a war to protect other human beings against tyrannical evil; a war to give victory to the ideas of what is right and good, carried on for an honest purpose through their free choice is what sustains a great society. Throughout our history brave men and women have fought to establish and preserve our one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Mill said, “A man who has nothing which he is willing to fi ght for, nothing which he cares more about than he does

about his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”

Current world events have shown us once again that our battle against evil is not over. The Message Bible translation of Ephesians 6:13-18 says, “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words and you should learn how to apply them because you’ll need them throughout your life. God’s word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”

This is the war that we must keep fi ghting. Evil has had many names over the course of our history; fascism, Nazism, communism, Al-Qaida, and now ISIS, but in the end it is all evil. My Christian faith teaches that God’s plan for each of us to overcome this evil is that whoever believes that Jesus is the savior is born of God. Every person born of God overcomes the world and the power that overcomes the world is our faith. The person who conquers the evil of this world is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5).

Photo by Maj. Luiz Lopez-Colon

Maj. Larry Hambrick, left, relinquishes his responsibility as the senior pastor of the Prussman Chapel congregation to Capt. Stewart Williams, right, during a changing of the stole ceremony Nov. 15. Hambrick, who has served as the senior pastor of the congregation since February, relinquished his responsibility by placing the “U.S. Army Chaplains Stole” over Williams’ shoulders. Garrison Chaplain Col. Terry L. McBride, center, officiated the ceremony which dates back to the Army Chaplain Corps 1775 tradition when Gen. George Washington commissioned Continental Army “clergy” to serve as chaplains for the Soldiers. When the prophet Elijah anointed Elisha to serve as the next prophet, he placed his mantle upon Elisha symbolizing the “transfer of ministry responsibility.”

Changing of the stole


Claims to the estateCapt. Tobey R. Hockridge — With deepest regret

to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should contact Maj. Cara McLean at 303-358-7167.

Sgt. John Gardner — With deepest regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should contact Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stuart Mitchell at 253-691-7887.

Upcoming events Yard sales — can be held on post from 8 a.m. to

3 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month through December. Post residents set up their items in front of their homes. Single Soldiers and military Families who reside off post can set up in the building 5510 parking lot. Yard sales are organized and conducted by the Installation Mayoral Program and the Balfour Beatty Family Housing Office. Call the Mayoral Program at 526-8303 or Army Community Service at 526-4590 for more information. Civilians who would like to participate can access the installation at Gate 1 off of Highway 115 and will need to show a driver’s license or valid state identification for every one over age 18, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Those without a DOD identification card must undergo a National Crime Information Center background check. All vehicles are subject to search.

General announcementsDonated annual leave for Fort Carson civilian

employees — is currently being accepted for the following civilians who have exhausted all available leave because of medical emergencies under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program: Carmelita Carrillo, Andrea Cunningham, and Holly Hathaway, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Matthew Channing, Military Entry Processing Station – Denver; David Grant, Denver Recruiting Battalion; Sandra Ryon, Dental Activity; Carlos Torres, Directorate of Emergency Services; and Rhonda Wells, Space and Missile Defense Command. Any Army appropriated fund civilian employees wishing to donate annual leave must complete the OPM Form 630a found at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf(underscore)fill/opm630a.pdf. Non-Army appropriated fund civilian employee from another federal agency interested in donating leave must complete the OPM Form 630b found at http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf(underscore)fill/opm630b.pdf and provide to their civilian personnel/HR office for annotation. Both forms must then be forwarded to Irma Otte, Fort Carson Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, via fax at 526-6128 or via email at [email protected] with the subject line “VLTP.” Otte can be reached at 719-526-9341. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency and about to exhaust leave can contact the CPAC Management Employee Relations team at 526-8317/1006/1336/4270.

Civilian injury reporting system — Migration to the Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP) began Nov. 1, a change from the original start date of Sept. 30. The Department of Defense (DOD) has entered into an agreement with Department of Labor (DOL) to use ECOMP, the DOL electronic civilian injury reporting system, for appropriated fund civilian workers’ compensation claims. ECOMP will replace the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) currently used to file claims across DOD. ECOMP is expected to provide easier access to filing claims, and result in improved timeliness of claims establishment, adjudication, and payments. An option in ECOMP allows for an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 301, Injury and Illness Report to be completed as part of the claims process; however, Army will not be deploying this capability at this time. All appropriated fund civilian employees and supervisors of civilian employees should complete the online training. This training, to include written and video tutorials, can be found under the “Help” menu on the left side of the ECOMP home page (https://www.ecomp.dol.gov). Contact John Pylypiw, 526-3004; Irma Otte, 526-9341; or Clinton Moss, 526-0294; at the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center for more information.

Fingerprinting at the Fort Carson Police Station — is available from 8-10 a.m. Monday-Friday.

Fingerprinting will only be done for on-post employment and for adoptions. Individuals requesting fingerprints for adoptions are required to provide their own fingerprint cards.

Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) offers online payments — EACH offers an online pay-ment option. Pay.gov is a convenient and quick way to make electronic payments to federal government agencies with credit cards, debit cards or direct debit. This is a secure service provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Paying online is the preferred method for paying EACH medical bills. Visit http://www.evans.amedd.army.mil/RMD/pay-gov.htm for more information.

Payday loan complaints — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is accepting complaints from borrowers encountering problems with payday loans. Visit http://www.consumerfinance. gov/complaint or call 855-411-2372.

VIN verification — Colorado Vehicle Identification Number verifications will be conducted at the Fort Carson Police Station, building 2700, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Nurse advice line — is available 24/7 and is a resource Families can use if they become ill while traveling. Call 800-874-2273, option 1, to talk to a registered nurse who can answer urgent care questions, give health care advice and help find a doctor in the area. Locally, TRICARE beneficiaries can call 524-2273, option 3, to speak with a nurse.

Military spouse competitive employment — Spouses of active-duty service members upon arrival to new duty stations from the contiguous U.S. may apply for competitive employment under Executive Order 13473. There is a two-year restriction from the date of the sponsor’s order to use the authorization. Spouses returning from overseas may apply under Executive Order 12721, which gives three years to use the authorization. Spouses of a veteran with 100 percent service connected disability may be eligible for employment under different circumstances. The Employment Readiness Program, Army Community Service, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, can assist spouses in applying for education and employment. Contact the ERP staff at 526-0452/0467 for information.

Veterinary clinic hours — The Fort Carson Veterinary Center, 1535 Sheridan Ave., building 6190, is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and closed on federal holidays. The center offers wellness exams, vaccinations, microchip implanta-tion, dental appointments and sick call as well as some surgeries, including spaying and neutering. The center also has X-ray, ultrasound and other advanced imaging capabilities. Call 526-3803/4520 for information or to make an appointment.

Wait time information available online — Patients with appointments for radiology and specialty care at Evans Army Community Hospital can visit EACH’s website to learn when the next appoint-ment is available. The information is updated every two hours for specialty clinics and weekly for radiology. EACH attempts to see patients at the hospital, but if appointments are not available within the 28 day standard for specialty care, patients may receive a letter with instructions for how to book an appointment with a network specialist. Visit http://www.evans.amedd.army.mil/vs/csavailapp.aspx to check wait times.

JAG assists with name change, adoption — The Legal Assistance Office provides help in adult name changes and simple stepparent adoptions. The office cannot provide court representation but can furnish the necessary documents and procedural information. Call 526-5572 for more information.

4th Infantry Division Gift Shop — A variety of division and customizable unit-specific merchandise is available. The gift shop is located in The Hub, building 1532. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays.

Voting assistance — The Voting Assistance Office is located in building 1218, room 105. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Call 526-1140 or email the installation voting assistance officer at [email protected]. Visit http://www.fvap.gov for more information.

Pediatrics clinic — Evans Army Community Hospital’s pediatrics clinic has an embedded behavioral health psychologist/counselor

available to work with parents who have concerns about their child’s behavior, discipline or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. A pediatric pharmacist is also available to manage children’s medication.

Civilian Assistance Services — provides short-term assistance to Department of the Army Civilian employees, active-duty spouses and Family members, and retired military personnel and eligible family members with adult living problems, substance use concerns and issues affecting workplace productivity and well-being. Worksite interventions are offered and consulta-tion is available to super visors and managers regarding workplace matters. Services are free to eligible civilians and DA civilian employees. Services are made available through the Fort Carson Employee Assistance Program located at 1638 Elwell St., building 6236, room 210. Call 526-2196 for a confidential inquiry.

Same day appointments — Evans Army Community Hospital Family Medicine Clinics, Internal Medicine Clinic and Pediatric Clinic are operating under an appointment model called “Open Access,” offering same day appointments. Beneficiaries may not be offered the exact hour they want. Call the Access to Care Line, 526-2273, to make an appointment.

Transfer military hospital or clinic when relocating — TRICARE Online (TOL) users must update their military hospital or clinic location online each time they relocate. Transferring military hospital or clinic affiliation in TOL does not automatically transfer the TRICARE enrollment in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

Ambulance service — Post officials urge community members to contact emergency personnel by calling 911 instead of driving personal vehicles to the emergency room. In the event of a life- or limb-threatening emergency, skilled paramedics and ambulance crew will be able to administer critical care and aid. Contact the Emergency Department at 526-7111 for more information.

The Mountain Post Spouses Club — is a nonprofit, all ranks spouses group at Fort Carson, dedicated to giving back to Soldiers and their families. Membership is open to all spouses of the Armed Forces, both active duty and retired. Visit http://www.mpsc.us for more information.

Military Appreciation Breakfast — The Southeast Armed Services YMCA hosts a monthly military appreciation breakfast the fourth Friday of every month from 7:30- 9:30 a.m. Open to all people affiliated with the Department of Defense. Email Drew Aquino at [email protected] for details.


Bodyblast bonds Family members to fi tness

Story and photo by Walt JohnsonMountaineer staff

A group exercise program is giving people on the Mountain Post a chance to get in shape and join a family-oriented community, according to Melissa Campos, Bodyblast 4x4 Fort Carson coach.

The family-friendly Bodyblast program is designed to help anyone of any fi tness level get healthy, said Campos. She said Body Blast was started at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and has expanded to Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and is now offered at Fort Carson.

“We serve military Families and our goal is to help them understand the value of being active and healthy,” she said. “Some people may not be comfortable or have other reservations about going to a workout program. We are different in that we are more than a workout, we are more of a family-bonding team that works out. We support each other during our workout and beyond.”

She said the group is inspiring to her because members do more than just work out together, they also do bonding and community service projects.

Campos said they go hiking together and throw birthday parties for members and their families. The group will be putting together holiday boxes and sending them off this year to deployed troops.

“We do other community service programs, too. The fun of it is (that) it all depends on what the group wants to do that drives our community service projects. We all don’t do the same community service projects, but we all want to do something in the line of community service projects,” Campos said.

When Campos began Bodyblast training she was the person in the back of the class that couldn’t keep up with the workout. She noted there were times she didn’t want to go to the workouts and just wanted to walk away. But she stuck with it because her coach encouraged her the way she

now encourages others, she said.“I remember saying to myself this is not for

me, (but) then I realized the difference between this class and other workout programs is (that) we don’t emphasize the workout as much as we emphasize the family bonding,” Campos said.

“When you walk into the session there will always be someone saying hello and checking to see how things are going. We are also very welcoming of people bringing their children to the workouts; they are a part of the workout program, too,” she said. “We also tend to do a lot of high-fi ving after each song and constantly encouraging people that they are getting the workout.”

Visit Bodyblast 4x4 Fort Carson Colorado Blastit Fitness on Facebook for more information on the program.

FOOTBALL PICKSCollege

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Melissa Campos, left, leads a Bodyblast 4x4 exercise class at the Balfour Beatty Community Center.


Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center will be closed until Dec. 12 for floor resurfacing.

During this time all aerobic classes scheduled at the facility will be moved to Waller Physical Fitness Center (PFC). Officials noted the classes will be held at the same time and day, and with the same instructors. Call McKibben, Garcia or Waller PFC for more information.

Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club holds its annual Christmas sale through Jan. 3.

People can receive 5-30 percent off purchases in the pro shop or special orders with a combined value of $25 or more. The golf course will also have golf and range punch cards, trail fees, annual fees and frequent rider cards on sale. The golf course staff is hosting a winter series Sundays at 9 a.m. through March 6. The series is open to individual players and reservations are not necessary. Twilight prices are being offered for the event. Call 526-4102 for more information.

The DFMWR Sports and Fitness Division will hold its regular season battalion and company level basketball league meeting Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center.

League action is scheduled to begin Jan. 5. Registration will continue through Dec. 17. Games are scheduled to be played Monday- Thursday at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. The league is open to anyone with a DOD identification card. The intramural preseason tournament scheduled for December has been cancelled. Contact the center at 526-2706 for more information.

DFMWR Sports and Fitness Division staff holds its annual Jingle Bell 5-kilometer fun run/walk Dec. 11 at 8 a.m.

The free event is open to the public and registration is required by Wednesday at Garcia Physical Fitness Center. Strollers and pets on a leash are welcome. Special prizes are available for best costume for male and female adults, male and female children and pets. There will be free T-shirts and jingle bells while supplies last. Prizes

will be awarded for selected finishers of the race. Call 526-3944 for more information.

Child, Youth and School Services registers athletes for its winter season sports through Dec. 11.

Registration for basketball and cheerleading can be done in person at Parent Central Services, building 1518 on Prussman Boulevard, or online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/ carsoncyms.html. Call 526-4425 for details.

The Fountain-Fort Carson High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are preparing for the upcoming season.

The boys’ team opened its season Thursday when it traveled to Grand Junction Central High School to participate in the Warrior Challenge three-day tournament. The team will travel to Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs

Thursday before competing in the Cherry Creek Tournament in Aurora beginning Dec. 21. The Lady Trojans begin play Wednesday in the Douglas County High School tournament in Denver. The team will then host its first home game of the season against the Cañon City Lady Tigers at 7 p.m. Dec. 16.

The Mesa Ridge High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are also preparing for their upcoming seasons.

The boys’ team will compete in the Palmer High School tournament in Colorado Springs Wednesday to Dec. 12 before traveling to Pueblo Central High School Dec. 16 to play at 7 p.m. The team will conclude play in December when it hosts Doherty High School Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

The Lady Grizzlies opened season play Wednesday in the William J. Palmer High School

tournament in Colorado Springs. The team will conclude play in that tournament Saturday. The Lady Grizzlies’ first road game will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Pueblo East High School. The Lady Grizzlies will play in the Dakota Ridge tournament Thursday to Dec. 12 in Littleton before closing out December play with a game at Pueblo South High School Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Child, Youth and Schools Services (CYSS) officials are

looking for people interested in volunteering as youth sports and fitness coaches. Anyone interested in being

a coach must pass a back-ground check, attend a mandatory training session and be available two to three hours a week for practices and games. CYSS officials said anyone interested in being a coach must have good communication skills with the CYSS sports staff and parents of the players. According to officials,

youth coaches receive discounts on sports enrollment for their children, promotion points for active-duty Soldiers, volunteer hours and resume building while making a positive impact on the community. Contact Youth Sports at 526-4425 for more information.

— Compiled by Walt Johnson

Photo by Walt Johnson

Tameka Dzuricky, left, Fort Carson Zumba intructor, leads members of the Mountain Post in a Zumba Dance Sunday at City Auditorium in Colorado Springs. The Carson family members took part in the annual Cancer Awareness Zumbathon which sees many Zumba communities in the Colorado Springs area come together to raise funds to fight cancer.

Zumba time

Photo by Walt Johnson

A Fort Carson varsity team player puts up a layup during action against Colorado Christian University (CCU) Nov. 21 at the U.S. Air Force Academy gym. The post team defeated CCU, 99-76.

Rise to score


The holiday season can be stressful for military Families

who may be facing deployments, are far away from parents

and siblings or perhaps have had a recent permanent-change-

of-station move and are in unfamiliar surroundings.

Maybe this is a good time to start new Family holiday

traditions. Why not go to Pike National Forest and cut your own

Christmas tree rather than buying one from a local Christmas tree lot?

Take sandwiches and hot chocolate and make it a new Family excursion

tradition. Or, take the Family to Acacia Park in downtown Colorado

Springs and skate on the outdoor ice skating rink. Fort Carson is only a

20-minute drive to Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole — a Christmas-

themed amusement park. Ride the Santa Express Train and the children

can visit with Santa when he boards. There’s a free holiday concert

on post Thursday, presented by the 4th Infantry Division Band.

Another choice might be to go to the Festival of Lights Parade in

downtown Colorado Springs Saturday.

Why not start a new Family tradition and make some fond

memories? Listed are activities to choose from, many of them free.

Other activities are listed by categories, based on the ticket cost for

one adult. See pages 24-25 for list of events.

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Myriad holiday activities available in

Pikes Peak area

24 MOUNTAINEER — Dec. 4, 2015 25Dec. 4, 2015 — MOUNTAINEER

Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, the museum is open noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for ages 17-64 and military adults are charged $6. Children 3-16 are charged $6 and children 2 and under are admitted free. “Electricritters” is the

annual holiday event in the Pueblo Zoo, Friday-Sunday, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-27, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Hot chocolate is available in the Candy Cane Café. Admission is $7 for anyone older than 13 and $5 for children. Those under 3 are admitted free. The zoo is in Pueblo City Park at 3455 Nuckolls Ave. Call 719-561-1452 for information. “Electric Safari” is in Cheyenne

Mountain Zoo for the 25th year. It is open Friday-Sunday, and is open nightly Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 25-Jan. 1. It is not open Christmas Eve. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 7:30 p.m. The holiday exhibit has 85 animal sculptures and thousands of lights. Admission for active-duty and retired military is $5.25 per person with military identification. Add the sky ride to the visit for $4. Ice skate in Acacia Park

through Jan. 18; admission is $10 per person and includes skates. Children 4 and under skate free with a paid adult and active-duty military with identifi-cation get a $1 discount. See the hours at http://www.downtowncs.com. “The Wishing Tree” is a play

for the holiday season, presented by the Fountain Community Theater Friday-Saturday and Dec. 10-12 at 7 p.m. There’s a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday preceded by family activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including hayrides, holiday booths and pictures with Santa. The production is at Heritage Event Center, 737 Dale St., in Fountain. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $7 for active-duty military, seniors and children. A family package of four tickets is $25. Tickets can be purchased at http://www. fountaintheater.org or from the Fountain Newspaper, 120 E. Ohio Ave., and Ink Fountain Printing, 721 Dale St.

$20 OR UNDER “Denver Zoo Lights” include

70 acres of lights and 150 animal sculptures. Visitors can see the lights from 5:30-9 p.m. through Jan. 3. Adult tickets are $13 and ages 3-11 are $9. Call 720-337-1418 for more informa-tion. The zoo is in Denver City Park.

“Blossoms of Light” uses a million lights to decorate the Denver Botanic Gardens. Warm drinks and treats are available. The hours are 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10-$13, ask for the military discount. Denver Botanic Gardens is at 1007 York St., east of downtown Denver. “The Christmas Donkey” is in

the Butte Theater,

139 Bennett Ave. in Cripple

Creek, at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, with

a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday-Sunday through Dec. 27; visit http://www.butttetheater.com or call 719-689-3247 for ticket information. Tickets are $12-$18. Flying W Wranglers Holiday

Show is Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. at Stargazers Theater, 10 S. Parkside Drive. Tickets in advance are $15 plus a ticketing fee. If available, tickets on day of show are $20 plus ticketing fee; call 476-2200. Santa’s Workshop at the North

Pole, a Christmas-themed amusement park, is open Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas Eve, when it closes for the season at 4 p.m. Active-duty or retired military with military identi-fication, including anyone 10 or older, gets a $5 discount off the regular admission of $21 for ages 2-60. The park is off the Pikes Peak Highway, accessed at the small town of Cascade on Highway 24 west. “A Christmas Carol,” a

marionette show, is at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday; and Sunday and at 7 p.m. Friday, through Dec. 31 at the Simpich Showcase Marionette Theatre, 2412 W. Colorado Ave. Tickets are $12-$16. Visit http://www.simpich.com for tickets. “Irving Berlin’s White

Christmas” is in the Fine Arts Center theater, 30 W. Dale St., Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at

2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Thursday-Jan. 3. Tickets start at $20. Trace Bundy’s Acoustic

Holiday Show is Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Drive. Call 476-2200 for tickets, which are $19 to $24. “Deck the Hall,” performed

by the Colorado Springs Chorale, is Dec. 11 in the Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave. Call 520 SHOW for tickets, which start at $20.

$40 - $60 The Royal Gorge Railroad

Route runs a train from Cañon City to “Santa Town,” where Santa boards the train and visits with children. Along the way, Santa’s helpers tell Christmas stories, lead passengers in singing Christmas carols and everybody has cookies and hot chocolate. Train tickets are $40-$60 for adults and $30-$50 for children, depending on the train class chosen. Santa Express runs through Dec. 27, but seats fill up quickly; call 888-724-5748. Mannheim Steamroller

Christmas concert is Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Pueblo Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place in Pueblo. Call 719-542-1100 for tickets, starting at $60.

Compiled by Nel LampeMountaineer staff

FREE A living nativity is at Solders’

Memorial Chapel, Friday, 6-8 p.m. The live depiction of the biblical story of Jesus’ birth is Family friendly, with live animals and holiday music. The Colorado

Springs’ annual holiday parade, the Festival of Lights, is Saturday at 5:50 p.m. The parade features bands and floats fes-tively decorated with tiny white lights and begins at Tejon and St. Vrain streets and ends at Tejon Street and Vermijo Avenue. Colorado

Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St., has a free family fun day Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for all ages. There’ll be a variety of activities. A free Tuba Christmas

concert is in Acacia Park Band Shell downtown at 4 p.m. Saturday. The Little London Winds

presents its annual Hanukkah concert Friday at 7 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 1523 E. Monument St. The concert includes traditional Hanukkah music. Old Colorado City has

entertainment in Bancroft Park on weekends and Santa will be in the cabin 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He’ll also be there Christmas Eve, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The historic district on Colorado Avenue from 23rd to 27th Street, on the city’s west side, is festively decorated during the holidays. The Broadmoor Hotel and

grounds are decorated in white lights during the holiday season. Drive by the hotel or take a walk on the grounds to see the decorative lights. A free German-style

Christkindl Market is in Skyline Park in Denver, just off the 16th Street Mall at Arapahoe Street. Food vendors sell German-style food and hot spiced wine and entertainers provide live music and dancing in the holiday tent. Christmas Market vendors offer tra-ditional European wares from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Dec. 23. The park’s trees are decorated with 50,000 lights. There’s free

skating in the skating rink next to the Christkindl

Market in Skyline Park off the 16th Street Mall until Feb. 15. Call the rink hotline at 303-825-6787 or visit http://www.SouthwestRink.com for information. Skates rent for $2 or bring your own skates. Georgetown’s 55th annual

European-style outdoor Christmas market Saturday-Sunday and Dec.

12-13. On Sixth Street In the historic mining town of

Georgetown, there are carolers, musical enter-tainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, roasted chestnuts and food vendors. St. Nicholas will be on hand. Georgetown

is west of Denver off Interstate 70.

Denver Parade of Lights is Friday at 8 p.m. and

Saturday at 6 p.m. There

will be marching bands, floats, giant bal-

loons and horse-drawn

carriages. The parade runs a 2-mile route that spectators can view for free. For information, visit http://www.denverparadeoflights.com. Visit downtown Denver

during December for a real treat — Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination includes the City and County Building at 1437 Bannock St., which is bathed in red, green, blue and white floodlights. There’s also Denver Union Station with its lighted tree, at 17th and Wynkoop streets. Visit the 16th Street Mall where 100,000 LED lights are in the 200 trees along the 1.25-mile-long mall. Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions, near the 16th Street Mall, will also be decorated for the holidays. One of the worldwide Tuba

Christmas Concerts will be in Skyline Park Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. Skyline Park is off the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver, at Arapahoe and 16th streets.

The 4th Infantry Division Band presents a free holiday concert Thursday at McMahon Auditorium at 7:17 p.m. The concert also features a 98th anniversary tribute to the 4th Inf. Div. The U.S. Air Force

Academy Band presents its holiday concerts, “Holly & Ivy,” at the Pikes Peak Center Dec. 14-15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are free but required, and are avail-able at the Pikes Peak Center and Broadmoor World Arena box offices. “Amahl and

the Night Visitors” is a free production Saturday at First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There’s also an Advent Festival Saturday at the church, begin-ning at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Activities include Christmas crafts, a cake walk and a visit from Santa. Cheyenne Mountain State

Park’s annual holiday open house is Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event includes a visit with Santa Claus, refreshments, face painting, children’s crafts, a family winter activity and a 20 percent discount in the gift shop. No park pass is required for this event. “Music for the Christmas

Season” by Kantorei, is at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave. Admission is by free-will offering. “My Soul Doth Magnify the

Lord” by Soli Deo Gloria Choir is at 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at the First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. A donation of nonperishable food items is suggested. Little London Winds presents

its annual Christmas concert at Bethel Lutheran Church at 4925 Farmingdale Road. The free concert is at 7 p.m. and features traditional holiday tunes. North American Aerospace

Defense Command tracks Santa during the holidays. Go online to the

site for games and other informa-tion: http://www.noradsanta.org.

A Kwanzaa celebra-tion is Dec. 26 from noon

to 4 p.m. at the Hillside Community Center,

925 S. Institute in Colorado Springs.

It’s free and open to the public.

$3 Bent’s

Old Fort National Historic Site celebrates the holidays in 1840s’ style Saturday.

The fort opens at 9 a.m. Saturday with

toy making in the carpenter’s

shop, followed by wagon

rides at 11 a.m. Afternoon activities include a taffy pull, toy making, a piñata break and a yule log hunt. Candlelight tours are at 5 p.m. and guests interact with role-players celebrating the holidays. To reserve a space on the Saturday candlelight tours, call 719-383-5026. Admission is $3 for anyone 13 and older and $2 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Bent’s Old Fort is 6 miles east of La Junta via Highway 194.

$10 OR UNDER The Pike National Forest,

Pikes Peak Ranger District, is selling tree cutting permits at the Pikes Peak Ranger District office, 601 S. Weber St. in Colorado Springs, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The cost is $10 per tree permit. Tree cutting permits will also be sold in Woodland Park Saturday-Sunday and Dec. 12-13 between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the east parking lot of Woodland Park Middle School, Rampart Range and Kelley roads. Only cash and checks will be accepted. The tree cutting area is about 3 miles from the middle school and trees may be cut until Dec. 16. Tree cutters should be prepared for winter driving conditions and un-plowed roads. For more information call 719-477-4221 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/psicc/pikespeak. The movie “Frozen” is at the

Broadmoor Hotel Movie Theater Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., with complimentary popcorn and cookies. Tickets at the door are $10. The theater is inside the main hotel, at 1 Lake Ave. Buell Children’s Museum’s

current exhibit is “Do-It-Yourself Santa.” Visitors can create their own gifts at workstations, make a clothespin nutcracker tree ornament or help Mrs. Santa and the elves in the workshop. The museum is in downtown Pueblo at 210 N. Santa Fe Ave., and its hours are Tuesday,

2015 holiday activities

Places to see in thePikes Peak area.


For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased, now through January 2, 2016, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer’s choice of one of the following charities: ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Make-A-Wish Foundation®Meals On Wheels Association of AmericaNational Park FoundationUpaDownaAll Breed Rescue & TrainingDisclaimer - *Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 19, 2015, through January 2, 2016, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee, up to $15,000,000 in total. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. Certain participating retailers will make an additional donation to the Hometown Charities selected. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 31, 2016. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.

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ringing in the holidays - fort carson

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