army strives to improve hhg process · 25-10-2019 · army strives to improve hhg process by devon...

Oct. 25, 2019Vol. 77, No. 42

Message board Inside

3 Page 5

Page 21

On-post trick-or-treat

hours are Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m.

Firefighters, 4CAB train together

Photo by Sgt. Elizabeth C. Harris

Fort Carson firefighters begin to free a pilot from an Apache helicopter to pull him out safely Oct. 18 at Butts Army Airfield. The Fort Carson Fire Department worked with 6th Aviation Reconnaissance Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment,

4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, to conduct a pre-action plan rehearsal for a downed aircraft. The training prepared both entities for real-world scenarios. See story on pages 16-17.

Army strives to improve HHG processBy Devon L. SuitsArmy News Service

WASHINGTON — The Army is making improvements to the household goods (HHG), process to help alleviate some of the stress attributed to a permanent change of station (PCS) move.

One initiative being considered is getting Soldiers their orders 120 days before their PCS date, said

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell, G-4 assistant deputy chief of staff.

“What that would do is allow (Soldiers and Families) to better mediate their timelines versus getting orders late and then having to work through issues with a truncated schedule,” he said during an Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition.

The Army is also working on a knowledge-based smartphone app to assist with the HHG process. The

app will streamline all HHG resources and policies into one location, allowing Soldiers and their Families to discover benefits that can help them before, during and after the HHG process.

For example, some Soldiers may be able to initiate an exception to policy request to increase their HHG max weight to 18,000 lbs., regardless of their rank.

See HHG on Page 4

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2 MOUNTAINEER — Oct. 25, 2019

Commentary

At a glanceMilitary Operation Inherent Resolve Soldiers return to Families after 9 months — Page 5 Suddenly left-handed: Part 3 Soldier joins World Class Athlete Program — Page 6 Transport to fight 4SB ensures infantry mission is success — Page 8 Military Briefs Services available on Fort Carson — Page 9 Soldier of the Week Staff Sgt. Jared M. Holmquist — Page 10 Soldiers to hang up uniforms Retirement ceremony to be held at William “Bill” Reed

Special Events Center — Page 10 Training keeps skills sharp 4CAB, firefighters conduct downed aircraft

rehearsal — Page 16

Community On-post trick-or-treating Oct. 31 Housing villages encourage safety — Page 13 Community Briefs Announcements pertaining to Fort Carson — Page 15 DES highlight Division chiefs inform community of current policies

and procedures — Page 18

The Journey (Chapel series) ‘Is God a Cajun?’ — Page 19 Chapel Briefs and schedule Religious information pertaining to Fort Carson — Page 19

At Ease Adventure Santa Express trains begin Nov. 14 — 1 Attraction Bent’s Old Fort offers step back in time — Page 21 Beyond the gate Activities available outside Fort Carson — Page 22 Within the gate Activities available on Fort Carson — Page 24

Sports Strong Soldier competition tests athletes Summer lifting series concludes at Garcia Fitness

Center — Page 25 Briefs Sports events in and around Fort Carson — Page 27

Classified Featuring small business directory and a welcome

home real estate section — Page 29

Remember OPSEC, best practicesCommentary by Cynthia Flores-WilkinGarrison Operation Security Program manager, operations specialist, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security

As Fort Carson enters a new fiscal year, remember the importance of Operations Security (OPSEC). Although OPSEC is everyone’s responsibility at work, it is also a beneficial practice for Family, too.

What is Family OPSEC?OPSEC is the process of

identifying and protecting sensitive but unclassified information from the adversary or criminal. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Family critical information, such as work schedules, child’s school information

2. Sensitive vacation information (where, when and how long)

3. Information technology information, including Wi-Fi passwords

4. Home security information, such as security codes and hidden keys

5. Personally identifiable information (PII)

Who is the adversary? Adversaries include identity thieves, computer hackers

or scammers, burglars and pedophiles.Over the past few years, statistics have shown rising

numbers for attacks on identity theft, hacker attacks or scams, home break-ins and missing children.

The 2017-2018 statistics show:• 344,356 identity theft cases reported to the Federal

Trade Commission• 14.2 million credit card numbers exposed and 158

million social security numbers compromised through data breaches

• Hacker attacks of computers with internet access happen every 39 seconds, on average

• There were an estimated 1,401,840 burglaries; 57.5 percent involved forcible entry and the average dollar

loss per burglary offense was $2,416, according to https://www.fbi.gov

• Reports of missing children made to law enforcement in the U.S. in 2018 was 424,066, according to http://www.missingkids.org/

What do adversaries and criminals want?They want your PII, such as social security numbers,

credit card numbers, account numbers, amount of debt, possessions, organization affiliations, travel plans and children.

How are adversaries and criminals getting information?

Let’s start off with how much information is being thrown away? What are you or your Family posting on social media?

Some key items to think of:• Shred items containing any personal information • Be conscious of how much information about your

Family you are advertising on your vehicle• Watch a “think before you post” video at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w4_Hrwh2XI for awareness.

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3Oct. 25, 2019 — MOUNTAINEER

News

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Weight Management Program changes livesBy Jeanine MezeiFort Carson Medical-Department Activity Public Affairs Office

Whether meeting with friends, a night out or celebrating a child’s birthday, food has become enmeshed in many everyday social activities.

Food has also become the “go-to” reaction when dealing with stress at work, at home or in relationships, but it doesn’t have to be.

“How do you manage life’s stressors and still eat healthy?” asked Dr. Karen Leaman, a clinical psychologist and coordinator for the Weight Management Program (WMP) at Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH). “It’s about being more mindful of the choices you are making and finding other ways to cope.”

For many people, poor eating habits continue without any real knowledge or guidance of nutritional content and proper portions. Until they reach a turning point in their health, their current lifestyle has established itself over time and can develop issues for the future.

For Randy Brennan, retired Air Force sergeant and civilian training manager at Peterson Air Force Base, getting a diabetes diagnosis was his turning point during a visit with his primary care provider early last year.

“I always thought I was prediabetic,” said Brennan, who previously had knee replacements in both knees and weighed over 300 pounds when he received the news. “I had to accept I was a diabetic first.”

With his diagnosis and a referral to Disease Management at EACH, Brennan attended a class to learn about how to live with diabetes and found out

about the WMP. His enrollment in the program and attendance at the support group helped him begin a journey to reach a healthy weight and maintain lifestyle changes for the future.

“Yes, I put myself in this position, nobody put me in it, but I got out of it with their help,” said Brennan. “Ever since I retired, I’ve always had a

problem with weight. I just thought it was one of those things that I could never get control of, but I found out that’s not true.”

According to Dr. Steven Lang, a family physician and WMP coordinator who worked with

See WMP on Page 4

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These exceptions are based on potential hardships a Soldier might have, such as having a larger Family or owning specific types of equipment, Russell said.

Additionally, the Army recently changed its dislocation allowance (DLA) policy, allowing Soldiers to receive their DLA entitlement in their personal accounts before travel, said Robert Steinrauf, director of plans and resources in the office of the deputy chief of staff, G-1.

“This modifies the 2014 Army policy, which directed that government charge cards would be used for all PCS travel and relocation expenses,” Steinrauf said. “The intent of the (original) policy was to benefit the cardholders (and) eliminate the need

to take money out of (their own) pocket.”Soldiers can even receive this allowance

if they have an individually billed government travel account, he added.

“People are not aware of all the benefits that they have,” Russell said. “One of the things that we’re going to get after is making sure everybody understands how to empower themselves and take back the household goods move.

“It is not the movers that we are accommodating,” he added. “They are accommodating us. If you ask them to do something because that is how you prefer it to be done, then they should do that.”

Once the move is complete, he said, it is critical that Soldiers fill out their HHG surveys. The Army will then use this feedback to measure the effectiveness of the moving company and rank them through the Defense Personal Property System.

HHGFrom Page 1

Photo by Karen Iwamoto

1st Lt. Kathryn

Bailey, a Black Hawk

pilot with the 2nd

Battalion, 25th Aviation

Regiment, supervises

the delivery and

unpacking of her

household items May 11, 2017,

on Wheeler Army Airfield,

Hawaii.

Brennan during his weight-loss journey, participants first learn about nutrition with the help of Nutrition Care at EACH and complete metabolic testing and a body fat analysis at the Army Wellness Center.

“I made an effort to change my lifestyle and what I eat,” said Brennan, who commits to tracking his food every day. “I’m faithful to exercise. The bike sees me every morning Monday through Friday at 4:15 a.m. and it sees me at night when I get home.”

Brennan took the tools he received from the WMP to transform himself over the last year and a half with the support of his family, co-workers and friends. This includes his wife of 37 years, Roxanne, an Air Force veteran who also serves as a civilian at Peterson.

“I eat anything I want but I understand I have to do it in moderation,” said Brennan, who would resort to stress eating fast food before the WMP. “I have a spreadsheet with my wife and on Saturdays we plan out what we’re going to have for meals for the week. The exercise helps, but watching what I eat and changing my lifestyle and how I eat has been the biggest factor, in my opinion.”

“He’s an inspiration for everybody,” said Lang. “He still

shows up at the meetings and it’s good to have someone there to inspire some of the people.”

According to Lang, WMPs that are successful are at least 12 months in duration. That may seem like a long time, but lifestyle changes are the goal for the WMP team.

“It’s about making the small changes,” said Leaman. “We talk about goal setting and setting them up for success, rather than taking on too many new behavior changes at once.”

Brennan helped incorporate those small changes since he began last year and no longer takes diabetes medication. He is looking forward to retirement in the next five years with Roxanne. Until then, he continues to ride his stationary bike and looks forward to what the future holds.

“Honestly, the folks saved my life,” said Brennan about the WMP team. “I turned 60 last December and I’m not sure I would be here today if they hadn’t shown me I could lose weight and get control of my life again.”

Despite losing over 100 pounds and getting his diabetes under control, Randy faced one challenge.

“There is one drawback to this, I’ve had to buy new clothes three times,” said Brennan jokingly.

For more information on the WMP, call 503-7360 to self-refer or speak with a primary care provider.

Career counselor of year

Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott J. Evans

Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards Army Commendation Medals to Staff Sgt. Sean P. Curran, center, active-duty career counselor, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. and Staff Sgt. Isaac L. Casso, right,

Reserve component career counselor, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., for being nominated for the Army active-duty and Reserve component career counselors of the year, at 4th Inf. Div. headquarters Oct. 18. The two were selected from nine battalions out of 23 that were eligible to compete.

WMPFrom Page 3


MilitaryStory and photos by Sgt. James Geelen4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Approximately 130 Soldiers with 183rd Support Maintenance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, returned Oct. 15 from a nine-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The homecoming ceremony was held at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center where friends and Family gathered to celebrate their Soldiers’ return.

The company deployed in February with the mission of providing support to the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group.

“The 183rd was responsible for a very large and versatile mission,” said Capt. Tyler Fortenberry, commander, 183rd SMC, 68th CSSB, 4th SB. “We … were responsible for managing over 250 Soldiers from around the different battalions within the (SB). They were tasked with tracking, issuing and receiving every class of supply in support of U.S. Special Forces, Allied Forces from around the world and Iraqi armed forces.”

The Soldiers were spread out over

13 various locations in five countries.“We were in Syria, Iraqi,

Afghanistan, Kuwait and Jordan providing fleet maintenance, logistics and fixing weapons,” said Sgt. Geovany Mejia, supply sergeant, 183rd SMC, 68th CSSB, 4th SB. “Only a handful of those locations were dedicated ‘wrench-turners,’ whereas the others had civilian contractors filling those positions. So our Soldiers had to learn and adapt to a new mission set than they had previously executed.”

Despite the complex mission requirements, the Soldiers provided critical maintenance to help facilitate mission success.

“Our mission was large and it had a huge impact on current operations,” Fortenberry said. “We came into a

dwindling maintenance program and left with a 40-percent increase in the operational readiness rate of the brigade’s equipment. I would say that our company’s presence had a massive impact on the mission.”

After being separated from their Families for nine months, the Soldiers were eager to return home.

“I’m super excited to be back in Colorado and to be able to spend time with my wife,” Mejia said. “I can’t wait to go snowboarding and eat some fresh sushi.”

Fortenberry said he was proud of the company’s performance, hard work and dedication.

“I have great leaders in this company and it shows, because we are coming home with no accidents or fatalities and no administrative

actions,” Fortenberry said. “We crushed any task thrown our way and did it with a smile.”

Command Sgt. Maj. William Briggs, left, senior enlisted leader, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and Lt. Col. Michael Iannucilli, commander, 68th CSSB, 4th SB, welcome Soldiers of 183rd Support Maintenance Company, 68th CSSB, 4th SB, home after a nine-month deployment Oct. 15 at the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group air terminal in Colorado Springs.

Soldiers with 183rd Support Maintenance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, march into the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center for a welcome home ceremony Oct. 15. The Soldiers supported Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Soldiers return to Families after 9 months


Suddenly left-handed: Part 3

Soldier joins World Class Athlete ProgramBy Spc. Robert Vicens Rolon14th Public Affairs Detachment

Editor’s note: Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith, now an active-duty Soldier-athlete with the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) was the first above-the-elbow amputee to receive fit-for-duty status. This is the conclusion of a three-part series of his harrowing journey back to active duty from a motorcycle accident that took his right arm.

Proving worthyOne morning during formation,

Smith was unceremoniously told by his platoon sergeant that his orders had come in for medical retirement.

“When they told me I had to retire, I literally broke down in front of everybody,” Smith said. “I had snot bubbles and all. Everybody knew I had been working hard to stay in.”

The retirement orders meant that in less than one week, everything he had worked for would be over. It was time to start out-processing.

But his resilient spirit burned with indignation and desire. He had worked too hard to prove himself a capable Soldier. He composed himself and went that very day to the office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) and got himself a lawyer and demanded a formal medical board to fight the decision.

Two days before he was supposed to clear out of the Army, he was granted an audience with the hospital board.

He entered the room with his head held high and a bag slung over one shoulder.

Smith remembered the first words he heard. “Sgt. 1st Class Smith, why do you think the Army

should keep you?”In response, Smith unzipped the bag and turned

it upside down. Over 100 medals spilled out of his bag and clanged on the table. They were awards he had earned in the numerous competitions he had participated in during his time at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU).

“Show me another Soldier on active duty with two arms who has done what I have with one,” Smith said.

The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) requires Soldiers to perform as many pushups and situps as they can in the two-minute intervals allotted for each event. Also, Soldiers must run two miles within a certain set of standards. Prior to the board Smith had taken

a full APFT and performed 48 one-armed pushups, 107 situps, and his 2-mile run in just over 12 minutes. It was a score superior to the average Soldier within his age group.

It was more than enough.After deliberating for a few minutes, they called

Smith back into the room to give him the news that he was fit to return to full active duty.

Resiliency“You are being charged with an extreme

responsibility,” the president of the board told Smith. “You are the example people will want to know about and live by,” the president of the board continued. “By letting you stay in, I’m charging you with the responsibility to pay it forward.”

Smith carried that charge on his shoulders, undertaking each subsequent assignment with the determination to surpass all expectations.

“Smith proved he was capable of serving as a Soldier,” said Col. Eric Edwards, commander, Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson. “For a Soldier with Smith’s injuries, recovery and rehabilitation were only possible because of both the advances in military medicine and the hard work that Smith put in to get better. He was a remarkable individual both on and off duty. He challenged the system at large and did a remarkable job bringing new light and education to the members of the board.”

In his next assignment, Smith excelled in leading a recruiting station in Arkansas, and later worked in the Pentagon as Adaptive Reconditioning NCO in charge

for the WTU, where he was able to recruit and mentor Soldier-athletes recovering from their own wounds.

Smith continued to compete in athletic events and was eventually recruited to join the WCAP, a military unit designed to support elite Soldier-athletes as they perform and compete throughout the year at the highest levels — with the aim to ultimately compete at the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Setting goalsSmith is attempting something that he said

is nearly impossible and has never been done. He wants to become the first above-the-elbow amputee to compete in the triathlon event in the Paralympics. The injuries most Paralympic triathletes compete with are lower limb injuries. Smith admitted it represents a significant disadvantage for him in the swim portion of the triathlon event, which consists of a swimming, biking and running event.

“Everything I do is all legs,” Smith said. “I have to swim with one arm.”

Despite the overwhelming odds against him, he perseveres. The harder the challenge, the more he is driven to overcome it.

However, Smith does not want to be remembered for just his athletic prowess. For Smith, the greatest satisfaction comes from helping others and motivating them to be better.

“When I think of my legacy, I don’t want people to think of me as just a great athlete,” Smith said. “I want people to say, ‘he was a phenomenal person; he inspired me.’”

“ Show me another Soldier on active duty with two arms who has done what I have with one.”

— Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith

Courtesy photo

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith with World Class Athlete Program, returned to active duty despite losing his arm in a motorcycle accident. Smith’s ultimate dream is to encourage and inspire others to live to the fullest no matter the obstacles they face.


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Story and photos by Sgt. James Geelen4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Infantry Soldiers typically carry a large amount of supplies and gear that can weigh upward of 100 pounds. They cannot always rely on the use of vehicles and are sometimes called “legs.”

On Sept. 24, about 280 Soldiers with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, didn’t have to worry about how they were getting from their area of operations to their destination. They knew they could count on the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., for assistance.

“It’s extremely beneficial … to know that we can call on the 68th (CSSB) for support,” said 1st Lt. Lemans Cooper, executive officer, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd IBCT. “They’re enabling a battalion-sized training event, which essentially allows us to train for real-world combat.”

When the request for troop transport was passed to Capt. Rachel Campion, commander, 59th Quartermaster Company, 68th CSSB, 4th SB, she knew she had to begin coordination efforts.

“59th took the lead on this mission but we determined that help was needed from the rest of the battalion,” Campion said. “After I assigned my convoy commander, he went to the other companies to coordinate the use of their equipment and Soldiers. We ended up with a total of 17 vehicles to conduct the troop transport mission.”

The sustainment brigades’ efforts did not go unnoticed.

“Without help from the 68th, this mission would have been extremely difficult for us,” Cooper said. “We don’t have the assets as a light infantry battalion to transport the whole battalion by vehicles.”

Leaders know they must be flexible when conducting a ground assault convoy mission

because things can change very quickly.“We transported the Soldiers to the helicopter

landing zone and after the first two groups lifted off, the helicopter (pilots) didn’t feel safe landing there anymore,” said 2nd Lt. Troy Berghoefer, platoon leader, 59th QM, 68th CSSB, 4th SB. “So we had to load the remaining Soldiers back into the trucks and move them to another landing zone.”

The mission also served to build cohesiveness between the units that will be working together again at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

“It’s very important … to have been able to work

with (2nd IBCT),” Berghoefer said. “We now know what kind of support we will be providing at JRTC. Throughout the next couple of months, I can actually start training my Soldiers so we’ll be more efficient and be able to provide even further support.”

Campion said the event was a good opportunity to network with the other units to coordinate future missions.

“Not only does 2nd IBCT know that we can support them, but if we need their help, we’ve made those contacts,” Campion said. “This bridges that gap, they know they can rely on us and we work well together.”

Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, off-load vehicles Sept. 24 during War Horse Strike at Training Area 5 on Fort Carson. Stagecoach Soldiers with 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., transported the Soldiers to the helicopter landing zone to help facilitate an air assault mission.

Soldiers with 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, support a mission for the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., during a training exercise Sept. 24 at Training Area 5.

4SBensures mission is successful


Of note Korean War Veterans Association —

Monthly meeting is held on the third Saturday of the month for all veterans of the Korean War. Meetings are held at 11:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 3400 N. Nevada Ave. in Colorado Springs. The meetings are intended to honor the service of veterans from the Korean War — through a time of social camaraderie and information. For more information, contact Mike Thomason at 719-214-6121 or email [email protected].

Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training — The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson commanding general has directed all Soldiers, sergeant first class through command sergeant major, chief warrant officer 2-5 and officers, captain and above, to attend Casualty Assistance Officer and Casualty Notification Officer Training. The training is held in the USO building, 1218, room 203 on a first-come, first-served basis. The class times are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 2019 training dates are: Nov. 12-14 and Dec. 10-12. Contact Derek Williams, Casualty Assistance Center operations and trainer, for additional training opportunities. Call 526-5614 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Save the date — U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association (TUSAOCSAA) Annual Reunion, Hall of Fame, Heritage Center and Memorial Walk Dedications; and Mini-Reunions — save the date for these events in Fort Benning and Columbus, Georgia, from May 1-4.

Registration information can be found at https://www.ocsalumni.org/ after Nov. 1, and for the schedule of events, administrative details, points of contact and updates. For more information contact Dan Johnson at 402-981-1072 or [email protected].

Hours of operationDirectorate of Public Works work

orders — Directorate of Public Works Business Operations and Integration Division Work Management Branch, located in building 1219, is responsible for processing work orders (Facilities Engineering Work Requests, DA Form 4283). The Work Management Branch is open for processing work orders and other in-person support from 7-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Afternoon customer support is by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 526-6112.

Fort Carson Retirement Services — operates Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to noon and 1-3:30 p.m. in building 1525, room 308. The phone number is 526-2840.

Hours of operation for Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO) — Monday-Thursday the office is open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office will be closed from 7:30-9 a.m. for training and will open 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday. A face-to-face personal property counseling briefing is mandatory for JPPSO. At this time, the self-counseling option to process applications through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) is not authorized. JPPSO is located in the Mountain Post

Soldier Center at 6351 Wetzel Ave., building 1525, cubicle B. Call 526-3755 to schedule a DPS appointment.

Logistics Readiness Center’s (LRC) Laundry Facility — The facility located at building 1525 does not launder all of the Soldier’s Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) as directed by Army Support Command (ASC), Annex A, which provides a list of non-OCIE and OCIE authorized to be laundered by the LRC laundry facility. Annex A is posted at the Central Issue Facility (CIF) and laundry facility in building 1525. Soldiers are responsible to clean their OCIE prior to turning it in to the CIF. The CIF will not accept OCIE turn in that is not clean or free of dirt and debris regardless of the serviceability criteria. Point of contact for further information is Larry Parks at 524-1888 or email [email protected].

Military Claims Office — is located at 1633 Mekong St., building 6222, and is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. The office no longer adjudicates Personnel Claims Act (PCA) claims, but can provide general claims assistance. Household goods claimants must report their loss or damage directly to the transpor tation service provider (TSP) by fax or through the Defense Personal Property System at http://www.move.mil within 75 days of delivery. Claims must be sub mitted to the TSP within nine months of delivery for full replacement value. All PCA claims, including household goods, personal vehicle shipment and incident to service loss, are now being adjudicated by

the Center for Per sonnel Claims Support at Fort Knox, Kentucky, which can be reached at 502-626-3000. To file a claim, visit http://www.JAGCNet.army.mil/pclaims. The Fort Carson claims office can be reached at 526-1355.

Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) — The Commander’s Program and a Soldier’s responsibility; the program provides mandated and optional transition services and classes and helps Soldiers make informed career decisions through counseling and employment assistance. SFL-TAP also hosts a variety of hiring events, employer days, resource fairs and industry days with the goal of connecting transitioning service members, veterans and Family members to employment opportunities and resources. SFL-TAP is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 526-1001/1002 to schedule classes or for additional information. Follow SFL-TAP on Facebook at http://facebook.com/FortCarsonSFLTAP for upcoming events and job postings.

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 a case-by-case basis.

MilitaryBriefs

Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of military briefs.

See Briefs on Page 12

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Soldier of the WeekREADY NOW4ID and Fort Carson

Meet Staff Sgt. Jared M. Holmquist, the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Soldier of the Week. Holmquist is a motor sergeant and senior recovery NCO in charge with Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Inf. Div. As the battalion master driver, he planned, resourced and executed training with the U.S. Air Force 50th Security Forces Squadron from Schriever Air Force Base. During the 40-hour driver’s training course, Holmquist trained and licensed 11 Airmen on tactical vehicles, increasing the unit’s operational readiness. The training provided special emphasis on driving under inclement weather, austere environments and night driving with night vision goggles during blackout conditions. He executed quality training while also overseeing maintenance reset and recovery for vehicles used during the War Horse Strike exercise for 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. Holmquist’s motivation and expertise prove he is a “READY” leader and characterizes the best of the “Ivy” Division. Steadfast and Loyal!

Mountaineer staff

Nine Soldiers will be honored for their service to the nation during a retirement ceremony Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center.

They are: � Capt. Kristine S. Hare, Space and Missile Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base � Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric E. Truesdale, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

� Command Sgt. Maj. Jerel B. Foster, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div. � Sgt. 1st Class Maryjane S. Atienza, Wheat Ridge Company, Denver Recruiting Battalion

� Sgt. 1st Class Arthur E. Campbell Jr., 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. � Sgt. 1st Class Kelly R. Mcinally, 4th Inf. Div. � Sgt. 1st Class Marlon B. Price, Division Artillery, 4th Inf. Div. � Sgt. 1st Class Joe S. Sielski, 2nd IBCT, 4th Inf. Div. � Staff Sgt. Chester N. D’Silva, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.

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Oct 28: Cooking Matters For Adults Class 5:30-7:30pm

Oct 29: Courage to Change Motivational Personal Training, 10am-noon

Oct 29: Spiritual Connection Group, noon-4pm

Oct 29: Veteran-X PTS-focused group, 4:30-6:30pm

Oct 29: Yoga, PT/trauma relief-focus, 5-6pm

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Fort Carson Ivy Warrior Restaurants (formerly dining facilities) hours of operation

Friday

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

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

Warfighter (Wilderness Road)

Breakfast: 7-9 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

Saturday-Sunday

Stack Brunch: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.

Wolf Closed

Warfighter (Wilderness Road) Closed

LaRochelle 10th SFG(A) Closed

Monday-Thursday

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

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

Warfighter (Wilderness Road)

Breakfast: 7-9 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

• 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 1525 — Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-4 p.m. Last customer served at 3:30 p.m.; call 526-8804.

• 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. Medical Activity Correspondence Department office hours — The Cor respondence

(Release of Information) Office in the Patient Administration Division hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for the second Thursday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; closed federal holidays. Call 526-0890 for details.

Fort Carson Trial Defense Service — is able to help Soldiers 24/7 and is located in building 1042. During duty hours, Soldiers should call 526-4563. The 24-hour phone number is 526-0051.

Briefings Retirement and ETS briefings — are available at http://www.carson.army.mil/dhr/DHR/

MPD/PPB/Briefings/Transition.html? Call 526-2240/8458/2840 for details.Reassignment briefings — visit http://www.carson.army.mil/dhr/DHR/MPD/PPB/

Briefings/Levy.html.Disposition Services Colorado Springs — located at 1475 Wickersham Blvd., building

324, conducts orienta tions by appointment. The orien tations discuss Disposition Services’ processes to include turning in excess property, reutilizing government property, web-based tools available, special handling of property and environ mental needs. To schedule an orientation training, call 352-4186; for receiving/turning in questions, call 526-9689; for environmental questions, 526-0289; and reutilization/transfer/donation RTD, call 466-7002.

Ongoing 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.

BriefsFrom Page 9


CommunityOn-post trick-or-treating Oct. 31

Housing villages encourage safetyBy Scott PraterMountaineer staff

Halloween is arguably one of the most anticipated holidays of the year for children and their parents. The opportunity to dress up in costumes and enjoy parties and trick-or-treating in the evening happens just once a year. However, these celebrations do present some safety challenges for children, their Families and drivers on Halloween night.

Fort Carson Family Homes (FCFH) and the Fort Carson Garrison Safety Office have issued some tips for children, parents and people who plan to drive on post for the festive evening.

“Every (housing) village on Fort Carson will be open and participating in trick or treating on Halloween night, Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m.,” said Meghan Weismiller, communications specialist, FCFH.

That said, individual Families can choose to participate or not.

“Trick-or-treaters and their parents should use their better judgement when approaching housing units,” Weismiller said.

Some houses will be more visually inviting to trick-or-treaters than others. Parents should look and instruct their children to look for inviting lighting and Halloween- themed entryways.

“It should be dark on post around 6 p.m., so trick-or-treaters should also use sidewalks and crosswalks wherever available,” Weismiller said. “Small children should be accompanied by adults while older children should use the buddy system. No one should be out trick-or-treating alone.”

Weismiller said FCFH also recommends trick-or-treaters wear reflective clothing or costumes that are visible to pedestrians and vehicle drivers. Costumes should also be of appropriate length to prevent a tripping hazard.

FCFH’s final Halloween-themed event, “Hocus Pocus Movie Night,” is Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at the South Community Center, 1045 Titus Blvd., building 7790. Event admission is

free and open to FCFH residents. The event is Family-friendly and snacks will be provided.

Since children aged 5-14 are four times more likely to be killed while walking on Halloween compared to other nights; the Fort Carson Garrison Safety Office has presented several safety tips for trick or treaters and Family members. Teach children their home phone

number and how to call 911 in an emergency or if they become lost; remind them 911 can be dialed free from any phone

Know the route children will be taking if an adult cannot be with them

Help children pick out or make a safe costume that is labeled fire-proof; costume eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision; or use face paint instead

If a child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork: ensure the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury

When using jack-o’-lanterns with

candles, make sure they are far enough out of the way so costumes won’t accidentally be set on fire; review with children the principle of “stop-drop-roll,” should their clothes catch on fire

The best bet is to make sure that an adult can accompany a child; if parents are unavailable, see if another parent or a teen-aged sibling can go along

Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions

Set a time for children to be home and make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time

Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on porches and walkways; check around the property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to children rushing from house to house

Aaron Zamarripa, right, and his brother, Jerardo Zamarripa, select their pumpkins at the Fort Carson Family Housing Pumpkin Patch Festival Oct. 20, 2016.

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Fort Carson Family Homes hosted a Pumpkin Patch Festival at the Balfour Beatty Joel Hefley Community Center Oct. 17 and hosts its final Halloween-themed event for Fort Carson housing residents during “Hocus Pocus Movie Night,” Sunday at the South Community Center, 1045 Titus Blvd., from 5-7 p.m. Trick-or-treating in on-post housing areas will take place Halloween night, Oct. 31, from 5-8 p.m. in all housing villages.

Courtesy photo

“ Every (housing) village on Fort Carson will be open and participating in trick or treating on Halloween night, Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m.”

— Meghan WeismillerSee Pumpkin Patch on Page 20


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Firefighters, inspectors build fire awareness

Photos by Scott Prater

Sparky the Fire Dog joins Andy Carrick and Joel Tuning, fire inspectors, Fort Carson Fire Department, in reading to children at Grant Library Oct. 17. Sparky helped firefighters demonstrate some of the features of a Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Carson Fire Department Fire Engine. In recognition of National Fire Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Week, Fort Carson Fire Department inspectors and firefighters reached out to Soldiers, Families and community members in efforts to build awareness about fire prevention. Firefighters and inspectors visited several schools and child development centers, oftentimes bringing Sparky and a fire engine along to demonstrate capabilities.


Claims to the estateSpc. Gabriel Ramirez — With deepest

regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should call 2nd Lt. Jon M. Paul at 757-613-2218.

Of noteUpdate to education benefits — Post 9-11

GI Bill transferability extension — The initial transferability deadline has been extended to Jan. 12. The transfer of Post 9/11 VA education benefits will be limited to service members with less than 16 years of time in service (TIS). Service members are still required to have at least six years TIS to transfer to Family Members, and must serve an additional four-year service obligation from the date of transfer. Soldiers still serving who received a Purple Heart on or after Sept. 11, 2001, can submit a transfer of education benefits request regardless of years served or years of retainability. For more details, attend the Fort Carson Education Center GI Bill briefing held each Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in building 1012, room 138. For more information, call 526-2124. Don’t miss your opportunity — apply early. Transfer application is available at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/.

Voluntary leave transfer — The following Fort Carson serviced employees have been approved to receive donated leave due to an emergency medical condition:• Christopher D. Carneal, Directorate of

Emergency Services (DES)• Dana D. Carneal, DES• Martin Flores, DES• Jake Parry, U.S. Army Medical

Department Activity-Fort Carson, Dugway Proving Ground

• Debra K. Garcia, U.S. Army Space Brigade

• Diane L. Gilstrap, Directorate of Human Resources (DHR)

• Jeffrey Morris, U.S. Army Installation Management Command

• Melissa L. Gratton, DHR• Mary R. Koziol, Directorate of Family

and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR)

• Michael Rose, DFMWRAny Army appropriated fund civilian

employee wishing to donate annual leave to a listed employee, must complete the OPM Form 630a at http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf(underscore)fill/opm630a.pdf.

If a non-Army appropriated fund civilian employee from another federal agency (VA, AF, DOD, Interior, etc.) is interested in donating, he must complete the OPM Form 630b at http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf(underscore)fill/opm630b.pdf and provide to his civilian personnel/HR office for annotation. Both forms must then be forwarded to Clinton Moss Jr. of the Fort Carson Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) by fax at 526-7541 or by email to [email protected] with the subject line “VLTP.” Call 526-3641 for more information. Employees experiencing a medical emergency (personal or Family member) who will exhaust their leave balances quickly should contact the CPAC Management Employee Relations team.

General announcementsDo you want access to your medical

records? Before making a trip to Evans Army Community Hospital, consider logging into TRICARE online and accessing its “Blue Button” feature. Securely view, download and print medical profiles, lab results, immunizations and vital signs for the patient and family members under the age of 12. To conveniently view medical records, visit https://www.tricareonline.com. Proceed to “Health Record,” then “Download My Data” to access medical records. The Correspondence (Release of Information) Office in the Patient Administration Division hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed federal holidays. Call 526-0890 for details.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) screenings — Evans Army Community Hospital holds weekly EFMP briefings which discuss the Family member travel screening process for overseas assignments and address questions regarding the program. The briefings take place Mondays, excluding federal holidays, from 8:30-9 a.m. in the Woods Soldier Family Care Center, room 1004, next to Starbucks.

Soldier Readiness Center pharmacy — located in the Mountain Post Soldier Center at 6351 Wetzel Ave., building 1525, room 402, is open for pharmacy services. All TRICARE beneficiaries can fill new prescriptions and pick up refills at this location. The pharmacy is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Army Wellness Center classes — Upping your Metabolism is every Monday and

Friday at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. Fueling for Health is every third Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. Meals in Minutes is every second and fourth Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. Healthy Sleep Habits is every first and third Thursday at 9:45 a.m. Stress Management is every second and fourth Thursday at 9:45 a.m. Stay Fit, Home and Away is every second Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. The Retire Strong class is currently under construction. Performance Triad, P3 and Tactical Sleep for Sustained Operations classes are by request. Classes are subject to change. Call 526-3887 for more information, reserve a seat or sign up for classes.

Education Center has moved to building 1012 — • Parking is at Specker Avenue and

Long Street• Full services are available for

active-duty Soldiers; limited services are available for Family members, DA civilians and veterans

Hours:Reception, administration, check-in

(room 138): • Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to

4:30 p.m. Army education counselors:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday: 1-3:30 p.m. (walk-in only; no appointments)

• Friday: 9 a.m. to noon; by appointment only. Call 526-2124 to schedule, as there is limited availability

Computer lab (room 103): • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Army personnel testing:• For inquiries, to schedule an exam, or

to pick up results, visit the reception and administrative office in room 138.

BSEP/GT prep (building 1011, room 111):• Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon and

1-4 p.m. (closed Friday) Weekly briefing schedule (must sign in at

room 138 at least 15 minutes prior): ETS (attendance mandatory to out-process;

pick one session):• Monday or Friday: 8:30-9:30 a.m. or

2-3 p.m.; Tuesday: 2-3 p.m.• College 101: Tuesday or Thursday:

8:30-9:30 a.m.• GI Bill: Thursday 10-11 a.m.

Visit the on-post, full-service college offices (Colorado State University-Pueblo, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Community College, and the TRiO office (FAFSA and financial aid

assistance)); building 1012, second floor.Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support

Group — Evans Army Community Hospital has begun a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group for Families experiencing grief from miscarriage, stillbirths or infant loss. The group meets the third Monday of each month from 3-5 p.m. at Mulligan’s Grill inside the Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club. Coffee and cookies will be provided.

Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center at SFL-TAP is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Mount Carmel employment and transition team, in partnership with SFL-TAP, offers career services for transitioning Soldiers, Family members and veterans at a new office. The office is located in building 6237, room 115, SFL-TAP. Services include no-cost transition or job seeker assistance and access to paid internships, veteran benefits support, supportive and behavioral health services, financial counseling, support groups, discounted professional clothing and more. Call 526-8758 or visit https://veteranscenter.org/.

The Directorate of Public Works (DPW) offers a two-day Facility Management Class — training is for military and civilian facility managers on the installation to help them understand

CommunityBriefs

Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of community briefs.


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Feature16 MOUNTAINEER — Oct. 25, 2019 17Oct. 25, 2019 — MOUNTAINEER

4CAB, firefighters conduct downed aircraft rehearsalBy Sgt. Elizabeth Harris4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

The Fort Carson Fire Department worked with 6th Aviation Reconnaissance Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, to conduct a pre-action plan rehearsal for a downed aircraft Oct. 18 at Butts Army Airfield. The training prepared both entities for real-world scenarios.

“We have a primary crash alert and a secondary (alert plan),” said Spc. Breyana Mclain, an aviation operations specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th ARS, 17th Cav. Reg., 4th CAB. “Since it was a fire, we called 911.”

After going through the notification process, Mclain informed the brigade safety officer and the brigade commander about the simulated downed aircraft.

“Once we get all the necessary people out there to extract the crew, put out the fire, then we’ll start calling all unit personnel,” Mclain said.

Out on the flight line, Christina Rivera, firefighter and emergency medical technician, was the first person off the truck. She grabbed a fire hose and began walking toward the downed aircraft. Rivera got to her position along with her fellow firefighters to start dousing the “flames” so the other firefighters could reach the pilot in the aircraft.

Firefighters and the pilot worked together during the drill to understand what each person’s part would be during an emergency.

“I think it’s awesome that we get to work with an actual unit and pilot,” Rivera said. “We got to see what both of us would do under those circumstances.”

A second team of firefighters was on the other side of the Apache helicopter, hose at the ready to help keep the flames down. Once the team went through the proper procedures, one team of firefighters finally reached the pilot by accessing the hatch of the helicopter to extract the pilot.

“Inside the cockpit, I showed them where the emergency fire bottles (were), the fire detection system activates,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Briggs, pilot with 6th ARS, 17th Cav. Reg., 4th CAB. “I showed them where the power levers are (and) described some of the emergency features of the aircraft.”

Once the pilot was free from the helicopter, the firefighters brought him to a stretcher for an on the scene medical evaluation to prepare for his evacuation.

In all, Soldiers conducted the drill three times throughout the week.“When we first started, we were a bit shabby on the pre-accident

plan, just because we didn’t know the necessary order to call, but now we’ve got it down pat,” Mclain said. Photo by Spc. Carlos Quintero

Christina Rivera, firefighter and emergency medical technician, walks toward the downed aircraft with a fire hose over her shoulder Oct. 18 at Butts Army Airfield.

Photo by Spc. Carlos Quintero

Firefighters work to free a pilot from an Apache helicopter during a training exercise Oct. 18 at Butts Army Airfield.

Photo by Sgt. Elizabeth C. Harris


Firefighters extract a pilot from a “downed” aircraft Oct. 18 at Butts Army Airfield during a training exercise that worked to fine-tune their lifesaving skills.


After extracting the pilot, firefighters move him to safety for a medical evaluation during a simulated downed aircraft exercise Oct. 18 at Butts Army Airfield.

raining keeps skills sharpT

Firefighters carry a pilot from a simulated, downed Apache helicopter Oct. 18 at Butts Army Airfield during a training exercise to sharpen the skills of the firefighters and Soldiers with 6th Aviation Reconnaissance Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.


Editor’s note: The following article was written by the Directorate of Emergency Services division chiefs to inform the Fort Carson community of current policies and procedures.

Security access controlInstallation access —

Unescorted access onto Fort Carson is restricted to personnel in possession of an authorized DOD identification card or an installation pass or badge. Guests, visitors, vendors and contractors who request unescorted installation access must undergo a National Crime Information Center-Interstate Identification Index criminal history background check prior to being granted access. Personnel requesting recurring unescorted access must process through the Gate 1 Visitor Control Center and have a Fort Carson Form 2036, which has been digitally signed by a sponsor. Vetting for one-time installation access can be performed at Gate 3. DOD ID card holders may escort non-DOD ID card holders onto the installation. For additional information and questions, call the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) Security and Access Control Division at 526-5543 or visit the DES website at http://www.carson.army.mil/organizations/des.html.

Emergency Communications Center (ECC)

Winter has arrived in Colorado — The weather seems to have jumped right into winter, skipping fall altogether. With temperatures forecasted to decline, it is a good time to prepare vehicles for cold and snowy weather conditions.

• Keep the gas tank full• Use a winter formula in

windshield washer fluid• Prepare an emergency kit for

the car

Emergency kits should include:• Cell phone and portable charger

(cell phones that have no service contract can still dial 911)

• Blankets or a good sleeping bag• Food and water• Extra warm clothes, to include a

hat, gloves and boots• Flares• Bag of sand or cat litter for

traction• Flashlight• First-aid kitIf the car becomes stuck in snow,

immediately ensure the exterior exhaust is clear of snow so carbon monoxide does not build up in the car. Then turn the car off, turning it on occasionally to keep warm, but turning it off again to conserve gas. It is important to continue checking the exhaust to ensure snow has not built up around it. Keep the cars’ hazards on and keep the seatbelt on while in the vehicle. Even while pulled off to the side of the road, people can still hit cars on the side of the road.

It is also important to know the location of the vehicle to be able to provide accurate information to the dispatcher when you call 911 for assistance. Cell phones will only provide generic location information. If a person is using an old cell phone with no service, keep in mind that the 911 operator will not be able to call back.

Most important, be prepared, leave extra time in the schedule to safely get to the destination when road conditions are poor.

Fire and emergency servicesHalloween fire safety: prevent

fires while trick-or-treating — Halloween is a festive time, full of spooky jack-o’-lanterns, scary costumes and plenty of sweet treats. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common holidays for fires. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, more than 10,000 fires are reported over a three-day period

around Halloween every year. Before decorating the house or putting the kids in their costumes, review some Halloween fire safety tips.

• Decorations were the items first ignited in an estimated average of 900 reported home structure fires per year

• Keep decorations far away from open flames and other heat sources like lightbulbs and heaters; remember to keep all all exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes

• Try a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o’-lanterns; when choosing to use real candles, be careful; watch children at all times when candles are lit; place pumpkins with real candles far away from anything flammable and far away from driveways, doorsteps, walkways and yards, or anyplace where trick-or-treaters may walk

• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards

• Nearly half of decoration fires in homes occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source

Dressing up in costumes can pose a fire risk, as many costumes are flammable and made of bulky materials. Take precautions with costumes this year to ensure safety of all family members.

• Masks should have large enough eye holes to clearly see to prevent trips or falls, especially near dangerous or flammable items

• Talk to children and remind them to stay away from open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles inside

• Use flame-retardant materials • Avoid long trailing or bulky

costumes that could catch fire• Review how to “stop, drop and

roll” with kids

• Give kids flashlights or glow sticks and make it part of their costume, do not let them handle lit candles

Have a fun and safe Halloween. It is fitting that Halloween falls at the end of Fire Prevention Month as it is encouraged to take extra precautions to prevent fires for a safe holiday. For more fire safety information, contact the Fort Carson Fire Prevention Office at 503-3473 (FIRE), or visit NFPA’s Halloween website at https://www.nfpa.org/halloween

Police Provost Marshal Division Snow and ice driving conditions

— With ski season quickly approaching, be aware of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) code 15 for state roadways. The rule is announced for specific roadways when the state has determined weather conditions are severe enough to warrant it and primarily for roadways with significant ascending or descending grades. According to CDOT, when a code 15 is in effect vehicles under 26,001 pounds — including passenger vehicles — must have one of the following: snow tires with a minimum tread depth of 1/8 inch, all-weather tires with mud and snow mark (M/S) with 1/8-inch tread, four-wheel drive and tires with 1/8-inch tread or traction devices, such as chains, auto-sock and the like, for two drive tires. If caught without the proper equipment when the rule is in effect, drivers can face up to $130 in fines, and if a roadway is blocked due to insufficient vehicle equipment when this rule is in effect drivers may face $650 or more in fines. More information regarding Colorado’s roadway rules, safety and conditions can be found at https://www.codot.gov.

DES highlight

Trunk-or-treat is success

Photos by Lt. Col. Rick Brunson

The Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel hosts a trunk-or-treat event Oct. 20 sponsored by the Fort Carson Religious Support Operations, as a positive alternative to trick-or-treating on Halloween. About 3,000 Fort Carson Families participated in the annual event and over 200 people volunteered. Volunteers gave candy, cooked, served hot dogs, played live and recorded music, and distributed literature about the religious programs.

Children and adults dressed as positive role models, superheroes and biblical characters. Individuals and groups decorated their cars to promote a festive spirit as children received safe candy and treats.


Facebook — Search “Fort Carson Chaplains (Religious Support Office)” for events and schedules.

Chapel NeXt — meets at 10 a.m. Sunday at Carson Middle School. Enter off of Harr Avenue and drive behind the school, look for signs. Contemporary worship, children’s ministry and biblical preaching is offered during both services. Visit the Chapel NeXt Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/chapelnextfortcarson for details.

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 confirmed in the Catholic church. These classes are held on a weeknight. Contact Pat Treacy at 524-2458 or [email protected] for details.

Catholic Women of the Chapel — meets Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel; call Heather Kershner at 352-231-1088 or email [email protected].

Protestant Women of the Chapel — meets Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. at the Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel, building 1500. Sasha Moen can be reached at 845-392-8425.

Native American prayer/spiritual services — The He Ska Akicita (White Mountain Warriors) hosts Inipi (sweat lodge) services at Turkey Creek Ranch on a biweekly basis. Services provided inside and outside the sweat lodge include prayer and purification, spiritual and emotional support, and more to military members. The ceremonies are conducted in traditional Lakota style — they are not New Age or Earth-based ceremonies. There is no charge to attend the Inipi. Contact Michael Hackwith at 285-5240 for more information and protocols. Chaplain sponsor is Capt. Charlene Cheney, 53rd Signal Battalion, who can be reached at [email protected].

Knights of Columbus — a Catholic group for men 18 and older, meets at 10:30 a.m. the second Sunday of the month at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel; call 526-5769.

Spanish Bible Study — meets at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel 7 p.m. Wednesdays; call Ted Garcia at 205-3076.

Commentary by Lt. Col. Rick BrunsonGarrison Pastoral coordinator

Having been born and raised in the great state of Louisiana, it was always a natural assumption that God is a Cajun. Believe it or not there is biblical evidence to confirm that supposition.

First, Cajuns have a flair for lively music that is always accompanied with guitars, accordions, fiddles, harmonicas and washboards. God also has a hankering for good music. In fact, the longest book in the Bible, Psalms, is one big music

book. The Psalms even encourage us to worship with every musical

instrument under the sun.Second, Cajuns enjoy

good spicy food and they will eat just about anything. The Kosher Jewish diet might lead us

to believe that God has a finicky appetite

but the New Testament shows us something quite different. In the 10th chapter of the book of Acts,

the Lord showed Simon Peter a vision of all sorts of unclean animals. In the CVB (Cajun Version of the Bible) the word of God tells us a giant sheet was filled with pigs, snakes, gators, nutria rats, catfish, crabs, crawfish and a generous supply of Tony’s Cajun Seasoning and Crab Boil. That’s a veritable Cajun cornucopia. And God told Simon Peter, “Kill and eat.”

Lastly, Cajuns enjoy having a good time and the kingdom of God has been described as a great celebration. Heaven is not a place of eternal boredom; it’s an everlasting party. It can be described as “laisser le bon temps rouler,” let the good times roll.

So does that mean God is a Cajun? Before answering the question, I need to articulate an observation. When my Family and I were stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, we were led to believe God is a Texan and the Garden of Eden was somewhere between Waco and the Sabine River. If you have ever been stationed in South Korea you are aware some of the churches have stained glass images of saints, angels and even Jesus — and they all have an Asian appearance. I have seen African-American churches with stained glass saints and angels that have an African-American appearance. And in other churches the images of saints and angels appear to be Caucasian.

We all have a tendency to picture God in our

image. People from almost every culture, race, ethnic group and religion envision God’s appearance and character to be like them. Tragically, when we recreate God in our image, we feel justified and comfortable in building walls of exclusion from others who are different from us. Prejudice, dissension and even war are often fueled by the misconception that God is like us and is therefore on our side.

The word of God never said God looks like us but it does say we are created in the image of God, all of us. When the Lord looks at people, he does not see color or race — he doesn’t even see Texan. God sees us as his beloved sons and daughters with whom he wants to have a personal relationship.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “In Christ Jesus there is no Jew, Greek, male, female, bond or free. You belong to Christ and have become Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise,” (Galatians 3:28-29). That means we are all equal in the eyes of God.

So is God a Cajun? My response would be that Cajun is a wonderful expression of God. So is every other race and culture in the world. When we remove our colored shades and see the persona of God in others then all the things that cause cultural bitterness, hate and animosity must melt away; the only thing remaining is genuine love.

‘Is God a cajun?’

Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of the chapel briefs and service schedule.

ChapelBriefs Chapel schedule

CatholicSoldiers’ Memorial Chapel6333 Martinez Street, building 1500

• Saturday, 3:15-3:45 p.m., reconciliation, 526-8583

• Saturday, 4 p.m., Mass, 526-8583

• Sunday, 8:15-8:45 a.m., reconciliation, 526-8583

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

Prussman Chapel (gospel)Barkeley Avenue and Prussman Boulevard, building 1850

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

• Sunday, 11 a.m., gospel, 526-9640

Provider Chapel (general protestant)Barkeley Avenue and Ellis Street, building 1350• Sunday, 9:30 a.m., bible study• Sunday, 11 a.m., worship, 524-4316

Chapel NeXt (contemporary)Carson Middle School, off Harr Avenue

• Sunday 10 a.m., 526-8889• Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., 524-2458

Eastern OrthodoxFort Carson does not offer Eastern Orthodox services on post. Call 719-473-9238 for off-post services.

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 academy.

Islamic

Worshippers are led to strengthen both mind and body through chanting, meditation, dharma discussion and observing the five precepts Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Family Life Center, building 1659 (at Barkeley Avenue and Prussman Boulevard). Contact Capt. Somya Malasri at 526-2428, 562-395-2688 or [email protected] for details.

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

Latter-day SaintsThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sacrament Service is held at Veterans Chapel, building 2359, corner of Titus and Magrath avenues, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. It includes the Sacrament Meeting, Sunday school and auxiliary. Come worship Christ, partake of the Holy Sacrament and strengthen one another in the faith. All are wel-come. Contact Capt. Benjamin Reed, chaplain, at 524-1741, 235-3606 or [email protected].

Buddhist

• Sunday, 9 a.m., Mass, 526-8583• Sunday, 10:30 a.m., religious edu-

cation, 524-2458• Sunday, 11 a.m., Mass, 526-8583• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,

Friday, 11:45 a.m., Mass, 526-8583

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

Healer ChapelEvans Army Community Hospital

• Sunday. 11 a.m., Mass, 526-7386

• Monday-Thursday and first Friday of month, noon, Mass, 526-7386


their roles in maintaining buildings. The class instruction includes all aspects of facility management and is offered once a month, Tuesday through Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in building 1219, room 311. For information about DPW Facility Management Program, email [email protected] or call 526-4320.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group — Evans Army Community Hospital has begun a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group for Families experiencing grief from miscarriage, stillbirths or infant loss. The group meets the third Monday of each month from 3-5 p.m. at Mulligan’s Grill inside the Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club. Coffee and cookies will be provided.

Veterinary clinic hours — The

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 implan tation, dental appointments and sick call as well as some surgeries, including spaying and neutering. It also has X-ray, ultrasound and other advanced imaging capabilities. Call 526-3803/4520 for information or to make an appointment.

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. Work site interventions are offered and consul tation 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.

Missed hospital appointments — When someone is a no-show for a medical appointment, it means two people missed out on that appointment. A habitual no-show can take up to five slots with rebooking their appointments, denying several patients the opportunity to receive the care they need. Evans Army Community Hospital beneficiaries have four ways to cancel an appointment. They can call the clinic, the Patient Access System appointment line at 526-CARE (2273), online at TRICARE Online or via phone when the automated AudioCARE calls a few days before the appointment.

Lactation support — Call 526-0330 to schedule an outpatient lactation

support appointment Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Mountain Post Birthing Center, located on the third floor of Evans Army Community Hospital. Breastfeeding classes are available on the first Thursday of each month from 4-6 p.m. in the OB-GYN classroom. Significant others are encouraged to attend these events. Call 526-7172 to register for the breastfeeding classes.

Patient satisfaction surveys — The Department of Health Affairs mails Joint Outpatient Experience Survey (JOES). Select patients will receive the surveys about 72 hours after their appointments. These surveys provide direct feedback to health care providers to improve quality of care, patient experience and satisfaction. JOES also provides additional funds to Evans Army Community Hospital for every survey returned to increase beneficiary access to care, satisfaction, safety and quality of care.

BriefsFrom Page 15

Many parents overestimate children’s street-crossing skills; pedestrian skills of children are limited by several factors related to their physical size and developmental stage, including: physical ability to cross a street quickly, small size limits their visibility to drivers; children are likely to choose the shortest route vs. the safest route across streets,

often darting out between parked cars; children do not evaluate potential traffic threats effectively and cannot anticipate driver behavior; their sensory information processes more slowly than adults Drivers on post during the Halloween time frame should take extra precautions.

Don’t use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving

Pay extra attention, particularly to crosswalks, intersections and the side of the road; kids tend to walk along the curbs, cutting

across the street to get to other homes; continuously scan all around, whether as thru traffic or along with kids as they trick-or-treat

Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours

Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway, they could be dropping off children

Put a lighted plastic jack-o’- lantern on the dashboard to make the car more recognizable to children

It’s also a night that child predators are looking for victims; educate children on this and inform them to never get into the car of a stranger at any time; if someone stops them, asks for help or offers them candy, tell them to scream as loud as they can and run

If you are dropping off or picking up kids, pull off the road into a safe spot and turn on hazard lights to alert other motorists; when walking with the children door- to-door, leave the hazard lights on so other drivers can see the car

Pumpkin PatchFrom Page 13


At Ease

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site near La Junta began in the 1830s as a fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail. It was the largest structure between St. Louis and the Pacific Ocean.

Now it’s a place where visitors can learn about the fort’s history, culture of the people who lived there and those who traveled through that part of the country.

Before coming to Colorado, William Bent and his older brother Charles grew up in St. Louis, and

during their teens and 20s, the Bents worked for fur trading companies on the Missouri River. Their travels took them to northern Mexico before making their way to the Colorado plains and establishing what’s now known as Bent’s Old Fort.

The fort provided explorers, adventurers and the U.S. Army a place to get needed supplies, wagon repairs, livestock, food, water, rest and protection in this vast American desert. During the war with Mexico in 1846, the fort

became a staging area for Col. Stephen Watts Kearny’s “Army of the West.”

It’s now a place that offers events giving adults and children a glimpse of what life was like during the early to mid-1800s.

Frontier Skills Day in March, Trails and Rails Trips May through September, a living history encampment

in June, an old-fashioned July 4th, kids’ quarters in July, a military encampment in August and a traditional holiday celebration in December are the scheduled events. This year’s holiday celebration is Dec. 6-7.

Living history interpreters provide guided tours and demonstrations June 1 through Sept. 1 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. From September through May guided tours are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guided tours are not available during special events. Organized group tours can be reserved by calling 719-383-5026.

Visitors can hike the mile and a half trail that winds through the park along the Arkansas River.

The Trade Goods and Bookstore has adult and children books about the western frontier, nature and local history. It also has games, puzzles, videos and music CDs.

The fort helped bring a global economy to the region and influenced

multiple changes that had long-term economic, social and political consequences for the U.S., Mexico and numerous plains Indian tribes. The biggest change came in 1849 when the fort was abandoned after a cholera epidemic swept across the plains.

But today the fort offers visitors opportunities to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the past.

Compiled by Eric E. Parris.

Travel distance108 miles

HoursSept. 1 to May 31: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.June 1 to Aug. 31: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Price There is a fee of $3 for adults, $2 for ages 6-12 and children

under 6 are free.There is a $5 per person event fee for anyone over 6 years

old during major events.

Contact Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site 35110 State Highway 194 E.La Junta, CO 81050719-383-5010 https://www.nps.gov/ beol/index.htm

Passengers have been riding the rails of the Royal Gorge for more than 127 years. The scenic ride is 12 miles long, from Cañon City to Parkdale, and takes about two hours. The train, using original tracks, now carries passengers wanting a scenic, nostalgic ride. The Royal Gorge Route uses mid-century train engines and passenger cars.

Beginning Nov. 14, a very special train, the Santa Express, begins running. The Santa Express is a special holiday train that serves hot chocolate and cookies to passengers along the way. Young passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas for the ride, and while riding the train make a Christmas wish

list to pass along to Santa when he boards the train. Meanwhile, railroad staff members lead

passengers in singing Christmas songs on the way to the Christmas village, where Santa boards the train.

Food can be ordered during the ride, and it’s prepared on the train.

Santa Express trains begin Nov. 14. There may be up to four departures daily, and prices begin at $49 for adults and $39 for children, ages 1-12, for coach class.

Passengers can book their seats in various train cars, such as in coach, club car and vista dome. Fares are based on the car chosen. Value pricing is available Monday-Thursday, Nov. 14 to Dec. 12, and every day Dec. 26-31.

Peak pricing is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15 to Dec. 8, and every day Dec. 13-20.

Call 888-724-5748 (888-Rails-4U) or 719-276-4000 to purchase tickets.

Santa Express trains are very popular and all tickets are usually sold out. More than 30,000 guests ride the Royal Gorge Route Santa Express trains each year.

There are also Breakfast trains with a 9:15 a.m. departure. These trains are not Santa Express trains. Breakfast is served and Mrs. Claus and Santa will be on the train. For departures Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16, tickets are $64 for adults and $49 for children in coach class, $74 for adults and $59 for children in the club car. Vista dome tickets are $89 for adults and $69 for children. The meal is included on breakfast trains. Pancakes or Denver omelets are served.

Tickets for the breakfast trains Dec. 22 and 23 are priced higher.

The ticket office is in the former Santa Fe Railway historic train station located one block south of Highway 50 and 3rd Street in Cañon City. Passengers

should arrive at the train depot about 45 minutes or an hour prior to the train’s scheduled departure in order to pick up tickets. There is free parking at the station. A gift shop is in the train station that has train-related gifts, engineer hats and souvenirs.

Compiled by Nel Lampe.

Travel distance40 miles

Hours Varies, depending on day of the week and the season

Price Varies, depending on train car choice and date; see above

Contact Royal Gorge Route Railway330 Royal Gorge Blvd.Cañon City, CO 81212888-724-5748 or 719.276-4000Email [email protected]

Adventure

AttrAction

Bent’s Old Fort offers step back in time

Photos by Nel Lampe

A train staff member leads passengers in singing Christmas songs on a previous Santa Express Train ride.

Santa talks with a passenger on a previous Royal Gorge Route Railroad Santa Express train.

Bent’s Old Fort is on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail. It provided goods

from around the world for trade with the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa and Comanche

Plains Indian tribes in the 1830s.

A living history event features a council between the Army and the Cheyenne Indians.

Photos courtesy National Park Service

Santa Express trains begin Nov. 14


Thrill seekers can enjoy haunted houses in Colorado Springs. • Haunted Mines at 3910 Palmer Park

Blvd. is open every Thursday-Sunday until Nov. 2 including Wednesday. Ticket prices vary and it offers VIP shows and family-friendly tours. Visit https://hauntedmines.org for more information, calendar of events and tickets; or call 719-633-8252 or email [email protected].

• Hellscream Haunted House at 3021 N Hancock Ave. is open every Thursday-Sunday until Nov. 2 including Wednesday. Ticket prices vary and it offers VIP shows and family-friendly tours. Visit https://hellscreamhaunt.com for more information, calendar of events and tickets; or call 719-633-8252 or email [email protected].

• Blue Moon Haunted History tour, Manitou legends; where history meets mystery. It has been scaring the public since 2002. Reserve a tour at http://manitoulegends.com/blackcoffee/request.html. Tours are Friday and Saturday nights; weeknights may be available upon request. Tours begin at 9 p.m. and last about 75-90 minutes. During the tour, people will hear several spooky ghost stories about Manitou’s own Doctor Frankenstein, a suicidal pregnant Nunn, the feared Egg man and of course the town’s most famous ghost, Emma Crawford. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight and a camera. Tickets are $15 and couples’ tickets can be purchased for $40, which includes an autographed copy of the book, “Haunted Manitou Springs” by Stephanie Waters. The tour is not appropriate for young children. Call 719-291-2409 for Halloween special events. Directions will be provided with purchase.

Bring the family to trick-or-treat trail and travel the Flea Market vendor to vendor to collect candy all while enjoying the Flea Market. The event is Saturday at 5225 E. Platte Ave. There will be jack-o’-lantern contests, face painting, kid rides, music, food and more. Admission is $2 and kids 12 and under are free.

The 25th annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races are Saturday at 1 p.m. The tradition of the parade continues, but this year, and for the third year in a row, the Eternal Temples will perform at Swirl.

Spencer’s Fall Festival is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is at 1430 S. Tejon St. There will be face painting, apple bobbing, fresh pie tasting, pumpkin carving, games and more. Costumes are highly encouraged.

The 2019 Halloween House Party will be Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St. in Colorado Springs. The event will deliver family-friendly fun with over 15 carnival games, indoor trick-or-treating, chances to win fun raffle prizes and more.

Trick-or-Treating in the Park at Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave. is Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a two-day free kids’ community event. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Colorado Springs Conservatory at 415 S. Sahwatch St. will feature a live theatrical experience. Sunday will be the trick or treat event in the park with arts and crafts, games, music and more.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is hosting a USATri60 Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. The triathlon is open to the community, and veterans and active-duty members with DOD identification get a discount.

General public admission is $40, but email [email protected] for a promotion code. The triathlon will be indoors and events will include: 10-minute swim, 30-minute stationary bike and 20-minute treadmill. All participants will receive a swim cap, swim goggles, a USA Triathlon drawstring backpack, T-shirt and a finisher medal. For registration, course information and packet pickup, visit https://www.uccs.edu/usatri60!.

Get rid of the old Halloween pumpkins at the Punkin Chunkin and Zucchini Races at the Fountain Creek Nature center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane in Fountain. The event is Nov. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Bring in small pumpkins and giant zucchinis to see how far the catapult will launch the old pumpkins. After, there will be a zucchini race. Call 719-520-6745 for more information.

A 2019 Affaire Holiday Open House will be at Sweet William Antique Mall at 2109 Broadway in Colorado Springs, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is an annual event with food and sales in time for the holidays.

Colorado Country Christmas is Nov. 8-10 at the Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. The event will be a shopping experience for the entire family, and there will be gift ideas; arts and crafts; ceramics; candles; toys and much more. Big Paps’s Grill will be releasing a secret Christmas menu with items such as “gobble til’ you wobble” barbecue, pulled pork nachos or “son of a nutcracker” Frito pie. For more information, call 719-637-3960 or email [email protected].

Winterfest at the Norris Penrose Center is Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2019 Winterfest will feature more than 100 vendors, and military will get a $1 discount. Get holiday shopping done early.

Rue de Noel is Nov. 15-16 at the Douglas Count Events Center in Castle Rock. There is free parking and admission. The two-day indoor holiday market goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Victorian Christmas High Tea is Nov. 29 at the Miramont Castle Queen’s Parlor Tea Room, 9 Capitol Hill Ave. in Manitou Springs. The event begins Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. and goes until Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. advanced registration is required. Adults cost $37.50 (tax and gratuity

included). Children (up to 8 years) are $20 (tax and gratuity included). Enjoy a large scone with three toppings, a fresh seasonal fruit course, four tea sandwiches, four tea desserts and 2 pots of tea with flavors of your choosing. Child meals are slightly smaller, and are more catered toward a child’s palate. Traditional Victorian or fancy dress attire is suggested but not required. Call 719-685-1011 or 719-884-4109 to make reservations. Make reservations before Nov. 22, when cards will be charged.

The Denver Zoo, at 2300 Steele St., has many events on the horizon, and its summer hours are in effect, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults (ages 12-64), seniors (65 and older) are $17, children (3-11) are $14 and kids (2 and under) are free. The next free days at the zoo are Nov. 4 and 8. The zoo is open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. • Nov. 29 to Dec. 31: Zoo Lights

Explore the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory in Boulder for a free factory tour. From raw ingredients to finished products, learn all about the world of tea and see how the products are blended, packaged and shipped. The factory is at 4600 Sleepytime Drive in Boulder. Call 303-581-1266 for more information. Tours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is an art gallery and a tea shop to explore while on the grounds. The factory is closed most major holidays. Visit http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/ tea-tour for a list of major holiday closures and a list of need to know items before a visit.

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 West Dale Street, has much to offer and many events on its calendar. The museum has a shop and performances, but also has an eatery, which is open for lunch but dinner requires a reservation. Military members are offered a discount of $5 entry. For more information call 719-634-5581 or visit https://fac.coloradocollege.edu for more information. This Saturday at 10 a.m. the museum is free. Other events include: • Carrie the Musical: A Staged Concert,

Friday at 7:30 p.m.• “Tiny Beautiful Things,” Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Story of Us” is currently at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum at 215 S. Tejon St. The exhibit takes a

look at the history of Colorado Springs, from A to Z. Other exhibits in the free museum depict the history of Colorado Springs and the area. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad hosts many themed events aboard its cars. Enjoy a murder mystery train or a fun lunch while you view the sights along its path. Book trips online and view fares and menus at https://royalgorgeroute.com/ or call 719-276-4000. Plan your visit early. Don’t miss out.

The Stargazers Theater has some big events coming up at 10 S. Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs. To see a list of all events at the theater, visit http://www.stargazerstheatre.com/upcoming-events. Call 719-476-2200 for more information.

Vintage Market Days of Colorado Springs: “Deck the Halls” is Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. to Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road. The event is a holiday shopping experience, featuring vendors from the Colorado area, as well as artisans and makers from nearly 20 other states. Each vendor will feature its choice of true vintage goods, antiques, original art, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and so much more. There will also be a food truck area. For more information, visit https://www.coloradosprings.vintagemarketdays.com.

The Denver Mart is hosting a Sugar Plum Bazaar Nov. 23 from 1-9 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. in Denver. Visit https://www.sugarplumbazaar.com for more information.

The Seven Falls Winter Lights will kick off the illumination to start the holiday season Nov. 23 at the Broadmoor Seven Falls, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The annual event is in its 5th year and will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be treats and hot chocolate. The lights will illuminate at 5:30 p.m. Children can write a letter to Santa or search for prizes and candy at the Elf Scavenger Hunt at the Creekside Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be other events throughout the day including a “selfie station.” Tickets will only be available the day of the event. Call 719-476-6708 for more information.

The 11th annual Noon Year’s Eve will be Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum. The event will feature a balloon drop, character dance, face painting and more.

At EaseBeyond the gate

Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of beyond the gate briefs.


Saturday is Fort Carson Make a Difference Day. Volunteer and make a difference at Iron Horse Park from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will help to makeover areas of post, including raking, cleaning and maintenance of the grounds around the park, sports complex and the dog park. To register, contact the Volunteer Corps Office, 6303 Wetzel Ave., building 1526, at 526-1082 or Josesimo Bautista at [email protected].

Climbing wall scavenger hunt is Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the Ivy Physical Fitness Center. The event is open to DOD identification cardholders and their guests. For information about the various scenarios, prices, times and rules, visit https://carson.armymwr.com/calendar/event/climbing-wall-scavenger-hunt/3576027/44502 or call 719-526-2706.

Pumpkin Shootout is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex, 7790 Route 1. Youths can shoot from 9 a.m. to noon. Adults shoot from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a free pumpkin for each child with paid admission. The event is $10 per person. Call 719-896-6196 for more information.

Army vs. Air Force football pep rally is Nov. 1, so save the date. Visit https://carson.armymwr.com/calendar/event/army-vs-air-force-pep-rally/2967895/36600 for more information and updates.

Save the date for Library Military

Family event Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to noon at Grant Library, 1637 Flint St., building 1528. The annual event celebrates military Families during the month of November. Enjoy crafts, a snack and participate in a scavenger hunt to explore the library. Call 526-2842 for more information.

A winter craft event is being held for adults only at the Grant Library Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to noon. There are only 10 slots available and no children are allowed due to safety concerns. The event is free and will have refreshments. Sign up in person beginning Oct. 29 at the front library desk.

Make time for the Ski Expo VIP night and general admission, Dec. 5 and 6 respectively, at the Outdoor Recreation Complex. The winter sports season is nearly here. Call 526-5176 for more information.

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is Dec. 5 at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. The official tree lighting will commence along with kids’ activities, Santa Claus photos, holiday entertainment and more.

Slippery Santa Warrior Challenge is Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m. at the Ivy Physical Fitness Center indoor pool. Dress as Santa Claus and complete the inflatable obstacle course while its floating on the water. The cost is $3 per person. Call 524-2329 for more information.

Army Community Service holds “Boot

Camp for New Dads” the first Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. The interactive and engaging class focuses on what it means to become a father, how to care for a baby and how to care for mom. Call 526-0461 for more information.

The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex offers special days with discounts to veterans and women. Veterans pay $5 admission every Wednesday while females 6 and older receive free range time the second Saturday of each month. Call 896-6196 for more information.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a support group for weight loss that meets Thursdays at Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center. Meetings are held on the second floor in room 209. Weigh-in is from 5-5:45 p.m. and the meeting is from 6-7 p.m. First meeting is free. Participants must present military identification or government identification at fitness center front desk. Call Debby Beck at 392-8582 for more information.

Thunder Alley Bowling Center offers the following weekly specials:• Cosmic bowling — Unlimited

bowling and $2 shoe rental Friday from 9:30-11:45 p.m.; $9 for adults and $8 for children; and Saturday from 1-3 p.m.; $8 per person.

• Color pin — Color pins come up in random spots for different awards Saturday from 8 p.m. until close. Cost is $15 for bowling and $2 for shoe rental. Open to those 18 and older.

Get strikes and pick up certain splits for cash. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. and games begin at 8 p.m.

• Pizza bowl — Get three games of bowling, two slices of pizza and a soda for $7 a person Sunday from 6-8 p.m. Shoe rental is $2.50.

• Red Pin — Get a strike Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a red head pin and win a free game. Games are $2 and shoe rental is $2.50.

• 50 cent games, hot dogs and shoes — Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m., minimum $3 purchase.

• “Mommy and Me Bowling” — kids receive a free game of bowling and there’s $1 coffee specials for mommies Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon.

• Family Day — Get $1 games and $2 shoes Wednesday from 1-11 p.m.

Call 526-5542 for more information.Subscribe to the DFMWR mailing list to

receive emails about upcoming events and activities on post. Visit https://carson.armymwr.com; click on the “Mailing List” icon and select categories of interest.

Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center holds a climbing wall monthly challenge. Participants have to climb a number of times per month to complete the challenge. The event is tallied on an honor system with participants tracking and logging their climbing distance. The challenge is open to DOD identification card holders and their Families to include first time climbers and those who are belay certified looking for a climbing partner. Certification is quick and easy to obtain. Participants will receive a shirt and free use of climbing gear for the month. Prizes are awarded to top three participants. Call 524-3773 for details.

At EaseWithin the gate

Have an idea for the At Ease section? Email your suggestion to

[email protected].

Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of within the gate briefs.

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Sports

Story and photos by Walt JohnsonMountaineer staff

The Garcia Fitness Center’s summer lifting series concluded Saturday as Soldiers and Family members took part in a challenging event: Strong Soldier competition.

David Falls, Garcia manager, said the goal of the lifting series all summer was to test individuals’ strength, fitness and mental toughness. Before the event, Falls thanked all the competitors and reminded them that although it was a competition, he wanted them to have fun and do it safely. Falls emphasized that the competition was not going to “get you on the Wheaties’ box” but was designed to offer people a chance to challenge themselves, physically and mentally. He said each year the goal is to make the event the best it can be for those competing.

“We don’t want it to be the same event every year, so we mix up the disciplines,”

Falls said. “This year we added some new events like the chain pull and the wrist roll. Both of those events challenged the athletes, and I think that ‘fried’ a lot of forearms in a good way.”

Falls said one competitor after another fell straight to the ground after pulling the chain from one end of Garcia PFC to the other. The weight on the chain increased as the competitors attempted to achieve their personal best. All the athletes completed the pull but everyone fell to the ground in exhaustion afterward.

Katie Deichl is a lifting enthusiast who competed in her first Strong Soldier competition. She said she was encouraged by the Garcia staff to take part in the event and looked forward to testing herself in the competitive environment. After the event she said she was very happy to have taken part in it.

Strong Soldier competition tests athletesAbove: David Falls, Garcia Fitness Center manager, left, watches a competitor participate in a tire flipping event during the Strong Soldier event Saturday.

Right: Haakon Nordrum performs a lift during the Strong Soldier competition

Saturday at Garcia Fitness Center.

Above: Katie Diechl, right, gets a shoulder massage from her daughter, Brynn, after she competed in the Strong Soldier competition Saturday at Garcia Fitness Center.

See Strong on Page 28


2 6 T H A N N U A L

H E R O E S & V I L L A I N SH E R O E S & V I L L A I N SH E R O E S & V I L L A I N SH E R O E S & V I L L A I N SB E S T O F 2019

THE RESULTS ARE IN!!You voted in the BEST OF Colorado

Springs from the Independent and now it’s time fi nd out the winners.

Pick up the October 23rd and 30th issues of the Indy to discover the winners in the

2019 BEST Of Colorado Springs.

Visit csindy.com for online resultsVisit Visit csindy.com for online results for online results

C S I N D Y. C O M 2 3 5 S . N E V A D A A V E . 8 0 9 0 3

FOOTBALL PICKSCollege

USC vs. ColoradoWisconsin vs. Ohio StateSan Jose State vs. ArmyAuburn vs. LSUNotre Dame vs. Michigan Penn State vs. Michigan StateTexas vs. TCUSyracuse vs. Florida State

ProPhiladelphia vs. BuffaloL.A. Chargers vs. ChicagoN.Y. Giants vs. Detroit Denver vs. IndianapolisCarolina vs. San FranciscoOakland vs. HoustonGreen Bay vs. Kansas CityMiami vs. Pittsburgh

USC BuffaloOhio State ChicagoArmy DetroitLSU IndianapolisNotre Dame San FranciscoPenn State HoustonTexas Green BaySyracuse Pittsburgh

Mo BlackwellFSC 4th Engineers

Colorado PhiladelphiaOhio State ChicagoArmy DetroitAuburn IndianapolisNotre Dame San FranciscoPenn State HoustonTexas Kansas CityFla. State Pittsburgh

Alexis ZapataFamily member

USC PhiladelphiaOhio State L.A. ChargersArmy N.Y. GiantsAuburn IndianapolisNotre Dame San FranciscoPenn State HoustonTexas Green BayFla. State Pittsburgh

Priscilla ColonFamily member

USC PhiladelphiaOhio State ChicagoArmy N.Y. GiantsLSU DenverNotre Dame CarolinaMich. State HoustonTCU Kansas CityFla. State Pittsburgh

Robert Foggo534th Signal Company


Fountain-Fort Carson High School continues its season, visiting Regis Jesuit High School Friday at 7 p.m. The Trojans’ last home game of the season is scheduled for Nov. 1 when it will host the Doherty Spartans at 7 p.m.

The Mesa Ridge Grizzlies High School football team continues its season when it hosts the Vista Ridge Wolves at C. A. Foster Stadium in Colorado Springs Friday at 7 p.m. This will be the Grizzlies last regular season home game. The Grizzlies will travel to Cheyenne Mountain Nov. 1 to close out its regular season action.

The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting complex will host its annual Pumpkin Shootout Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to event organizers, the event is open to the public; range regulations and age requirements are applicable. There will be two sessions: a youth shootout from 9 a.m. to noon and the adult shootout from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a free pumpkin for each child with paid admission. The cost for the event is $10 per person. People can sign up at Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex. Contact the complex at 719-896-6196 for more information.

Child and Youth Services (CYS) has begun registering athletes for indoor soccer and fall wrestling seasons through Nov. 2. The season is scheduled to begin Nov. 14 and run through Dec. 21. Registration 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.

SportsBriefs Core workout

Photo by Walt Johnson

Fort Carson Soldiers Jennifer Patton, right, and Josano Samuel do a core workout at McKibben Fitness Center Monday. McKibben features weight training and cardio exercise programs fitting most fitness programs. For more information on fitness programs offered on post contact any of the fitness facilities.

McKibben gets festive


Josefina Taijeron, McKibben Fitness Center manager, and staff member Arthur Martin complete setting up a Halloween display at the facility Monday. McKibben will host a “Spooktacular” Spartan training workout that Spartan fitness coach Kay Jones said, “will offer a great workout that will test your limits.” The event will cost $3 per person and will be held from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Jones said there will also be prizes during the event to celebrate the Halloween season.



“I thought this was a very challenging and humbling competition,” Deichl said. “The events definitely exposed some of your weaknesses when it comes to weight training and gives you a goal to make those weaknesses strengths.”

Kevin Henderson, another first-time competitor, was recently cleared for activities after having undergone knee surgery. After the long road to recovery he wanted to see how he would fare in such a competition, and it met his expectation.

“I thought, what better way to see how far I have come than a competition like this,” Henderson said. “I thought I did well and I love that I am seeing how far I have come along since my injury. This has given me much more confidence in my knee and my abilities, and right now I am feeling really good about how my knee is holding up.”

Zachary Koekenberg has been lifting for about four years, and said during his recent deployment he was working on exercises for the Strong Soldier and looked forward to the competition.

“I really enjoyed it,” Koekenberg said. “It was entertaining and competitive. This was the first time I did something like this, and my advice to anyone considering it is to just go for it.”

The following Soldiers and Family members won the Strong Soldier Competition Saturday:

Female lightweight: Katie DeichlMale lightweight: Jake DriffillMale middleweight: Andrew HeinMale light heavyweight: Jesse WayMale heavyweight: Zach KoekenbergMale super heavyweight: Haakon Nordrum

StrongFrom Page 25

The 2019 National Physique Committee Tokyo Joe’s Rocky Mountain Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini and Physique Championships will be held Nov. 9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Denver Airport Convention Center in Denver. Prejudging begins at 8 a.m. in the men’s and women’s bodybuilding and physique categories. Judging will take place in women’s bodybuilding and physique, fitness routines, bikini, fitness physique and figure competitions, respectively, at 10:30 a.m. Finals begin at 4:30 p.m.

The Fort Carson Middle School Eagles boys’ basketball team hosts Horizon Middle School Tuesday and travels to Watson MS Thursday as it continues league action. The Eagles’ remaining home games are Nov. 4 vs. Fountain Middle School, Nov. 7 vs. Sproul Middle School; Nov. 13 vs. Panorama Middle School; and Nov. 20 vs. Mountain

Vista Middle School. The Eagles are on the road vs. Janitell MS, Nov. 6; vs. Falcon Middle School, Nov. 12; vs. Skyview Middle School Nov. 14; vs. Grand Mountain Middle School Nov. 18 and Nov. 21 vs. Fox Meadows Middle School.

The Denver Nuggets will sponsor a Fort Carson Group Night event Nov. 5. The Nuggets will play the Miami Heat beginning at 7 p.m. For ticket information go to https://nuggets.ksetickets.com/FortCarson1105 and use promotion code NUGFTCARSON1105. There will be no ticket fees or convenience charges. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Pricing is also subject to change without notice. Seating is limited for the tickets at special group pricing starting at $24. Each ticket will include a Nuggets-themed challenge coin. Anyone who purchases a ticket through the link provided will have the opportunity to participate in the Nuggets pre-game VIP experience to sit courtside during warmups. For more information, contact Alexa Carpenter at 303-405-1196

or email [email protected].

Child Youth Service (CYS) officials are looking for people interested in volunteering as youth sports and fitness coaches. Anyone interested in being a coach must pass a background check, attend a mandatory three-hour preseason training session and be available two to three hours per week for practices and games. CYS officials said anyone interested in being a coach must have good communication skills with CYS sports staff and parents of the players. According to CYS officials, youth coaches receive discounts on sports enrollment for their children, promotion points for active-duty Soldiers, volunteer hours and will make an impact on the community.

The next Commanding General’s (CG) Golf Scramble is scheduled for Nov. 1 at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club. Registration is underway at the golf course for the event beginning with a shotgun start at noon. The golf course is scheduled to hold a CG scramble the first Friday of each month,

weather permitting. Call 526-4102 for more information.

The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports and Fitness Division will host a preseason basketball tournament Dec. 2-5 at Ivy Physical Fitness Center. The registration deadline is Nov. 21. Teams must submit a team roster limited to 15 players. The tournament is open to active-duty personnel, Army Reserve or National Guard on active-duty orders, Family members 16 and older and any DOD identification card holder affiliated with Fort Carson. Contact Lorraine Thorson at 526-5772 for more information.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point football team will take on the Air Force Academy Falcons Nov. 2 at the Academy football field in Colorado Springs. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. There will be a tailgating at the Falcon Football Stadium the morning of the game and a pep rally at The Hub Nov. 1 with members of the Army football team and cheerleaders.

BriefsFrom

Youth soccer practice


Fort Carson youth center soccer coach Dylan Norton, right, watches as his son Austin Norton go through a conditioning drill at practice Monday at Pershing Field. The youth soccer, cheer and flag football season will come to an end Saturday with games being played at Pershing Field beginning at 9 a.m.


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