opens vaccine site at sec - fort carson

Published in the interest of the Fort Carson Community. Visit the Fort Carson website at http://www.carson.army.mil.

Vol. 79, No. 5Feb. 5, 2021

Gates 2, 6 and 19 will be closed

Feb. 12 for the training holiday and Feb. 15 for the President’s Day federal holiday.

Sling load

Photo by Sgt. Sidnie Smith-Swift

A Soldier with Foxtrot Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, gives hand and arm signals to the pilot of a UH-60M Black Hawk carrying a trailer on Fort Carson Jan. 12. The brigade conducted sling load and helicopter landing zone operations. See story on pages 10-11.

Carson opens vaccine site at SEC

By Scott PraterMountaineer staff

Fort Carson leaders and medical personnel have developed and opened a new primary COVID-19 vaccination site, the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center (SEC). Normally the SEC hosts expos, fairs and entertainment style events, but for the foreseeable future, the SEC will be the primary venue for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to the post’s populace.

“We started administering the vaccine at Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) to our initial personnel, mainly health care workers and front-line essential workers, but as we’ve moved on in phases, this allows us to have more throughput and maintain social distancing, which is very important for us,” said Maj. Theresa Suggs, COVID-19 Vaccination officer in charge.

Fort Carson Army and medical leaders considered and evaluated a number of locations to house the vaccine operation around post, and Suggs said the SEC was chosen for a number of important reasons.

“It made sense to choose the SEC,” she said. “It is one of the more familiar locations for our beneficiary population — its large and you can fit a lot of people in here while still observing social distance requirements.”

Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry

See Vaccine on Page 4

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MOUNTAINEERCommanding General: Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane

Garrison Commander: Col. Nate Springer

Garrison Public Affairs Officer: Dee McNutt

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Editor: Aleah M. Castrejon

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This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Mountaineer are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. Printed circulation is 8,000 copies.

The editorial content of the Mountaineer is the respon sibility of the Public Affairs Office, Fort Carson, Colo., Tel.: 526-4144. The e-mail address is [email protected].

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The Mountaineer is an unofficial publication authorized by AR 360-1. The Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, of the products or services advertised. The publisher reserves the right to reject advertisements.

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The Mountaineer’s editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, building 1220, room 221, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone 526-4144.

Releases from outside sources are so indicated. The deadline for submissions to the Mountaineer is close of business Friday the week before the next issue is published. The Mountaineer staff reserves the right to edit submissions for newspaper style, clarity and typographical errors.

Policies and statements reflected in the news and editorial columns represent views of the individual writers and under no circumstances are to be considered those of the Department of the Army.

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2 MOUNTAINEER | Feb. 5, 2021

CommentaryCommentary

Military 5 Army Community Service: Employment readiness

expands amenities 6 New pistol put to test 7 IPPS-A update to support personnel 8 Live-firewintertraining 9 Military briefs 10 4CABconductsslingloadops 12 Iron strike

Community 13 Carson hosts annual bird count 14 The Journey (Chapel series): Make joyful noise 15 Community briefs

In addition 17 Classified

At a glanceAt a glance

6

5

Army grooming standards, AR 670-1 updated

Headquarters, Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-1

What is it?The U.S. Army is committed to implementing

policies that promote inclusivity throughout the ranks. To ensure a standard of equity and based on a July DOD-directed review, the Army has updated the grooming and hairstyle policies.

The updates, announced Jan. 26, will be effective Feb. 25 and directly support the Army’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?The Army revised Army Regulation (AR) 670-1,

Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia and Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 670-1 to incorporate previously announced changes (May 2017 to December 2020) in uniform policy and procedures. Major updates include:

• Policy implementation of the Army Green Service Uniform

• Authorization for female Soldiers who are breastfeeding or pumping to wear an optional undershirt

• Changes the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia from Former Wartime Service to Military Operations in Hostile Conditions.

The Army has updated its grooming standards to address the disparate impact on female Soldiers. Army senior leaders approved hairstyle changes that promote diversity and inclusion and improve the health of the force. The updates, based on medical (dermatology) considerations, as well as feedback from Soldiers across the force, are authorized as follows:

• No minimum hair length for female Soldiers

• Multiple hairstyles to be worn at once, such as braiding twists or locs

• Ponytails for Soldiers unable to form a bun

• Highlights (uniform blend of colors)• Optional wear of earrings in the Army Combat

Uniform for Female Soldiers• Solid lip and nail colors (nonextreme) for

female Soldiers• Clear nail polish for male SoldiersThe revisions also remove potentially offensive

language used to describe several hairstyles and replaces with appropriate terminology for unauthorized grooming and appearance standards.

The uniform and/or grooming changes, approved after December 2020, will be included in the next update to the AR 670-1.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?The Army is a learning organization, and will continue to

gather input from individual Soldiers. Army leaders believe that innovation is not confined by rank or unit, and Soldiers are encouraged to share their policy suggestions with the Army.

Why is this important to the Army?Pride in the wear of the uniform is important for the

Soldiers. Army uniforms embody the professionalism and commitment to the Army Values.

The updates reflect the Army’s commitment to fostering an environment that promotes and facilitates diversity, equity and inclusion. Inclusive policies foster the ability to recruit and retain the top talent.

Stock image

NewsNews3Feb. 5, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER

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WWII POW receives vaccineStory and photo by Emily KlinkenborgU.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Carson Public Affairs Office

A crowd formed in the parking lot of the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center (SEC) as a man stepped out of his vehicle wearing a hat with World War II and Korea embroidered on the front. It’s not every day a Soldier has the opportunity to meet a member of the greatest generation.

Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Beck, a World War II prisoner of war, 95, and his wife, Fay, 89, arrived at the SEC Jan. 29 to receive their initial doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Beck’s arrival signals a new phase of Fort Carson’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts for TRICARE beneficiaries 75 and older.

“They called me the other day saying they had openings and told us to come in at 11 o’clock. We had about five different calls come in to remind us,” said Edwin Beck. “We’d been waiting for this moment.”

Beck, a native of Pennsylvania, joined the Army in 1943 and was assigned

to the 106th Infantry Division, 422nd Regiment, when he was captured by the Germans on Dec. 19, 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

The American prisoners were forced to travel by foot and box car for several days in the snow before

arriving at Stalag IV G, a labor camp near the city of Oschatz, Germany. Russian and British soldiers were also imprisoned at the camp.

“One of the Russian prisoners had a pair of wire cutters so I asked for them,” said Beck. “One of my friends asked what I was going to do with

them and I said ‘I’m going home.’”Beck, and two other American

prisoners, escaped during the German guards’ shift change. He spent nearly six months as a POW that winter.

The Becks have seven children together — three girls and four boys. Out of the seven children, six are local in Colorado Springs.

Every year they get together as a family with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to celebrate Thanksgiving, but like many other families, the Becks had to spend this past Thanksgiving alone.

“Everything was all messed up. We always have everybody come in, but this year we didn’t,” said Beck. “I just told the kids don’t come.”

The Becks were among the first 85 Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Beck, left, and his wife Fay, right, sit together in the observation area Jan. 29 of the Fort Carson William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center after receiving their initial dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. See Couple on Page 4


Division and Fort Carson, learned about the features and operation of the facility.

“It feels great (to be taking the next steps in delivering the vaccine),” McFarlane said. “We’ve been fighting this COVID-19 virus here since March, trying to contain it and limiting exposure to our personnel. But now we have the means to combat it and eventually snuff it out as we work to obtain and maintain the vaccination levels we need to get things back to normal.”

The commanding general explained, like any challenge for the Army, Fort Carson has worked its way through the last year and prevailed.

“We’ve maintained our readiness,” McFarlane said. “We’ve deployed forces overseas and throughout the U.S. helping communities in their fight against the virus, and we’ve done what our nation has asked us to do.”

According to Suggs, the SEC will continue to operate as a vaccination site for at least the next couple of months, while EACH staff works alongside Army brigade medics to administer the vaccine.

“We looked at our forecasting, and to have a large throughput here, we need to have a complement of trained

and educated staff to conduct our operations effectively,” she said. “It was definitely a smart move to task Army personnel. We’ll need them even more as this mission ramps up.”

While receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is completely voluntary, McFarlane said it is important to inform and educate community members on the facts surrounding the vaccine.

“We are encouraging Soldiers to get the vaccine because, like I’ve said, it’s a primary weapon in the fight against the virus right now,” he added. “It is the quickest way to ensure we eliminate the virus over time.”

Photos by Scott Prater

Above: Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding

general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, provides details

about the newly opened Fort Carson COVID-19 vaccination

site to local media members at the William “Bill” Reed Special

Events Center Jan. 28.

Left: Maj. Brad Vass, director of public health, Evans Army Community Hospital, explains features of the Fort Carson COVID-19 vaccination site during a tour of the facility at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center Jan. 28.

VaccineFrom Page 1

Photo by Emily Klinkenborg

Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Beck, left, receives his initial dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Jan. 29 at the Fort Carson William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center from Spc. Rachel Broussard, right, a combat medic with 3rd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

and older enrolled beneficiaries notified by EACH Jan. 27, using an AudioCARE message from the Colorado Military Health System Access to Care Line with instructions to book an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Enrolled beneficiaries age 75 and up will soon receive an AudioCARE message and a letter from the Fort Carson Department of Public Health detailing how to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Phone numbers and mailing addresses must be updated to ensure information on file is accurate.

EACH will continue offering the COVID-19 vaccine to national critical capabilities and Soldiers preparing to deploy outside of the continental U.S. (OCONUS) as outlined in Phase 1B of the DOD Vaccine Distribution Plan, as well as recipients from the initial phases.

The Becks are scheduled to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 26, which is 28 days after their first dose.

“You shouldn’t believe everything you hear,” said Beck, combating the myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. “I think getting the (COVID-19) vaccine is a great idea, and you should get the flu vaccine, too.”

CoupleFrom Page 3

By Jeanine MezeiU.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Carson Public Affairs Office

Open enrollment at Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) is now available to retired service members and retiree family members under 65 who live within a 30-minute drive time from EACH. The hospital will serve beneficiaries and remain committed to ensuring every enrollee is assigned to a primary care manager (PCM) who can best meet their individual health care needs.

To enroll, call the Health Net Federal Services (HNFS) Customer Service Line at 844-866-9378, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Upon

initial enrollment, patients will be assigned to an interim PCM (Dr. Julia Cavallaro). The team will then conduct a medical review to ensure each enrollee’s care is aligned with a PCM best suited to provide care. Once a final PCM assignment has been made, each enrollee will receive a notification from HNFS that a final PCM assignment has been made.

Those who are currently accessing the majority of specialty care from network civilian partners, and are happy with current civilian PCM, are encouraged to stay with the civilian provider. EACH does not want to disrupt existing continuity of care.

Once enrolled, contact the Access to Care Line at 719-524-2273 or 719-526-2273 to make an initial appointment with a provider. Stock image

Open enrollment now available

5Feb. 5, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER

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Army Community Service

Employment readiness expands amenitiesBy Scott PraterMountaineer staff

Amongst all the changes that have occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic gripped America last year, many organizations have been forced to adapt their programing in order to meet client needs. At Fort Carson’s Army Community Service (ACS) for example, many programs and staff switched gears and began offering a type of hybrid approach.

ACS’s Employment Readiness Program is one of those that has staff work some days in the office and some from home.

“While the pandemic has presented a lot of challenges, we’ve found that it has produced at least one positive,” said Fiona Mosley, employment readiness program manager, ACS. “It has also shown organization leaders that many functions can be delivered by staff who telework, while at the same time, some face-to-face meetings can

also be conducted via a virtual format.”

The past eight months have actually been a whirlwind time for the employment readiness program. Back in March, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, placed military spouse employment among the top five of Army priorities. As a result, Fort Carson ACS was permitted to not only increase its staff, but support a program manager, as well.

By May, two ACS veterans, Mosley and Celsie Day had transitioned into employment readiness, with Mosley taking the reins as program manager and Day assuming the role of program specialist.

“We’ve expanded the program in several ways,” Mosley said. “The

addition of staff allowed us to add to our catalog of workshops, including an orientation class and a career skills development offering.”

Program staff also added a professional development series, to include, Linked In Fundamentals,

Personal Branding, Career Exploration and a military-spouse course called “Your Priority.”

“Perhaps more importantly, all of our workshops are currently virtual,”

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New pistol put to test

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A Soldier with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, tests the Army’s newest M17 pistol. The Soldiers fired the new handgun Jan. 22 at a range on Fort Carson.


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IPPS-A update to support personnelBy Devon SuitsArmy News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In anticipation of an Armywide release of the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS-A), program officials requested that all active-duty and Reserve Soldiers verify their military and pay records before the service goes live in December.

Next year, the Army plans to provide close to 1.1 million Soldiers access to the IPPS-A, a web-based human resources system that integrates personnel, pay and talent management functions that will also be accessible on mobile devices.

In March, program officials transitioned the entire Army National Guard to the new system under “release 2” of the program, said Col. Gregory Johnson, director of IPPS-A’s Functional Management Division.

Army leaders will soon have visibility of all personnel under one system once the remaining force transitions under “release 3” of the IPPS-A transition, he added. Therefore, it is essential that all active and Reserve

Soldiers review, verify, and monitor their military records to ensure a seamless transition.

Soldiers will need to reach out to their unit S-1 to verify their basic pay and assignment information,

active-duty service and promotion dates, military education and training records, and other applicable military record information, Johnson said.

Courtesy graphic

Next year, the Army plans to provide close to 1.1 million Soldiers access to the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army, a web-based human resources system that integrates personnel, pay and talent management functions that will also be accessible on mobile devices.See IPPS-A on Page 12


Mosley said. “Folks can join us from wherever they’re at, from not only all over the U.S., but even from outside the country. This is an exciting development because spouses and Family members can begin their employment readiness experience and get plugged in to what’s going on here before they even arrive at Fort Carson.”

The expansion also allows employment readiness staff to conduct more employer outreach, when Day communicates directly with businesses and organizations who are seeking military spouses specifically.

Day said spouses, Family members and transitioning Soldiers will often visit ACS employment readiness for help on even small things, like a resume review, and that many prefer one-on-one interaction. So, ACS offers both virtual one-on-one consultations and in-office one-on-one appointments.

“It’s really amazing when you fall into a team and your skill sets complement each other,” she said. “We work harmoniously and the beneficiaries of that are our clients. For me, our new ‘Linked In Fundamentals’ course seems particularly effective. I will instruct the class to where clients have a complete and solid Linked In profile. Then we go into functions and capabilities, but we also stress the importance of the etiquette of the platform. There are a lot of users who approach Linked In just like any other platform, but

they don’t understand that it’s a professional stage, and there are things you need to follow while keeping in mind that you always have to put your professional self forward, so they can best leverage the platform.”

Mosley indicated that besides offering enhanced courses and engagement, all of the program’s staff are now certified as federal job search trainers and federal career coaches.

“What we try to get across to clients is that we are all invested in a better outcome,” Mosley said. “We know that meaningful employment leads to satisfaction in other aspects of life.”

To learn more about ACS’s Employment Readiness Program, or meet with a program specialist, contact ACS at 719-526-4590 or http://carson.army.mil/programs/army-community-service.

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ReadinessFrom Page 5


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Fort Carson Ivy Warrior Restaurants hours of operation:

Friday Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.

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Warfighter (Wilderness Road)

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LaRochelle 10th SFG(A) Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: Closed

Military briefsEditor’s note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of military briefs. Due to the COVID-19 closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of contact for updated information and hours of operation.

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10 MOUNTAINEER | Feb. 5, 2021 11Feb. 5, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER

FeatureFeature

4CABconducts

sling load ops

Story and photos by Sgt. Sidnie Smith-Swift4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers with Foxtrot Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, conducted sling load and helicopter landing zone operations from Jan. 11-14.

Warrant Officer Brandon Delk, platoon leader, Foxtrot Company, 2nd GSAB, 4th Avn. Reg., 4th CAB, said the company is the only air traffic controller unit in the division and therefore

provides a unique and vital role to the brigade. “This serves as advanced training for

our tactical air traffic controllers and builds a foundation for us to try a variety of unique external cargo loads, and potentially drop zones (dropping a Humvee with a parachute out of a flying plane) in the future,” Delk said.

While moving equipment in and out of a combat zone is critical, this training also has an important impact in the Colorado Springs community.

“In the garrison environment, the Army’s mission is the Defense Support of Civil Authorities

(DSCA), which includes natural disaster relief,” said Delk. “During wildfire season in Colorado, you often see Army aircraft carrying water to the site of the fire, using a sling load (Bambi bucket). Many communities in Colorado are located in the mountainous terrain; in the event of a natural disaster (avalanche, flood, mudslide), an entire community may be stranded. The Army’s capability to sling load allows us to supplement civil authorities and rescue teams to not only transport personnel, but also any equipment and machinery that may be required in the rescue mission.”

Capt. Harrison Green, company commander,

Foxtrot Company, 2nd GSAB, 4th Avn. Reg., 4th CAB, said sling load training is not something his unit gets to train on a day-to-day basis. Many of the Soldiers participating in the training are doing it for the first time ever in their Army careers.

“Our job is (to be) able to provide tactical air traffic services to the entire brigade,” Green said. “We really have some unique Soldiers because of that. None of this would be possible without the Soldiers our here. It’s something I definitely can’t do myself.”

Sling load operations were critical in helping local Colorado Springs emergency services during the Wild Horse Fire in October 2020.

A 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, UH-60M Black Hawk carries a trailer Jan. 12 at a training area on Fort Carson. The brigade conducted sling load and helicopter landing zone operations.

Soldiers with Foxtrot Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, prepare a trailer for sling load operations Jan. 12 to a UH-60M Blackhawk.

Soldiers with Foxtrot Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, attach a hook to the bottom of a UH-60M Black Hawk Jan. 12.


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Conducting a proper review will ensure a Soldier’s data is correct before it populates under IPPS-A at the end of the year.

The shift to IPPS-A is slated to eliminate close to 40 human resource (HR) and pay related systems by 2025, as program leads continue to merge all of the Army’s payroll applications under “release 4” of the program.

“One of the biggest problems that IPPS-A is solving is that there are (close to 200) HR and pay systems throughout the Army,” Johnson said. “We are consolidating these systems down into one focal point.”

Providing Soldiers access to their records under one centralized system will help increase transparency, he

added. Personnel actions generated in IPPS-A will automatically generate a notification and send it to the Soldier and appropriate personnel.

If a Soldier submits a leave form, they can track it through the chain of command’s approval process, he said.

IPPS-A will also serve as a foundation to facilitate the Army Talent Alignment Process. ATAP is a decentralized, regulated, market-style hiring system that aligns officers with jobs based on their preferences.

Personnel currently use the Assignment Interactive Module 2.0 until it transitions to IPPS-A, program officials said. Through the new system, commanders will have access to enhanced decision-making and search-and-match capabilities, giving them the ability to match a Soldier’s knowledge, skills and behaviors to critical positions.

IPPS-AFrom Page 7

Iron strike

Courtesy photo

Soldiers with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, start the day by using the latest issue of LiteFighter tents Feb. 2 for the winter exercise “Iron Strike” at a range on Fort Carson.

“ “One of the biggest problems that IPPS-A is solving is that there are (close to 200) HR and pay systems throughout the Army. We are consolidating these systems down into one focal point.

Col. Gregory Johnson


CommunityCommunity

Story and photos by Michelle BlakeDirectorate of Public Works Environmental Division natural resource specialist

The Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) Directorate of Public Works (DPW) staff hosted the third annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Dec. 21.

The CBC, which was first initiated in 1900, is one of the longest running citizen science surveys in the world. Each year, from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5, volunteers count the birds within pre-approved 15-mile-wide CBC circles. The data collected enables the National Audubon Society to track and assess the health of North America’s bird population over space and time, enables scientists to monitor the impact and spread of non-native species and to detect changes in migration patterns.

The CBC data is often combined with other surveys, such as Breeding Bird Survey, to guide conservation efforts and the development of strategies that protect birds and their habitats. For PCMS, the data collected can be used to support the objectives of Fort Carson’s Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), foster partnerships within local communities and demonstrate the Army’s commitment to protecting natural resources.

Now in its 121st year, the CBC has more than 81,000 volunteers at over 2,500 locations throughout the western hemisphere, including military installations, according to the Audubon Society. During the 2019 survey, 81,601 volunteers participated in 2,646 counts and feeder surveys, and collectively recorded over 42 million birds (2,566 species). It is somewhat alarming to note that despite increased survey effort,

six million fewer birds were counted in 2019 than in previous years. In Colorado, approximately 50 CBCs are conducted annually, with an average of 200 species observed. However, due to COVID-19 complications, far fewer CBCs are expected in 2021.

The PCMS bird count The PCMS CBC circle is located in the center

of the installation and encompasses 24 unique plant communities and a range of habitats including short grass prairies, arroyos, steep canyons and pinon-juniper dotted hillsides.

During the PCMS CBC, 10 biologists from Fort Carson, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Audubon Society divided into four teams and surveyed for approximately five hours. Although the participants were fortunate to have clear sunny skies, and unseasonably warm temperatures, many of the roads were muddy, requiring the observers to cover much of the terrain on foot.

During the survey, the biologists observed 25 different species and 769 individual birds. Unlike the 2019 survey, when the teams documented a record numbers of bluebirds, this year the most common bird observed was the horned lark, followed by the dark-eyed junco, American tree sparrow, juniper titmouse, raven and canyon towhee. The biologists also saw golden eagles, ferruginous

hawks, red-tailed hawks, robins, ladder-backed woodpeckers, American goldfinches, scrub jays, shrikes, Bewick’s wrens, bluebirds and several species of finches and sparrows. Overall, the survey numbers were lower than in previous years, but that is at least partly due to an intentionally reduced surveyor group size (to minimize COVID-19 risks).

PCMS conservation effortsThe PCMS CBC is only one component of

bird conservation efforts at the maneuver site. In addition to the annual CBC, DPW biologists support avian habitat through the installation and maintenance of cavity nest boxes, construction of a cliff swallow nesting structure, raptor platforms, owl nest boxes and solar powered wells, which provide reliable drinking opportunities for birds. Open pipes are covered with mesh to prevent accidental bird entrapment, and power lines are monitored to ensure that “killer” poles are rapidly mitigated.

Additionally, the biologists conduct annual surveys including summer and winter raptor surveys, spring acoustic bird surveys, nightjar surveys and raptor nest and eyrie (eagle nest) monitoring. Golden eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and if/when their nest becomes active, a buffer is placed around the nest until the eaglets fledge. Many other species of birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the biologists conduct surveys for active nests prior to the implementation of downrange projects and activities.

Getting involvedParticipation in the CBC is an excellent way to

support the Audubon Society’s program to protect North America’s bird population and also enjoy a day outdoors with friends, family and other birders. Volunteers do not need to have some prior birding experience as they will be teamed up with more experienced birders. In addition to the CBCs, the National Audubon Society offers Project Feeder Watch, which is a survey that can be done right from a volunteer’s backyard. For more information, contact the Audubon Society by visiting https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count or contact Michelle Blake at [email protected] to join the PCMS 2021 CBC.

Carson hosts annual bird count

Leslie Gerhard, right, and James Kulbeth, Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division, participate in the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count held at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site Dec. 21.

Horned larks are the most frequently spotted birds Dec. 21 during the 2020 Christmas Bird Count at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site.

Audubon Society Christmas Bird Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count a 121-year traditionCount a 121-year tradition

The original holiday tradition was known as the “Side Hunt.” Men would select a side and then head into the field with weapons to kill as many birds (or other animals) as possible. In 1900, Frank Chapman, who was an officer and ornithologist in the newly formed Audubon Society, proposed the concept of counting, rather than killing the birds. During the first CBC, 27 birders participated in 25 counts, and collectively recorded approximately 90 species. Now 121 years later, the CBC has evolved into the oldest volunteer science survey in the world with an average of approximately 80,000 volunteers counting over 40 million birds annually.


Commentary by Lt. Col. Rick BrunsonChaplain, garrison pastoral coordinator

In 1987, the actor Paul Newman founded a children’s camp in Ashford, Connecticut, which he called The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Every child who attends the camp has been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, and most of the kids

live each day with the knowledge that he or she will never reach adulthood. Every day the camp is filled

with laughter and fun instead of despair because the people who work at

the organization have embraced powerful fruit of joy.

One of the campers, 14-year-old

Katie, was diagnosed with brain cancer and

the tumor caused her to have a debilitating stroke. Despite her suffering, Katie

wrote a poem that

captured the mood of many of the campers: Seize life for pizza and meeting new friends. Pinch life for seeing babies and eating Cracker Jacks; for the light, and the heat, and the life of sunshine. Eat life to drink coffee and for horses.

Life is not always fair and many lose hope because our experiences seem to be filled with an inescapable series of physical and emotional jolts. When you are overwhelmed with grief and disappointment, and nothing seems to go your way, it can feel as if life is terminal, happiness is temporal, heartache is unavoidable, and gladness is circumstantial. There is no joy.

If the majority of your days seem to be filled with gray clouds rather than blue skies, I have some good news for you. The spirit of the Lord gives us joy that is inexpressible and full of glory, and it is possible for anyone to experience the fruit of joy that originates from God.

After years of research and clinical observations, Dr. Georgia Witkin, professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine has compiled a list of things to help even the bluest Eeyore start bouncing like Tigger.

• Rediscover your inner child. Young children have a sense of optimism and hope that many adults lose.

• Borrow joy from other people, and avoid hanging around Oscar the Grouch.

• Journal your joy. Take time each day to write about the good things that have occurred.

• Attempt to anticipate problems before they happen.

• Think of obstacles as challenges instead of dead-end streets.

• Learn to share your negative feelings with someone you trust.

• Challenge your intellectual capacity by expanding your personal interests and knowledge.

• Develop your spiritual side. Spend time each day in prayer and fellowship with God.

• Read inspirational, optimistic books and articles each day. And take time to read your journal of happy memories.

• See life through rose colored glasses, and learn to laugh in the face of adversity.

Optimistic joy is medicine for the body and the soul. It enhances your mental health, it motivates you to work harder, reduces depression, boosts your immune system and may even add a few years or decades to your life.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Make joyful noise

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

Facebook — Search “Fort Carson Chaplains (Religious Support Office)” for events and schedules: visit https://www.facebook.com/4IDCarsonRSO/ or https://www.facebook.com/Our-Lady-of-Fort-Carson-622517474897811 for livestreaming.

Chapel NeXt — Visit https://www.facebook.com/

chapelnextfortcarson/ for livestream. Visit the Chapel NeXt Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/chapelnextfortcarson for details.

Religious Education class — Contact Pat Treacy at 524-2458 or [email protected] for details.

Catholic Women of the Chapel — Call Michelle Jones at 352-231-1088 or email

[email protected] Women of the Chapel — The RSO

can be reached at 719-526-5279 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pwocfortcarson.

Native American prayer/spiritual services — The He Ska Akicita (White Mountain Warriors) hosts Inipi (sweat lodge) services at Turkey Creek Ranch, but are suspended until further notice. 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, call 526-5769.

Spanish Bible Study — Call Ted Garcia at 205-3076.

Chapel briefsEditors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of community briefs and chapel schedules. Due to the COVID-19 closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of contact for updated information. Many religious support activities have moved to a digital platform.

See the Mountaineer online at http://www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com


Claims to the estateSgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Saum

— With deepest regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should call Capt. Kevin Myhre at 218-330-6713.

Staff Sgt. Taji Thomas— With deepest regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should call Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gabe Jamison at 719-366-1871.

Sgt. 1st Class Isaac Bernal— With deepest regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should call 2nd Lt. Tyler Scott at 510-506-3559.

Staff Sgt. Bryan Stewart — With deepest regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should call Maj. Phil Cerami at 719-526-6634.

Of note Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training — Due to COVID-19 travel

restrictions, the Casualty Notification Officer (CNO)/Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) recertification timeline for CNO/CAO training is extended from 12 to 24 months. The requirement for in-person training every fourth year is also suspended. In-person CNO/CAO training may be conducted when all COVID-19 health and force protection requirements can be met and followed. The Joint Knowledge Online SIMM 1, SIMM, and SIMM 3 Casualty Training is not a substitute for the Army’s in-classroom CNO/CAO initial certification and remains the Army’s CNO/CAO recertification training. For more information, call 526-5613/5614 or email [email protected].

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 Thursday and federal holidays. Call 526-0890 for details.

Voluntary leave transfer — The following Fort Carson-serviced employees have been approved to receive donated leave due to an emergency medical condition:• Roy B. Adams, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security (DPTMS),

U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM)• Dana D. Carneal, Directorate of Emergency Services• Sandra F. Lumberg, Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC)• Tania V. Cruz, CPAC• Jeffrey Morris, IMCOM• Rhonda L. Welles, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Task Force

Eagle, satellite communication directorate, wide-band division, plans

Community briefsEditors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of community briefs. Due to the COVID-19 closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of contact for updated information and hours of operation.

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A Stanford University study published in the Journal of

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