FORT CARSON, Colo. Teamwork is an integral part of a Soldier's ability to accomplish a mission, and much like the Soldier's individual skills, teamwork must be trained, practiced, and improved upon to ensure success.

Teams of five to seven Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, had to complete a three-mile obstacle course, July 11, centered on the Soldiers' ability to work as team to accomplish each task. Twelve tasks were broken down into five stations, spread out over the Fort Carson garrison area, ranging from weapons assembly, sandbag carry and wall climb, a team run relay with pushups, administering first aid, and a general knowledge quiz.

There are tasks in the army that require more than individual effort, said 1st Lt. Gregory Rich, platoon leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

"The driving purpose was to show the Soldiers that, as a team, there's nothing they cannot accomplish," said Rich.

The teams began at the company headquarters and were given a box containing all the parts of multiple weapon systems, all of which they had to reassemble and perform a weapons check on.

Cadet William Hess, a student at West Point temporarily assigned to 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. as part of an intern program, said there were weapons that he had never trained on.

"I've dealt with the M4 Carbine and M240 B (machine gun), but I didn't know anything about the Beretta M9 pistol or M2 50 caliber machine gun," said Hess. "Reassembly of the weapons was a team effort."

After weapons were assembled, teams ran to the track located near McKibben Fitness Center to complete a 2,000-meter relay and 500 push-ups.

"The relay was difficult for me because I hadn't run in a long time," said Spc. Irving Franco, cavalry scout, Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. "There were guys who stepped up and ran two laps for their teams."

After completing the relay and push-ups, teams moved to Training Area Bravo to conduct first aid, request a nine-line medical evacuation, and perform casualty evacuation procedures.

After completing the first four stations, each team returned to the battalion area and completed a general knowledge quiz in categories such as U.S. Government and pop culture.

"There were trick questions like 'How many senators are there in the House of Representatives?'," said Hess.

Pfc. Thomas Barrios, cavalry scout, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. said the training event bolstered the esprit de corps in the unit.

"It helped to build our team cohesion, camaraderie and commitment to the Warrior Ethos," said Barrios.

The unit plans to hold more team building events in the future.

FORT CARSON, Colo. Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, carry sandbags during a team-building event, July 11, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, identify simulated targets during a team-building event, July 11, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - A team of Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, perform a first aid and casualty evacuation Exercise, while two graders provide oversight, during a team-building event held by the unit, July 11, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Pvt. Cody Pasch, indirect fire infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, climbs a wooden board to get over a 10-foot-wall, while fellow platoon member and indirect fire infantryman, Pfc. Justin Flores, provides assistance, during a team-building event, July 11, 2013.

FOUNTAIN, Colo. – Three nearly-completed houses, and the framework of a fourth, sit in the corner of a weed-filled lot. Soldier volunteers from Fort Carson listened to a short brief as they prepared to pick up the tools and piled lumber around the lot, and help make the dream of homeownership a reality for families within the local community of Fountain.

The group of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division gathered around the plywood frame of the house and listened to Gary Blake, a construction supervisor for Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, as he explained what they would be doing for the next three hours of their shift, Friday, July 26. Sgt.

Jeff Nutter, tanker, Company C, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., who untied the bundled trusses before helping to set them up in preparation for installing the roof, said it feels important to him to have these kinds of volunteer opportunities.

"We like giving back to the community," said Nutter. "The community is here for us, and we are here for them too."

The show of support from the Soldiers of Company C has not gone unnoticed. Lindsey Desmarais Nubern, a volunteer manager for Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, said the organization is appreciative of Soldiers' efforts.

"We are really excited that the Soldiers come out to volunteer," Desmarais Nubern, said. "We are building a 34-home neighborhood here in Fountain, and just the work they are doing here today will have a direct impact on four families within the local community."

Desmarais Nubern said she was honored that the Soldiers are volunteering within the community.

"It really is incredible that these Soldiers, who already serve our country, want to come out and serve within the community too," she said. "We just really admire the Soldier's dedication to service and the local community."

Soon, the entire work site was in motion; every Soldier had their marching orders, and with each swing of the hammer and whine of a drill, the Soldiers of Company C helped strengthen the framework of the Joint Task Force Carson community.

First lieutenant Jacob Haider, executive officer, Company C, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., oversees the company's volunteer program and said it has been a resounding success among the Soldiers in his company.

"We try to get as many Soldiers involved as we possibly can, and we actually have more Soldiers interested in participating than we currently have room for," Haider said.

Haider said the volunteer program runs three times a month, and benefits everyone involved.

"It helps build the team within the company, and also within the local community," He said. "It gives the Soldiers perspective on what is happening within [our] own communities, and shows that we want to give back."

FOUNTAIN, Colo. - Spc. Josh Warren, combat medic and Pfc. Shane Donnahoe (left), tankers, Company C, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, carry ladders to the construction site July 26, 2013 while volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity build site.

FOUNTAIN, Colo.- Spc. Brandon Elzy, M-1 Abrams tank system maintainer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, cuts a segment of lumber while volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Fountain, Colo., July 26, 2013.

FOUNTAIN, Colo.— Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, move a wooden truss segment while Volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Fountain, Colo., July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo.- Spc. Brandon Elzy, M-1 Abrams tank system maintainer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, measures a segment of lumber while volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Fountain, Colo., July 26, 2013.

FOUNTAIN, Colo.— 1st Lt. Jacob Haider, executive officer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, places a wooden truss segment into place while volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Fountain, Colo., July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – A 200 pound sandbag used in the official World Strongman Championship competition sits in the center aisle of the Tactical Athlete Program gym at Garcia Physical Fitness Center. It is a challenge set for any Soldier who can lift the bag and shuttle it between the markers set 50 feet apart – a challenge that 1st Lt. Trent Ervin accepted.

Ervin, a platoon leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, set the new record for the sandbag carry at 350 feet, July 23, beating the previous record of 264 feet, held by 1st Lt. Kyle Bowen, the executive officer for Field Service Company, 1st Bn., 8th. Inf. Reg.

"I had a goal set," said Ervin "My workout buddy [Bowen] set that record and I told him I was going to beat him. We're constantly pushing each other, so when I got up to his record, I knew I had to keep going."

The true difficulty of the challenge comes from not just picking up the weight, but from being able to shuttle it back and forth in a 50 foot distance.

"It's the equivalent of sprinting a full mile," said Mark Taysom, a TAP strength and conditioning coach.

According to Taysom, the exercise is about conditioning the supply and demand of oxygen to your body. The weight of the sandbag compresses the lungs in the chest, restricting the amount of air they can take in, while at the same time, the muscles throughout your entire body are demanding more oxygen to carry the weight.

"This is an exercise they perform at the World Strongman Championships and we have some of the actual bags used in those competitions," said Taysom.

Ervin made a second attempt to break his own record later that day, but only managed to make it 300 feet. Ervin said he'll keep trying to set the record as high as he can.

"It's always important to push yourself, especially in front of your Soldiers," said Ervin. "It shows that you have what it takes to drive on, even when things get tough and everything in your body is telling you to quit, and that's a key part of our job."

The sandbag carry challenge is held at the TAP gym in Garcia Physical Fitness Center, which is available for free use from 5-6 a.m., 12-1 p.m., and 3:30-6:30 p.m., during weekdays. Anyone wishing to set the record must be witnessed by one of the TAP strength and conditioning coaches at the gym.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - 1st Lt. Trent Ervin, platoon leader, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, carries a 200-pound sandbag back and forth between cones spaced 50 feet apart, at Garcia Physical Fitness Center, July 23, 2013. Ervin shuttled the sandbag for a total of 350 feet, setting the new gym record, beating the previous record of 264 feet, during a Tactical Athlete Program session, while members of his platoon cheer him on.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – 1st Lt. Trent Ervin, platoon leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, wraps his arms around a 200-pound sandbag, used in the World Strongman Championships, July 23, 2013, before shuttling the weight back and forth between cones spaced 50 feet apart, for a total of 350 feet, beating the previous record of 246 feet.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - 1st Lt. Trent Ervin, platoon leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, nears his first turn-around point in a 50-foot lane, while carrying a 200-pound sandbag at Garcia Physical Fitness Center, July 23, 2013. Ervin shuttled the sandbag for a total of 350 feet, setting the new gym record, beating the previous record of 264 feet, during a Tactical Athlete Program session, while members of his platoon cheer him on.

UDAIRI RANGE, Kuwait – "When I crossed that finish line, it felt amazing; like all of the work I'd put in since getting to Camp Buehring had paid off," said Pfc. Brett Kroen, after completing a 12-mile foot march, the final event of the Expert Infantryman Badge qualifications, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 27.

Kroen, infantryman, Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, began the qualification alongside 261 Soldiers from units deployed throughout Kuwait. Only 51 of those infantrymen crossed the finish line under the 3-hour time limit to earn the badge.

In the week leading up to the road march, infantrymen displayed their physical prowess during a physical fitness test, technical expertise during a land navigation course, and tactical proficiencies during simulated individual combat scenarios.

"The great thing about this iteration of the EIB is that we have Soldiers from all levels of the formation," said Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Edwards, senior enlisted leader, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg. "We've got master sergeants and captains, but the ones I love to see are the young privates succeed. That tells me as a senior leader that my Soldiers have an excellent grasp on their skills. It's difficult for Soldiers to be away from their Families, but out here we have been able to focus on improving as infantrymen."

To protect Soldiers from debilitating desert heat, the bulk of the Camp Buehring EIB qualifications took place during hours of darkness.

Executing tactical lanes in the dark also added a level of realism to the experience, said Edwards, who organized and oversaw the event.

"As a Soldier you want to own the night," he said. " In Afghanistan, Soldiers must execute many of the skills and tasks we validate during EIB while on mission during hours of limited visibility, so I believe this is the best way to conduct the event."

As the week progressed many of the original 261 candidates began to fall by the wayside; some during the PT test, others due to mistakes made during validation lanes.

Good training, attention to detail, and determination to complete the week-long gauntlet, were what it took to earn the badge, said Kroen.

"I have a very competitive nature, so if I have to do something like this, I put my heart into it," Kroen said. "Both my legs cramped up during the last mile of the ruck march, but I worked through the pain and drove on. There was no way I was going to quit so close to the end."

Candidates who successfully completed all of the events received their EIBs during a ceremony, shortly after completing the road march.

"This is an awesome achievement for me," said Sgt. Ryan Beckmann, infantrymen, Company B, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg. "There was definitely some pain and stress involved but this is an accomplishment that no one can take away from me, and I am proud of myself and all of the infantrymen who went through this with me."

Beckmann added that he believed earning the badge will help him set an example and mentor his Soldiers.

The Army originally awarded the EIB to 10 noncommissioned officers in 1944, after a three day competition, in order to build esprit de corps and pride within a career field that few wished to join due to the missions and high level of danger infantrymen are likely to experience.

Nearly 70 years later the infantrymen still undergo the challenge, to set themselves apart from their peers, and set a standard for their fellow Soldiers to strive for, said Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier, senior enlisted leader, 3rd Army and U.S. Army Central Command.

"The Expert Infantrymen Badge is the hardest individual award that an infantrymen can earn," Frennier told the EIB recipients during their awards ceremony. "You 51 great infantrymen have proven your competency, your character and your commitment. You are the future of our infantry, and I commend you for this accomplishment."

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Spc. Joshua Strickland, infantryman, Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, applies a bandage to a simulated casualty while completing the urban assault lane during Expert Infantryman Badge qualifications at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 24, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – 1st Lt. Eric Berce, platoon leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, completes a 12-mile foot march during Expert Infantryman Badge qualifications at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 27, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – 1st Lt. Eric Berce, platoon leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, completes a 12-mile foot march during Expert Infantryman Badge qualifications at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 27, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Col. Michael P. Mahoney assumed command of the Dental Activity, during a ceremony on Founders' Field, July 30.

Mahoney, who last served as the commander, U.S. Army Dental Activity Fort Drum, N.Y., replaced Col. John W. Etzenbach.

The transfer of command featured the traditional passing of the unit colors from the outgoing commander to the ceremonial host, Col. George J. Hucal, commander, Western Regional Dental Command, and then to the incoming commander.

"Today we welcome Col. Mahoney and say goodbye to Col. Etzenbach," Hucal said.

"With command comes great responsibility; you are responsible for the failures and successes once you take charge of that (unit)," he said. "Col. Etzenbach oversaw the dental readiness of a post that had one of the highest operation tempos in the Army. He provided guidance of the go first class initiative since its implementation.

"The dental wellness has improved from 16 percent to over 40 percent, and the proficiencies have increased the number of cleanings by 3600 in the last year without increasing the number of staff," he said. 'Under his direction, the average production per month per dentist has increased significantly from $33,000 to $41,000 per month.

"Col. Mahoney I welcome you and your family to the Western Regional Dental Command," he said. "I look forward to working with you."

Etzenbach followed Hucal, welcoming Mahoney and then commending his soldiers' for their achievements.

"I want to say thank you to all of my Soldiers out on the field; you make me feel proud to have serve alongside you," Etzenbach said. "We have seen an incredible transformation over the last few years. We have seen the troop population increase from 18,000 to 26,000. We have gone from providing $1.8 million in dental care to $2.4 million with your help."

Etzenbach's next duty assignment is to be the commander, Pacific Regional Dental Command.

Mahoney thanked Etzenbach and his family for their support to him and his family, and the DENTAC Soldiers.

"To the Soldiers of DENTAC, you look great out there," Mahoney said. "I look forward to working with you and supporting all of the units of this great post. I know it is a great honor to take command of you."

Mahoney has served as a staff dentist, and held multiple commander positions. His military awards include Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Col. Michael P. Mahoney, commander, Dental Activity, passes the guidon to Master Sgt. Carlos Hernandez, senior noncommissioned advisor, DENTAC, during a change of command ceremony at Founders Field, July 30, 2013. Mahoney took command of the unit replacing Col. John W. Etzenbach.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Col. George J. Hucal, commander, Western Regional Dental Command, passes the guidon to Col. Michael P. Mahoney, commander, Dental Activity, during a change of command ceremony at Founders Field, July 30, 2013. Mahoney took command of the unit replacing Col. John W. Etzenbach.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – President Barack Obama announced July 26, that Staff Sgt. Ty Michael Carter will be awarded the Medal of Honor Aug. 26.

Carter will be the fifth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions taken in Iraq or Afghanistan.

He is the second Soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor for 'conspicuous gallantry' during combat operations at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, on Oct. 3, 2009, while serving in the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

At the time of the attack, Carter was a cavalry scout assigned to Troop B, 3rd squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th IBCT.

The other Soldier awarded the Medal of Honor for the action at COP Keating is former Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha; both of the 4th IBCT.

According to the Army News Service, Carter was instrumental in keeping the southern flank of the outpost over run, in a battle where US forces were outnumbered almost eight to one. During the fight, of the 54 Soldiers there, eight were killed, and more than 25 were injured.

Carter is currently assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, where he lives with his wife, Shannon, and three children.

FORT CARSON, Colo. –Laughter and splashes of water echoed off the walls of the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center indoor pool as Soldiers enjoyed themselves, during the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers pool party July 26.

More than 100 Fort Carson single Soldiers and geographical bachelors attended the event to bolster their morale and relationships through a variety of water-themed games and dinner.

"We decided to have this event because it's summer, and we wanted to bring Soldiers on post together to have fun at the pool and relax," said Spc. Kimberly McFarlane, healthcare specialist and BOSS representative, 43rd Sustainment Brigade. "With so many new Soldiers coming to Fort Carson, this was a great way to get them to meet other Soldiers around post, and expand their social networks beyond just their units."

BOSS' goal is to get more Soldiers to participate in their events, and show them what Fort Carson and Colorado Springs has to offer.

"The biggest impact we are hoping for from this, is that it increases their morale and lets them know there are fun things to do on and off post," said McFarlane. "We hope they have a great time and that it inspires them to come out and participate in more BOSS events."

Last year, the pool party was held at the outdoor pool; but with the availability of a new indoor pool, BOSS made the decision to host the event at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center.

"I think the biggest appeal about a pool party is that it's hot, it's summer, and you're around water. What better way to spend a summer night than at a pool surrounded by friends?" McFarlane said.

In addition to an open buffet, diving, dancing and water volleyball, Soldiers were able to compete in a variety of games, including: king of the boat, build a boat race, limbo, and sharks and minnows.

This pool party marked the first time Spc. Sarah Clark, healthcare specialist, Company A, 10th Combat Support Hospital, attended a BOSS event, whose team also won the build a boat race.

"I think it's awesome that they're taking the money, especially with the budget cuts and everything, and spending it on us," said Clark.

Clark said she attended the pool party because she regularly goes to the pool, and she felt that this event was geared toward her.

"I haven't been to a lot of events on post, but this one was definitely worth it," said Clark. "If you can get the people to come out to at least one of these things, then they'd probably come out to even more of them."

One of the highlights of the pool party for Clark, was meeting other Soldiers.

"This really helps with morale and camaraderie, because we meet people from other units that we wouldn't normally meet," said Clark. "I met some people from the aviation unit that, without this event, I would have never met at all."

Pvt. Olivia Boerstler, cable systems installer-maintainer, Company C, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division first attended BOSS events because of their perks.

"My fist BOSS event was the Single Soldiers Day; at first I went because it got me out of work early, but once I showed up, everyone was having a good time, laughing and letting loose," said Boerstler. "It was so fun that I decided to come to this one,; it's just as fun. I love these events and wish there were more of them."

Boerstler said that she appreciates how events like these have the ability to bring people together.

"This gives us the chance to get to know everybody around the post, not just those in our barracks or company," Boerstler said. "It's definitely a fun time."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Spc. Sarah Clark, healthcare specialist, Company A, 10th Combat Support Hospital, dives from the high board during the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers pool party at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Fort Carson Soldiers play water volleyball during the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers pool party at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Fort Carson Soldiers dance to the music during the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers pool party at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. Fort Carson Soldiers play water volleyball during the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers pool party at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Pfc. Roderick Cox (left), nodal network systems operator-maintainer, Company C, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Pvt. Olivia Boerstler, cable systems installer-maintainer, Company C, and Pfc. Michael Byrd cable systems installer-maintainer, Company C, construct a boat out of cardboard and foam water tubes for the build a boat race, during the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers pool party at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Fort Carson Soldiers race their cardboard and foam water tube-constructed boats to the finish line during the build a boat race, as part of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers pool party at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center July 26, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Joint Task Force Carson's Career Counselor of the Year will take on the next level of competition Aug. 7, against other counselors in I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Staff Sgt. Carol Edmisten, career counselor, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, won the competition that included an Army Physical Fitness Test, a written exam, and a board, that was held June 25-26.

"It was a very humbling experience to win against my peers," Edmisten said. "I felt like the competition was really strong. I was in utter disbelief that I won against the people who have helped me become so good at my job."

Edmisten said that this is the second time she has competed for the title.

"I competed in the career counselor of the year competition when I first came into the career field three years ago. I placed second, and told myself that I would not quit until I won."

One of Edmisten's peers felt she deserved to feel proud for winning.

"Edmisten did great; she beat us all," said Staff Sgt. Ralph Kintzer, career counselor, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "None of us were half stepping, and we were all prepared to win. The judges said it was a close race. She shouldn't feel as humble as she does; she beats us fair and square."

Edmisten said she hopes to win at the next level, but if she doesn't, it was very beneficial to compete.

"I feel that just competing in the board can only help you, even if you don't win," she said. "You learn a lot by delving into all of the regulations. The regulations are constantly changing for our job, so you have to be knowledgeable on them, even if they came out two weeks earlier."

Kintzer said that Edmisten is ready for the next level, and that he wishes her the best.

"She has the skill set (necessary) be picked up to the sergeant first class level," Kintzer said. "She is very good at her job and one of the best career counselors around.

"I think she will win at the next level, and has a great chance to win the one after that as well," he said. "The sad part of her doing so well is she won't be a part of our team anymore, but we can't be greedy and keep her from going on to bigger and better things."

Edminsten will face the winners of the other units that make up I Corp. If she wins, she will progress to the U.S. Army Forces Command competition.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The 544th Engineer Company, 52nd Engineer Battalion, received a division physical fitness excellence award streamer for exceeding the division's standards on the Army physical fitness test, July 19.

To earn an APFT streamer, a unit must score an average of 250 points with no failures and an 85 percent participation rate, and be graded by the division's designated graders. The 544th Eng. scored an average of 279 points, with an 87 percent participation rate, May 29.

"This is the first time in 10 years that a unit has met the (commanding general's) challenge in PT," said Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, acting senior commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, who presented the streamer to the unit. "It is pretty impressive to have a unit score an average of 279, but don't stop there. Continue to raise the bar for yourselves and Fort Carson."

One engineer said that it was hard, but well worth the effort put into it.

"It took a lot of heart and dedication from the Soldiers and the leadership to be able to achieve what we did," said Staff Sgt. Trent Boyer, senior construction supervisor, 544th Eng., 52nd Eng. Bn. "Any noncommissioned officer will tell you that we could not have done this without the Soldiers. They came together, putting in a lot of hard work on their own, for us to be able to earn this."

With the help of the companies' motivation behind Boyer, he said he achieved a score of 297 points, the best APFT in his military career.

"It made me feel good to do so well, and it helped to motivate my own Soldiers to push themselves that much more," Boyer said.

1st Sgt. David Palmer, senior enlisted advisor, 544th Eng., said he knew his unit was up for the challenge.

"I have told people for a while that this was a goal of mine," Palmer said.

"Everybody put in the time and effort to make sure that they were the most fit they could be." Both Palmer and Boyer said any unit can get the streamer if every person in a unit buys into it.

"To earn the streamer you have to put into it," Boyer said. "You have to strive to want it, have that heart and dedication, and give it all you've got. Motivate your battle buddies to do the best they can. Everybody in your company has to want it."

Palmer said it isn't difficult to earn.

"It is easy to earn the APFT streamer if the whole unit is on board," he said.

Once the streamer is earned, the unit must revalidate every 12 months to keep it on their company guidon. Units awarded the streamer are authorized to conduct athletics once per week.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Sgt. Maj. Richard Joyce, acting senior enlisted advisor, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, acting senior commander, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, pin on an Army physical fitness test excellence streamer to the 544th Engineer Company, 52nd Engineer Battalion, guidon, July 19, 2013. The APFT Excellence streamer was awarded for the 544th Eng. exceeding the CG's PRT standard of a company average of 250 points, with an 85 percent participation rate. They scored an average of 279 with 87 percent participation, May 29.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Fort Carson Soldiers volunteered more than 20 hours to help clean up the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3917 in Colorado Springs, July 16.

Ten Soldiers from Company F, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, spent the afternoon working on various landscaping projects at the post, such as trimming trees, cleaning out a sand pit to make room for playground equipment and cleaning the area around a retaining wall in preparation for installing a new one.

Sgt. 1st Class Terry Riffe, platoon sergeant, Company F, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., organized the volunteers.

"I wanted my Soldiers to have the chance to give back to something they can also be a part of," he said.

Laura Stone, VFW canteen manager, said the post appreciates when Soldiers can volunteer and was glad to have these Soldiers back.

"Soldiers from the unit had volunteered here during Christmas time with painting and various work projects," Stone said. "When the unit wanted to come out again and help, I thought it was wonderful idea."

Stone, an Army veteran, said a lot of the work done at the post is usually completed by members, so it was nice to have active-duty servicemembers wanting to help out.

Pfc. Chad McGinnis, welder, Company F, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., said he believes it is good to give back to the veterans as a way of showing respect.

"The fact that it's for veterans makes it even better," McGinnis said. "Now that I'm serving, I feel like I should give back a little bit more."

Sgt. Jason Stinton, mechanic, Company F, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., said it is important to help the community, especially at the VFW. He said his volunteering at the VFW is just one way he can say thank you to the veterans.

"It's important that we continue to let the veterans of past wars know that we haven't forgotten them," Stinton said. "We haven't forgotten what they have done for us."

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (Left) Pvt. Sean Martin, automated logistical specialist, and (right) Pvt. Kevin Kuntz, Bradley fighting vehicle system maintainer, both assigned to Company F, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, clean up a sand pit July 16, 2013, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3917, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The two Soldiers were part of a team of volunteers from Company F that spent the afternoon helping the VFW post do landscaping maintenance on the property.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Pvt. Josh Phillips, M1 Abrams systems maintainer, Company F, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, works on a rock bed July 16, 2013, to help prepare the area to rebuild a retaining wall. Phillips was one of 10 Soldiers from Company F who volunteered at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3917, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Spc. Ted Peterson, petroleum supply specialist, Company F, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, works to clean up a sand pit July 16, 2013 as part of volunteer efforts at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3917, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Ten Soldiers from Company F volunteered their time helping the VFW post complete landscaping projects normally performed by members of the post.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Twelve Soldiers showcased a variety of different talents as they competed for one of 10 spots, during the first elimination round of the R Factor competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 12.

The R Factor is a talent competition based on a popular television show, hosted by the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

With vocal styles ranging from country twang to Native-American chant, and comedy routines and light shows thrown into the mix, the "Raider" Soldiers attempted to wow the judges and earn a spot in the competition's finale, scheduled for Aug. 23.

"A lot of different talents were brought to the competition tonight," said talent judge, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steven Colburn, Air Defense Air Management Brigade Aviation Cell, 1st ABCT. "I think everybody brought their 'A' game."

Colburn said he looks forward to watching the competitors become more comfortable on stage as they practice and perform.

"There were a lot of nerves tonight, but my hope is that these contestants will take our advice to heart," Colburn said. "I hope the Soldiers will stand out with originality and blow us away next week."

Staff Sgt. Harry Swartz, who made it through the first round, with a rendition of the Kriss Kross 1992 rap song, "Jump," said he plans to heed the judges' advice, going a more original direction with his next performance.

"I want to go back to my favorite genre, which is hair band type music, the kind of music you just want to bang your head to, said Swartz, transportation platoon sergeant, Company A, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st ABCT. "I'm very pumped up to see where this competition goes."

Elimination rounds will remain closed to spectators until the finale next month, scheduled to coincide with the Raider Brigade birthday celebration.

Fans will cast the deciding vote for first, second and third place during the finale, said Spc. Elizabeth Erickson, the Raider Brigade's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers representative, who organized the event.

"It's been a long journey but I'm very excited that we are making this happen," said Erickson, signal support system specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st ABCT. "It's going to be an amazing event, and a great reason to get out of the tent and have some fun."

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Pfc. Tyler Horton, center, infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, performs a "lightshow" during the first Elimination round of the R Factor at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 12, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Spc. Jesse Shawgo, combat engineer, Company C, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, listens to notes from the R Factor judges during the first elimination round of the talent competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 12, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Staff Sgt. Harry Swartz, transportation platoon Sergeant, Company A, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, performs a rendition of the Kriss Kross song "Jump," during the first Elimination round of the R Factor at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 12, 2013.

UDAIRI RANGE, Kuwait – Soldiers stepped away from their traditional combat related roles and learned how to provide humanitarian aid during the "Raider" Hope exercise at Kuwait Naval Base and Udairi Range, July 14-17.

The 4th Brigade Support Battalion leadership provided the training to test their Soldiers' capabilities during missions of mercy said Lt. Col. Nicole Lucas, commander, 4th BSB, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

"This exercise ensures that the Packhorse battalion has the ability to deploy quickly, operate in an austere environment and provide support capabilities that no one else in the region may be able to provide," Lucas said. "While the combat brigades here focus on decisive action, my battalion has some unique military capabilities that could be used in the event of a natural disaster or humanitarian emergency."

Augmented by troops and equipment from 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st ABCT, and 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st ABCT, the "Packhorse" Soldiers traveled by convoy to KNB to load their vehicles and cargo onto Logistics Support Vessels: watercraft capable of carrying dozens of vehicles across thousands of miles of ocean.

"We are conducting roll on - roll off, or what we call roll - roll operations," said Spc. Donald Shultz, crewmember of the LSV, SP/4 James A. Loux, 1099th Transportation Detachment, 7th Sustainment Brigade. "Simply put, we sail into a sandy pier and vehicles drive onto the vessel. This operation displays our unique capability to sail up to virtually any improved dock or sandy beach and load or unload cargo."

The LSV crews enjoyed working with and showing of their capabilities to other units, said Shultz.

"Most Soldiers don't even know that we exist, but we are an excellent resource for getting equipment to just about anywhere in the world," he said.

The genesis of the LSV dates back to smaller troop transports 4th Infantry Division Soldiers used during the D-day assault on Normandy.

The LSV's versatility is ideal for the humanitarian missions the Packhorse Soldiers trained for during Raider Hope, said Cpt. Tim Sechrist, operations officer, 4th BSB.

"This is the ideal real-world way to get our equipment anywhere in the Middle East quickly," Sechrist said. "We learned the logistical aspect of loading and unloading our vehicles onto the vessels, which is important, but we also built relationships with the harbor master and crews down at KNB, which will be invaluable in the event of a real world mission."

Battalion and brigade leaders planned the training event carefully, researching exactly what the battalion would need to support most humanitarian operations, Sechrist said.

"We aren't designed to be a long term fix, but we have certain capabilities such as healthcare, engineering and water treatment that can deploy more quickly than other organizations." Sechrist said. "In the event of a real humanitarian crisis, we would need elements to help provide security and specialized tasks, while BSB Soldiers would focus on providing aid. For that reason, we decided to integrate other brigade elements into the exercise."

After unloading their vehicles and cargo from the LSVs, the Packhorse Soldiers traveled by convoy to Udairi Range where they constructed a temporary battalion headquarters, as they would while assisting amidst a humanitarian crisis.

Lucas said solid planning and outstanding execution by Soldiers at every level resulted in a successful mission.

"It's a unique experience to undergo such a large scale training exercise while deployed," she said. "We learned that, with the right leadership and proper risk management, we can train to a very high standard in the face of a very rigorous environment."

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, and the crew of the Logistics Support Vessel SP/4 James A. Loux, load vehicles onto the Loux during Raider Hope, a humanitarian aid training mission at Kuwait Naval Base, July 15.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, and the crew of the Logistics Support Vessel SP/4 James A. Loux load vehicles onto the Loux during Raider Hope, a humanitarian aid training mission at Kuwait Naval Base, July 15.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The Fort Carson chapter of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club recently installed a new president, Sgt. 1st Class Ramsey Flores, who was elected in May.

Flores who was assigned as an electronics maintenance chief, 43rd Special Troops Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, is slated to take over as first sergeant for Company A, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

"I'm kind of excited about it," said Flores. "Taking care of Soldiers, that's what I'm going to be doing."

He has been acting first sergeant before, but this is his first official assignment in the job.

"I'm ready," he said. "I've been ready."

Flores, a Houston native has been in the Army for 17 years. He joined because he needed direction for his life, he said.

"I didn't have a moral compass. I needed something to get me on the right track," said Flores. "I tried doing the school thing. It didn't quite work out for me because of my surroundings. I was in … harsh surroundings."

A recruiter went to see his friend and he happened to be there, his friend wasn't interested at all, he said.

"Then the recruiter pointed at me, and said, 'Hey, what are you doing?' And I said, 'Nothing,'" Flores said. "Two weeks later, I was going to Fort Sill, Okla. It happened that quick. I haven't looked back since."

Flores was inducted into the SAMC Feb 2002 at Fort Hood. Like many Soldiers, Flores knew that SAMC could help his career.

"If an NCO is trying to set themselves aside from their peers, then the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club is a great step in the right direction," said Flores. "It shows the leadership that you do more things above and beyond what your normal job description is."

The SAMC is not just something to get you promoted though, said Flores.

"The Sgt. Audie Murphy Club at Fort Carson is looking to excel," Flores said. "We just want to grow, and we want to make sure those members who are out there come forward."

Induction into the SAMC requires nomination by a first sergeant, said Flores. After nomination comes a battalion board, a brigade board, then the division board. All these boards require the appropriate sergeant major to sign off. After the division sergeant major approves, a packet gets sent to Forces Command. Then it's approved at the FORSCOM level.

"It's an elite group, so it's the best of the best," he added. "It's a lengthy process, but it's very rewarding."

According to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Website, the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club is a non-profit organization committed to contributing to the community. The club does charity work for the homeless, helps the elderly, assists the handicapped, and works to provide a better life for everyone in the community.

"We represent the Army. We represent the noncommissioned officers," Flores said. "We just make sure the community knows we're here."

The next event that SAMC is supporting is The Big Dog Brag Funner Mudder Aug. 2, said Flores. The SAMC will also partner with the Sergeants Major Association, on a school supply drive at the beginning of August, distributing backpacks to the local schools.

"We always have a showing no matter what. If we have an event, we always have a good showing."

Flores encourages Soldiers who are inactive members to come help out with the club. He also said he wants to see new Soldiers join the club.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 840 O'Connell Blvd. Contact Sgt. 1st Class Flores for more information at: 832-498-1402 or ramsey.l.flores.mil@mail.mil.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – A physical therapist gave up his six year practice to serve his country as an enlisted Soldier, to better understand and treat their injuries before taking his next step; becoming a captain.

Capt. Joel Hanna, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy, received his commission this week after serving as a health care specialist for about two years.

He has done nothing but help whoever needed it, said Staff Sgt. Chris Pollock, noncommissioned officer in charge, aid station, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

"When I asked him why he wanted to become enlisted instead of an officer, straight off he said he wanted to get the experience of what it was like to be enlisted first," said Pollock. "He has been outstanding on a medic level…He is always outgoing and willing to help with anything that he can. Anytime we had a question, he was right there with an answer, or would go out of his way to find it if he didn't know. He taught us the different exercises for therapy or how to test for back spasms, muscle injuries, all of that kind of stuff. He was always willing to teach anyone as many times as necessary."

Even though Hanna, who served with 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., was aware he could have been commissioned to a captain right off the bat, he said he wanted to learn to be a Soldier first.

"I wanted to consider a route where I could start out on the bottom and work my way up a little bit," Hannah said. "They say that you can take the easy road or you can take the hard road. I think taking the hard road, long-term, is going to be more beneficial; you are going to learn more, you're going to grow more and get all that experience. By that time, you get to your goal."

Hanna said he had to get through some closed doors to make this year's selection board to be promoted

. "When I decided to switch over to an officer I talked to three different recruiters and they said that I had to wait until next year because there wasn't enough time left before the board was held in February," Hanna said.

Then, Hanna finally found a door that opened for him. "It usually takes us 90 days to commission someone into the medical corps," said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Weydemuller, health care recruiter, U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Center, Aurora, Colorado. "With Hanna we did it in about two weeks. It just showed how much he wanted to make that transition into becoming a medical officer. I didn't want him to wait another year to be promoted. To me, this is hard work paid off."

Weydemuller said he has never promoted someone like Hanna.

"This is the first time I have promoted someone who has a doctorate degree from enlisted as a specialist, to the rank of captain," Weydemuller said. "I think because of the way he came into the Army that his leadership is going to be amazing because he knows what it is like to start from the bottom. He came in enlisted, not knowing what to expect and wanting to learn how to be a Soldier, so he could better take care of them later; to me that is incredible."

Hanna will be missed by those whom he has already worked with. "I would love to work for him in the future," Pollock said. "I don't care if he is my boss or my subordinate; I have nothing but respect for him. He has earned the respect of everyone he has come into contact with. I would like for him to stay, but I am happy for him. I am losing a great Soldier and a great friend, but I am glad that he is furthering his career. Whoever he gets to work with should feel pretty privileged."

Hanna is currently attending officer basic course in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Upon completion of OBC, Hanna will be stationed at the U.S. Army Medical Department in Fort Drum, N.Y. as a physical therapist.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Capt. Joel Hanna, healthcare specialist, salutes Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Weydemuller, health care recruiter, Army Medical Recruiting Center, Aurora, Colo., after being promoted from specialist to captain, July 11, 2013. Hanna gave up six years of being a physical therapist to serve his country starting as an enlisted Soldier and working his way to become an officer.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Capt. Ruben Cruz, healthcare recruiter, Army Medical Recruiting Center, Aurora, Colo., administers the Oath of Commissioned Officers to Capt. Joel Hanna, healthcare specialist, during his promotion ceremony, July 11, 2013. Hanna gave up six years of being a physical therapist to serve his country starting as an enlisted Soldier and working his way to become an officer.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Capt. Ruben Cruz, healthcare recruiter, Army Medical Recruiting Center, Aurora, Colo., pins on captain rank on to Capt. Joel Hanna's, healthcare specialist, patrol cap during his promotion ceremony, July 11, 2013.Hanna gave up six years of being a physical therapist to serve his country starting as an enlisted Soldier and working his way to become an officer.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – "Faith is like rock climbing; the harness is what holds you, and the rope is something you have to trust. You're going to climb and if you fall, the rope will catch you. How can we relate this? The rope is God's grace, and the harness is accepting that, being secure and having that assurance that God is always there," said Dillon Ladenburger, regional site director for Eagle Lake Day Camp, "Navigators."

Approximately 150 children of active duty or recently retired Army and Air Force servicemembers attended the second annual Eagle Lake Mobile Day Camp to learn more about Christ through a variety of hands-on activities, including rock climbing, July 8 – 12, at the Soldiers' Memorial Chapel.

Eagle Lake started in 1957 with property in Pikes Peak National Forest as a place for children to come, learn about the Christian gospel in a setting that was both safe and full of adventure.

"What we have done now, both last year and this year, is to take that idea, that vision and identity of what Eagle Lake is, and take that to the world," said Ladenburger. "'To inspire Christ, care, love and commitment through counselor relationships that emits an exciting contour of experiences;' that's our goal."

Eagle Lake's Mobile Day Camps first started on Fort Carson last year to act as the kick-off point for the program to expand across the country. This year they have seven mobile day camps in different states, and next year they plan to facilitate 20 day camps across the nation.

"We contacted the Religious Support Office last year and expressed that this was an idea that we would like to see happen," said Ladenburger. "Last year worked out so we scheduled it again this year; and seeing is believing. Within a week, all 150 slots were filled."

Working alongside the military has provided Eagle Lake with the unique opportunity to work with the children of Soldiers.

"It's been an absolute pleasure and privilege to interact with the parents and Soldiers here," said Ladenburger. "All of them have been absolutely exemplary and their willingness to help and provide the extra manpower we need; it's been pretty stellar."

Eagle Lake is connected with the Navigators, who work closely with the military, so when they decided to expand the day-camp program they thought to try it with the military.

"Last year we just facilitated the buildings and helped out; this year we've been involved in the rock wall, tie-dye and what they call the "baconator," which is a water slide," said Staff Sgt. Joey Honeycutt, Soldiers' Memorial Chapel noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison. "The Soldiers who worked here actually participated with the counselors and made connections with the children."

Honeycutt said when children attend the day camp, they never know what they will learn.

"A lot of times, children aren't always looking for God when they come here, but sometimes they find him; it's through these counselors and staff that the children find God's purpose and meaning in their lives, and learn spiritual tools by being here without even realizing it, said Honeycutt.

"Watching the looks on the faces of these kids and seeing how much fun they're having, I think Eagle Lake is doing more than they know, because just to see the way these kids are reacting to this and knowing that they have skills they are going to use for a lifetime, that's good enough for me."

With the second annual day camp so successful, the Fort Carson Religious Support Office encouraged Eagle Lake to return next year.

"I think this was so successful because we did something we hadn't done before, at least with the chapels," said Heidi McAllister, director of religious education, Fort Carson Religious Support Office. "All of our chaplain's assistants in garrison have been involved with this; we could have used even more Soldiers to help out and volunteer, we would love for them to help out."

McAllister said she believed the greatest benefit for the children is that "they get to do things in a high-energy, safe and Christian setting. They get the bible study, the small group time, but they also get the high-energy time."

Robert Braday, 12, son of Warrant Officer Alan Braday, a deployed 4th Infantry Division Soldier, said he did not want to attend Eagle Lake Day Camp at first, but after a day, he changed his mind.

"My mom asked me if I wanted to go to this day camp, but when I told her I didn't want to go, she said that I had to," said Braday. "Now that I'm here and getting involved in all of the activities, I actually really enjoy it."

Braday said he used to go to a public school and having a military parent was special because not everyone had one, but since going to school on post, everyone knew what he was going through when his parents deployed, and it wasn't as special any more.

Attending the day camp reinstated the sense of being special in Braday, because he said they do a lot of special things for the military, which is fun, because they get an opportunity not a lot of other people get.

Braday said the most important thing he learned during his time at the day camp was about teamwork and the strength of his belief.

"I learned how to be more cooperative with groups, so I don't just look out for four or five friends, but for 50 different people," said Braday. "I also learned a lot about my belief, that it's stronger than I thought. There's more evidence in the bible than I first thought, and how the stories go much deeper than the kid's stories I was told when I was younger."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers have a new tool to help intervene and prevent suicides in their units after completing a new five-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training at Provider Chapel, July 10.

The training, hosted by the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, was available to Soldiers from every unit on Fort Carson.

"Over the years, suicide related deaths in the military have taken a toll on our armed forces and our Soldiers deserve as much help as we can provide," said Staff Sgt. Christine Mangus, brigade chaplain's assistant, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

ASIST is a program taught by Living Works, an international organization that teaches many different suicide intervention classes and has been helping the Army for 24 years.

"In 1989, the U.S. Army V Corps invited Living Works to deliver ASIST to the European Command in Germany as part of the Army's 'Fit to Win' health program," said Gerry Dooley, team leader, Living Works. Living Works partnered with Army Materiel Command and Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, in 2002-2003 to develop ASIST-R, a post-training reinforcement program.

"This was a pilot test of a virtual simulation skills retention program for the Department of Defense. Army G-1 formally confirmed ASIST as the suicide intervention-training program for the Army in 2009," Dooley said.

"It's a program that has helped people for the past 30 years," he said. "This program was designed to try and understand the needs for a person at risk of suicide. We teach the trainers certain skill sets to help them interrupt thoughts of suicide and embed a better state of well-being in a person."

As part of a new pilot program, Joint Task Force Carson Soldiers were the first to receive certification with the latest version of the ASIST training, known as ASIST 11. The program focused on developing trainers, who must progressively teach to stay certified, said Mangus.

"We learn to listen to the reasons for suicide, try to get them to talk about their reasons for living and bring them to a safe place where they are not going to hurt themselves," said Mangus. "We have too many people committing suicide. This training prepares Soldiers to teach intervention of suicides and how to handle situations involving suicides at their unit. Trainers must teach three classes within the first year of certification. Then, Soldiers must teach at least one class per year after that to stay certified."

Dooley said the overall goal of the training will be to eliminate stigmas that some Soldiers view as negative when trying to receive help for mental disorders and help prevent suicide entirely.

"The military has its own culture or sense of community that influence stigmas of getting help," said Dooley. "When you institute a program like ASIST, it takes a while to work, but you do get a cultural shift and change. It starts with a small attitudinal shift, which becomes a cultural shift and ultimately a community shift. Those stigmas will then become less of an influence."

Dooley has been teaching these suicide intervention classes for 27 years and recalls a success story because of the skills he has taught.

"In 1991, a woman came in one day who lost her partner to suicide," said Dooley. "Her partner even talked about suicide and she didn't know what to say. After the suicide of her partner, she went into a deep depression. After going through this program, she was able to release a lot of the guilt that she felt towards herself and came to terms with roles that she was responsible for in her relationship. Within a few months, she returned back to work. Ever since, she has called me to let me know that she is alright."

Fort Carson Soldiers and Leaders will have more chances to go through the course, and pass on those skills learned from the program to their units.

"Sometime in October, 4th CAB will host another ASIST training session," said Mangus. "I am one of 30 Fort Carson Soldiers that are ASIST 10 certified. At a date to be determined, me and the other certified Soldiers will get a chance to take a one-day class to get our certification upgraded to ASIST 11.

"This is the best training that I've seen regarding suicide intervention. The Soldiers that go through this course will provide skills and become better caregivers, which can be utilized by their units to help reduce suicides," she added.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Gerry Dooley, team leader, Living Works Organization, teaches Fort Carson Soldiers and Leaders about suicide intervention and prevention during their Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training at Provider Chapel on Fort Carson, Colo., July 10, 2013. The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, hosted the 'train the trainer' classes for all of post. Living Works, an international organization that creates suicide intervention programs, provided the instructors to teach the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Fort Carson Soldiers and Leaders learn about suicide intervention and prevention during Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training at Provider Chapel on Fort Carson, Colo., July 10, 2013. 4th Combat Aviation Brigade Chaplain's Office, 4th Infantry Division, hosted the 'train the trainer' classes for all of post. Living Works, an international organization that creates suicide intervention programs provided the instructors to teach the class.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Lt. Col. Tammy L. Baugh assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, during a ceremony on Founders' Field, July 9.

Lt. Col. David M. Moga relinquished command of the unit to Baugh, who last served as the requirements analyst, Joint Staff and Department of Defense.

The change of command featured the traditional passing of the unit colors from the outgoing commander to the ceremonial host, Col. Kenneth Hawley, commander, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, and then to the incoming commander. While the aviation unit is stationed at Fort Carson, their parent unit is the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

"I am truly honored to be standing here today recognizing this great organization," Hawley said. "Over the last two years these Soldiers transformed from an Attack Battalion the was in many ways still focused on Korea to an Attack Battalion Taskforce that deployed to combat against the resurgent enemy in the mountains of Afghanistan. Once in Afghanistan the battalion's Apaches' developed a reputation that any gun pilot wants; one of a deadly professional who will do anything for the ground Soldier.

"The Battalion executed hundreds of missions, flying more than 38,000 hours, the highest operation tempo of any AH-64 Apache unit in theater," Hawley said. "To put that in perspective the average annual flying hours for a battalion in garrison is about 6,000 hours. In total more than 500 enemy combatants are no longer able to disrupt the buildup of Afghanistan, its security forces and the Afghan people because of the efforts of this battalion.

"More importantly the Gunfighter medical evacuation crews saved more than 250 coalition forces," said Hawley. "While the statistics are impressive the Soldiers standing before you today performed those missions not for personal reward, accolade or glory but for their brothers and sisters on the ground."

Moga followed Hawley, welcoming Baugh and then commending his soldiers' for their achievements.

"As I think about the last two years all I can say is thank you," Moga said. "When you look out at the field you see some things that are the same as two years ago and some that are different. One that is the same is that you still see 491 Soldiers on that field; that is a blessing. For the last year in combat, what I saw is their hands maintaining helicopters that never had a mechanical problem in over 38,000 hours; I saw their hands refueling our aircraft quickly, so that infantrymen would never have to wait for a helicopter to arrive."

"One thing you don't see is any memorials to dead Soldiers," Moga said. "It may seem strange I say that, but it is the things that you don't see that count more from our combat tour. Our number isn't 38,000 hours but our number is the number of infantrymen who lived and came home because of the warrior spirit of our pilots'."

Moga's next duty assignment is at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Baugh thanked Moga and his family for their support to her and the Gunfighter Soldiers.

"To the troops of 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment you look great and I look forward to the ride," Baugh said.

Baugh has served as a platoon leader, company commander, and airspace manager. Her military awards include the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, and Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Col. Kenneth Hawley, commander, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, passes the unit's colors to Lt. Col. Tammy L. Baugh, incoming commander, 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Inf. Div. during a change of command ceremony on Founders Field, July 9, 2013. Baugh replaces Lt. Col. David M. Moga.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Col. Michael C. Kasales relinquished command of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to Col. Gregory F. Sierra during a ceremony July 8 at Founder's Field.

Kasales said he was proud to have been commander of 3rd ABCT and thanked the Soldiers and Families of the brigade.

"The Families directly contributed to our mission success at Fort Carson and while deployed," Kasales said. "Each of the brigade's accomplishments didn't happen by luck. They were accomplished by an organization of outstanding leaders and highly trained troopers."

Brig. Gen. Michael A. Bills, senior mission commander, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, and reviewing officer for the ceremony, thanked the Soldiers of the brigade for their continued service to the unit, the division and the nation.

Sierra previously commanded 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. from 2008-2011. While in command, his unit deployed as part of an advise and assist brigade to Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. After command, Sierra was assigned to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., where he served as the G3 operations officer from 2011-2012.

Sierra's most recent assignment was as a student at the College of Naval Warfare, Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

Sierra said the ceremony was about the unit's legacy and what the future holds for the Soldiers and Families of the "IRON" brigade.

"I promise to provide the best leadership and focus I can to accomplish our missions, while caring for our Soldiers and Families," Sierra said. "I look forward to forging a team with the leaders, Soldiers and Families and attacking each mission that comes our way."

Fort Carson, Colo. – Col. Michael C. Kasales, outgoing commander, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, passes the brigade colors to Brig. Gen. Michael A. Bills, senior mission commander, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, July 8, 2013 during the brigade change of command ceremony at Founder's Field. Kasales had commanded 3rd ABCT since June 2011 and will move on to attend the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, as a senior Army fellow.

Fort Carson, Colo. – Col. Michael C. Kasales, outgoing commander, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Div., Brig. Gen. Michael A. Bills, senior mission commander, 4th Inf. Div., Col. Gregory F. Sierra, incoming commander, 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., and Lt. Col. Edward Ballanco, executive officer, 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., conduct an inspection of troops July 8, 2013 during the 3rd ABCT change of command ceremony at Founders Field.

Fort Carson, Colo. – Brig. Gen. Michael A. Bills, senior mission commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, passes the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, colors to Col. Gregory F. Sierra, incoming commander, 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., during the brigade change of command ceremony July 8, 2013 at Founders Field. Prior to assuming command, Sierra was a student at the College of Naval Warfare, Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – "A combat aviation brigade has not been built from the ground up in 25 years," said Maj. Jason Davis, brigade executive officer, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. "4th CAB has a solid foundation to build upon."

Two years after the CAB was deactivated at Fort Hood, Texas, the unit colors were unsheathed in the presence of Soldiers and their Families, during the activation ceremony for 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div., at Fort Carson's Founders Field, July 2.

The new commander, Col. Robert T. Ault, brigade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine J. Duchatelier Jr., senior enlisted leader, assumed command and responsibility of the troops in the newly reactivated brigade.

"Today at Joint Task Force Carson, this combat aviation brigade is being reformed, organized and transformed into one the Army's most modernized aviation brigades," said Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. "This is no small task, standing up a brigade, especially an aviation brigade.

"In preparation for future missions, these leaders and Soldiers, pilots, maintainers and logisticians will fill new aircraft and execute a very aggressive training plan," said Bills. "This will build combat power and capacity that will provide this division the aircraft integration it needs. I am confident that this leadership team and the Soldiers standing before us will rise to the challenge; to continue the tradition of excellence that their unit has stood for so long."

After uncasing the brigade colors, Bills presented the flag to Ault, recognizing him as the newest leader assuming command of the brand new brigade on Fort Carson.

"The leaders and Soldiers of 4th CAB on the Field today are committed to building the most professional and effective combat aviation brigade in the Army," said Ault. "In addition, we embrace the opportunity to be part of, and build the bigger team of, the Fort Carson and Front Range Community as an active responsible partner in making the Front Range better for our presence."

The activation ceremony and unfurling of the brigade colors marked an important milestone of the 4th CAB legacy, serving as a visible reminder the brigade is back in service to the Army and nation, Ault said.

"The activation of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade provides 4th Infantry Division, the Army and our nation with additional capabilities and depth," said Ault. "The CAB will provide vital training and operations support to the 4th Infantry Division. It will also ease the frequent deployments for Army pilots of the 12 existing CABs, and positively bolster the local Colorado economy"

4th CAB looks forward to working with the community, said Ault. 4th CAB assisted the community with fighting the Black Forest fire even before its formal activation.

"'Iron Eagles' are proud to work alongside the Colorado Springs community, and we showed that through our support to the local civilian authorities during the Black Forest fire," said Ault. "4th CAB completed over 900 bambi-bucket drops, dumping over 690,000 gallons of water in support of the Black Forest fire."

Ault talked about his expectations for his aviation Soldiers and what they should expect from him.

"In order for our organization to function properly, leaders and their Soldiers need to work as a team," Ault said. "Teamwork is essential to making the CAB successful. A helicopter doesn't fly by itself – it takes a dedicated team of professionals such as: maintainers, crewmembers, refuelers and operations soldiers. It is that collaborative energy that makes us so valuable to the Division."

Ault also talked about the values that every 4th CAB Soldier should live by while they are in the CAB.

"The three pillars of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade through the years have been and will remain: commitment, teamwork and a warrior spirit born of professional competence and personal character," he said.

Davis, who served as the officer-in-charge of the group building the 4th CAB until Ault's arrival, commented on the brigade's growth since first arriving at Fort Carson.

"We have made incredible progress since we started last spring, thanks to our junior leaders spread throughout the formation," said Davis. "We are very fortunate to have Col. Ault here as the Brigade Commander - a proven combat leader, experienced in both ground and air operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; he brings a wealth of knowledge and a true warrior spirit to our unit."

As the ceremony came to a close, Ault told his Soldiers what goals he wants the unit to complete, and how they can get there together, during his time in command.

"4th CAB is a leader-centric organization that brings exponential value every day," said Ault. "Our Nation's friends will find no greater ally than the 4th CAB, and our enemies will find no greater foe."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, left, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, watches as Col. Robert T. Ault, middle, brigade commander, passes the brigade colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine J. Duchatelier Jr., right, senior enlisted leader, both leaders of 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., during the CAB's activation ceremony at Founder's Field on Fort Carson, Colo., July 2, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Kristi Ault, left, wife of Col. Robert T. Ault, brigade commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and Audrey Duchatelier, right, wife of Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine J. Duchatelier Jr., senior enlisted leader, 4th CAB, give apples and whiskey to the color guard as part of a long time Army tradition during the CAB's activation ceremony at Founder's Field on Fort Carson, Colo., July 2, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, left, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, presents the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade's colors to Col. Robert T. Ault, middle, brigade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine J. Duchatelier Jr., right, senior enlisted leader, both leaders of 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div., during the CAB's activation ceremony at Founder's Field on Fort Carson, Colo., July 2, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Audrey Duchatelier, right, wife of Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine J. Duchatelier Jr., senior enlisted leader, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, receives flowers from a 4th CAB Soldier during the CAB's activation ceremony at Founder's Field on Fort Carson, Colo., July 2, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Col. Robert T. Ault, brigade commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, makes his remarks during the CAB's activation ceremony at Founder's Field on Fort Carson, Colo., July 2, 2013.