COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – One of the most destructive fires in Colorado history was 100 percent contained June 20 after burning approximately 16,000 acres in nine days and killing two people.

The Fort Carson Fire Department began supporting other agencies in fighting the Black Forest Fire with nine personnel, two brush trucks and one water tender the morning of June 12.

"Our biggest challenge in the beginning was trying to save as much property as we could with a limited amount of resources, while trying to keep our crews as safe as possible," said Capt. JT McLeod, FCFD.

"We were chased out of so many areas from the fire flaring up and becoming so intense an unpredictable," McLeod said. "Then once the fire died back down we would go back in and save what we could. So the first few days were the most challenging until the bigger crews arrived to help us."

Steve Reyes, firefighter and emergency medical technician, FCFD, said since the first few days of the fire they have: extinguished fires close to homes, put in control lines securing the areas around homes and mopped up all of the hot spots that the Black Forest Fire caused.

The firefighters agreed that even though they are extremely exhausted that the support that they have received has helped them give it their all.

"It is the community coming together to save homes and save lives. This fire has really driven that home," McLeod said. "It has continued to amaze me in my 20 years of doing this job; the way they come together like that and show us their support when we come into the command post every night, makes us work harder to get the job done. The way they have pulled together is nothing short of amazing . . . it makes me really proud to be part of this community."

Reyes said that when people get the message to evacuate they should do so immediately.

"There is nothing in their home worth dying for," Reyes said. "It allows the firefighters to get in and do their job much more effectively. If we don't have to worry about people that have not left their homes, we can focus on saving as much property and structures as we can."

McLeod said that to prevent property damage during a fire, having the yard picked up around a home can make a huge difference.

"It is the smaller things on the ground consisting of yard waste, pine needles, weeds and smaller trees that might carry fire into the crown of larger trees; if you can keep the fire on the ground it doesn't grow as intense," said McLeod. "Fire will travel through the lighter fuels very fast so it won't have a chance to heat the house."

Reyes said everyone should have an evacuation plan ready to go in the event of a tragedy like this. They need to make sure when somebody says it is time to go they have everything in order.

"We are moving into a very bad fire season and we are still in a drought and people just need to be extremely vigilant and careful with what they are doing," said Reyes.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Fighting violent wind, stinging sand and oppressive heat, Soldiers certified their ability to fire on the move during unstable gunnery Table 6 qualifications, at Udairi Range, Kuwait, June 11-12.

During the exercise, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Soldiers fired M2 and M240 Machine guns from the turrets of Humvees and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles while on the move during both daylight, and while using optics during hours of darkness.

Developing the skill to fire from a moving vehicle is vital for Soldiers in logistics career fields, said Staff Sgt. Jimmy Brooks, water treatment specialist, Company A, 4th BSB.

"During deployments, our battalion can be responsible for providing fuel, supplies and support for Soldiers across a large area of operations," said Brooks, who, as a breach master, organized and inspected vehicles and weapons entering the range. "During most convoys we are responsible for providing our own security, so it's important to have competent gunners and crews that know how to react during attacks."

Brooks said most of the qualification teams, made up of a driver, vehicle commander, and gunner, had at least one crew member familiar with the Table 6 process.

To prepare the less experienced troops, Packhorse Soldiers spent the week prior to Table 6 working, eating and sleeping at the desert range, preparing for qualification through dry runs and live fires.

The elements posed the biggest challenge for the logistics Soldiers throughout the training cycle, said 1st Lt. Kate Meadows, platoon leader, Company A.

"The weather has forced us to become very flexible during this whole exercise," said Meadows, who served as the officer in charge during Company A's gunnery. "Things are calm at night and early in the morning, but by midmorning the wind turns violent and we are forced to stop firing."

Wind, and the sand it hurled across the desert, clogged and jammed weapons, rendered targets inoperable, ruined visibility and threatened to collapse the tents where Packhorse Soldiers slept and took essential reprieves from the desert heat, which routinely rose to 110 degrees or higher

. "We cannot control the weather, but we will overcome any obstacle to accomplish our mission," Meadows said. "I believe this attitude is important because one day we may run into the same conditions during a more combat oriented deployment."

To mitigate wind, sand and heat, the logistics Soldiers began their gunnery at first light, moving teams through the course steadily, until weather prevented further training.

Even after taking these steps crews still encountered challenges during their runs, said Spc. Frank Lopez, water treatment specialist, Company A.

"Our M2 jammed repeatedly, but Spc. (Eric) Wood performed corrective action every time and we qualified with a pretty good score," Lopez said. "Our training really paid off."

Spc. Eric Wood is a water treatment specialist with Company A, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Qualifications complete, Lopez said he was eager to return to Camp Buehring and take a well deserved break from the sand.

"To be honest, it's a relief to be done," he said. "This whole exercise has been a challenge, but now we can relax. It's a short ride back to civilization, and I for one am looking forward to a hot shower."

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Spc. Eric Wood, water treatment specialist, Company A, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires an M2 machine gun at targets from the turret of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle, during unstable gunnery Table 6 qualifications at Udairi Range, Kuwait, June 12, 2013.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Joint Task Force Carson cooks prepared 1,500 pounds of eggs, and 1,100 pounds of pancake batter as a show of thanks to the community for its continued support of the military, during the Colorado Springs Street Breakfast, June 19.

The Army cooks volunteered to feed the 4,500 people who attended the annual event. In its 53rd year, the breakfast celebrates western heritage month and kicks off the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo season July 10 – 13.

The Street Breakfast affords Fort Carson the opportunity to interact with the community in a unique and exciting way.

"The breakfast was a good experience for me," said Spc. Chainisha Williams, food service specialist, Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "We started setting up for the breakfast at 12 a.m., and worked very hard. I enjoyed showing the people of the Colorado Springs community the appreciation they deserve for all of the support they give us, and to have that reciprocated back to us made all of the hard work worthwhile."

Sgt. Robert Forshey, avionics systems repairer, Company B, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, said it was his first time attending the Street Breakfast, and that he had so much fun he plans on coming back.

"The breakfast was an incredible amount of fun, with music, and interacting with people from the community," said Forshey. "It gives the public a chance to interact with the Army. It helps us strengthen the bonds we have with them. I would recommend people to come out to the breakfast in the coming years."

The proceeds raised from the breakfast go back to Fort Carson by benefitting military charities said Brett Axton, co-chairman, Service to Mankind.

"The breakfast kicks off the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo," Axton said. "We want people to come to the rodeo, because that money goes back to military charities as well. The relationship that exists between Fort Carson, Pikes Peak Range Riders and SERTOMA is great, and we want them to know our community loves our military."

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Col. David Grosso, garrison commander, Fort Carson, gets up onto a horse during the Colorado Springs Street Breakfast June 19, 2013 in downtown Colorado Springs. Grosso gets ready to ride out with the Pikes Peak Range Riders as the Fort Carson representative to kickoff the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, with the money from both events going straight back to military charities.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Col. David Grosso, garrison commander, Fort Carson, serves pancakes during the Colorado Springs Street Breakfast June 19, 2013 in downtown Colorado Springs.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Col. David Grosso, garrison commander, Fort Carson, flips pancakes with Sgt. Kyandra West, food service specialist, Headquarters Support Company, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, during the Colorado Springs Street Breakfast June 19, 2013 in downtown Colorado Springs.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Daedra Stonerock, Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, sings the National Anthem during the Colorado Springs Street Breakfast June 19, 2013 in downtown Colorado Springs.

BLACK FOREST, Colo. – Smoke-clouds rose hundreds of feet and numerous aircraft swarmed through the Colorado Springs air, as helicopter crews worked tirelessly to help contain the fires at Black Forest, Colo., June 12.

Pilots and crewmembers from Companies A and B, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, have continuously dropped water from bambi buckets on the Black Forest fires.

A bambi bucket is a specialized bucket that carries approximately 400 to 2000 gallons depending on its size, said Maj. Michael Hale, executive officer, 2-4 GSAB. It is suspended on a cable, carried by a helicopter, to deliver water for aerial firefighting. The bucket has a release valve on the bottom, which is controlled by the helicopter crew. When the helicopter is in position, the crew releases the water to extinguish the fire below.

Once authorized, 2-4 GSAB responded quickly and worked long hours to extinguish the forest fires.

"We started fighting the fires on Tuesday," said Cpt. Sean Pearl, commander, Company B, 2-4 GSAB. "We've had crews dropping buckets from sunrise to sunset every day since then. We will continue support as long as we are needed."

The CAB's role in the Black Forest firefighting mission was to dump bambi buckets on spot-fires to safeguard houses and buildings within the burning areas, said Lt. Ryan Martin, Blackhawk pilot, Company A, 2-4 GSAB.

"We have been told to do precision drops to protect a lot of homes and structures," said Martin. "We began the mission doing aerial drops to stop the fire from spreading until there were bigger aircrafts available."

Pilots and crewmembers believe they are making an impact, and take personal pride in helping the surrounding communities affected by the fires.

"I've been in the Army for 20 years, and have done a lot of combat missions," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Suiters, flight engineer, Company B, 2-4 GSAB. "This type of mission is important to me, because this allows us to help local families and show we don't just fight abroad. We can also fight to save lives here."

Colorado Springs and Black Forest residents showed support to the helicopter crews for helping save their communities from the fires.

"One of our pilots was doing a bambi bucket fill near a golf course," said Martin. "After making multiple drops, large crowds were gathering on the golf course with banners that had 'thank you' written on them."

4th CAB's UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopter crews have been training on the bambi buckets since March, which has made them well prepared for the fire season. Throughout 4th CAB's support to civilian authorities, there were 914 missions, dropping 689,970 gallons of water.

"I am impressed with how well our air crews are doing," said Maj. Michael Hale, executive officer, 2-4 GSAB. "They have become extremely proficient in these tasks in a short amount of time. They can do whatever is needed of them in fighting these fires."

Flying conditions for the 'Iron Eagle' air crews were very dangerous, and many factors affected how well they could navigate around the fires to extinguish them.

"Communication, inconsistent visibility, and aircraft congestion have been the biggest obstacles of maneuvering through the fires," said Pearl. "Shifting and gusting winds cause the bambi bucket to drift a lot. Our great crews help guide us to make our drops precise."

4th CAB continued to fight the fires until told to cease their efforts. They were prepared to fight the fires until they are 100 percent contained.

"I think this is why we are in the Army," said Pearl. "We are here to serve the American people. It is heartbreaking to see all these homes destroyed by this fire. We will do everything we can to stop this from happening. I plan to carry out our mission until all fires are out or until told to stop."

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Soldiers from the 497thEngineer Company, 52nd Engineer Battalion, provided assistance to local authorities and responders with the Black Forest fire for three days, starting June 12.

The company of horizontal construction engineers used their skills and D7 bulldozers, capable of pushing thousands of pounds of dirt, to construct firebreaks and clear the area of ignitable material, said 1st lt. Thomas Fite, officer in charge of the engineers constructing firebreaks, 497th Eng.

"We got here and started building firebreaks, trying to stop the fire from pressing north." Fite said about the first day they arrived.

The Soldiers constantly monitored the weather and fire conditions around them, and adjusted their operations accordingly.

"As soon as we pushed north, the wind caught us," Fite said. "The fire got bigger and we had to get out of there."

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Jaques, horizontal construction engineer, 497th Eng., said it is not easy working alongside a wild fire.

Jaques said that one of the challenges working so close to the fire is it can shift and come towards them unexpectedly.

According to Jaques, the Soldiers tried to combat the speed of the fire by working farther ahead of it, building larger firebreaks and clearing more ignitable debris.

Jaques said the morale among the Soldiers is high, despite long smoke-filled days fighting the fire.

"The Soldiers are excited to help the community out; they do what they are told at all times, and they are out here motivated, because they are serving their own community," Jaques said.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – As smoke filled the doorway of the Special Events Center, Families and friends erupted with cheers and applause as their loved ones returned from a deployment to Kuwait, during a welcome home ceremony June 16.

Approximately 290 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers returned from a four-month deployment in support of decisive action operations in U.S. Army Central Command's area of operations.

The host for the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div., said, "welcome home, take charge of your units, steadfast and loyal."

As the ceremony concluded with the singing of the 4th Inf. Div. March and Army Song, Soldiers and Families rushed to each other, embracing.

Ashley Cutler, wife of Spc. Brandon Cutler, motor transport operator, Battery G, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., had arrived at the Special Events Center an hour and a half prior to the ceremony.

"I'm super excited about him coming home," said Cutler. "Our plans are just relaxing, and then on leave, we're going to a convention in Indianapolis."

Spc. Robert Varwig, cannon crewmember, Battery A, 4th Bn, 42nd Field Artillery Reg., found his wife, Hanna, and two sons, Tristan and Carter, and embraced them mere seconds after being released from formation.

"I'm just really excited to be home," said Robert Varwig. "There are so many thoughts and feelings going through my head right now; it's hard to describe what's going on right now.

Hanna Varwig echoed her husband's excitement.

"I'm so excited, I've been excited for a long time waiting for this day," said Hanna Varwig. "Once we get out of here, we're going in town, and just spending time together."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Friends and Family cheer as their loved ones return home during the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division welcome home ceremony at the Special Events Center, June 16, 2013. Approximately 290 1st ABCT, 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers returned from a four-month deployment in support of decisive action operations in U.S. Army Central Command area of operations.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Spc. Anthony Berry, field artillery firefinder radar operator, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, embraces his wife, Kestine Berry, for the first time since returning from Kuwait, at the Special Events Center during the 1st ABCT welcome home ceremony June 16, 2013. Approximately 290 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers returned from a four-month deployment in support of decisive action operations in U.S. Army Central Command's area of operations.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Spc. Robert Varwig, cannon crewmember, Battery A, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, reunites his wife, Hanna, and sons, Tristan (held) and Carter, after being released from formation, following a welcome home ceremony at the Special Events Center, June 16, 2013. Approximately 290 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers returned from a four-month deployment in support of decisive action operations in U.S. Army Central Command area of operations.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The Army recognizes itself as being formed on June 14, 1775, as the need arose for the militias to form one united army to face Britain's seasoned troops during the Revolutionary War.

This year, Joint Task Force Carson honored and remembered all of those Soldiers that have come before by having multiple cake cuttings and special lunches across the post opened to the whole Fort Carson community.

In keeping with tradition, the most junior soldier cut the cake alongside the most senior soldier on the installation.

"I was nervous and excited about being the one to uphold that tradition," said Pvt. Lorence Vigil, Abrams armor crewmember and youngest Soldier representative, Company D, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "I am honored and will remember it for the rest of my life."

The Army birthday means many things to many different Soldiers.

"What I would like for people to celebrate most, are the Soldiers that are down range keeping us safe, and to remember all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free," said Spc. Pedro Berroa, computer detection systems repairer, Forward Support Company E, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. "(The deployed and departed Soldiers) are not here to celebrate this great day with their Family and friends."

Another Soldier sees it as a time to reflect on those of the past, and be proud of where they are at now.

"This Friday marks the birth of our proud Army, and stands to remind us of our humble roots," said Capt. Antonio Salinas, commander, Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. "Regular men gave up their private lives, and created a conventional force, to defeat tyranny and ensure freedom.

"As warriors, we may all rejoice in our hardships of preparing for and executing military operations around the world," Salinas said. "Many of us have the physical or mental scars to account for facing the enemy in battle, from the scorching deserts of Iraq to the unforgivable valleys of Afghanistan's Hindu Kush. We honor the sacrifices of America's first patriots by making sacrifices of our own today."

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Col. (P) John "J.T." Thomson, deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Stall, senior enlisted advisor, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, cut a cake in celebration of the Army's 238th Birthday. with the most junior Soldier, Pvt. Lorence Vigil, Abrams armored crewmember, Company D, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., June 13, 2013, at Founders Field. "Cut the table in half" Thomson instructed Vigil.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Col. (P) John "J.T." Thomson, deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Stall, senior enlisted advisor, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, cut a cake in celebration of the Army's 238th Birthday with the most junior Soldier Pvt. Lorence Vigil, Abrams armored crewmember, Company D, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., June 13, 2013, at Founders Field. "Cut the table in half" Thomson instructed Vigil.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Col. (P) John "J.T." Thomson, deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Stall, senior enlisted advisor, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, cut a cake in celebration of the Army's 238th Birthday, with the most junior Soldier, Pvt. Lorence Vigil, Abrams armored crewmember, Company D, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., June 13, 2013, at Founders Field. "Cut the table in half" Thomson instructed Vigil.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Army fuelers worked around the clock at the U.S. Air Force Academy airfield, to keep helicopters in the fight against the Black Forest Fire.

Fifteen Soldiers assigned to Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, supported the firefighting effort by conducting rapid refuels and equipment maintenance.

"We received the mission on short notice, but our Soldiers were motivated and ready to go, and set up here as quickly as possible," said Sgt. 1st Class Roderick Rodriguez, petroleum supply noncommissioned officer in charge, Company E, 2-4 GSAB.

Due to their efforts, the pilots can spend more time fighting the fire, without the need to fly an extended distance back to Butts Army Air Field to top off their fuel, said Rodriguez.

"We've been running a forward area refueling point for all of the aviation aircraft from 2-4 GSAB ; what that does, is it gets aviators closer to the fight," said Rodriguez. "Instead of going back to the installation to refuel, here they are within 15 miles of the fire, so they are able to stay longer fighting the fire."

Spc. Matthew Vela, petroleum supply specialist, Company E, 2-4 GSAB, has been supporting the aviators since Thursday morning.

"When we got the call to provide support, we were all able to react with good timing and get out here and set up the forward area refueling point quickly," said Vela.

Although their primary focus was refueling, the aviation Soldiers still took the time to check over the aircrafts to ensure there wasn't any damage; this included the Bambi Buckets, which are lightweight, strong, flexible firefighting buckets used by helicopters to carry water.

"We aren't in the lead for maintenance, but if something needs replacing, we take care of that," said Spc. Robert Gregory, petroleum supply specialist, Company E, 2-4 GSAB. "We are constantly policing up equipment and checking hoses to see if there are any leaks."

In addition to their responsibilities, the Company E Soldiers also provided food and water to the pilots so they could continue the firefighting effort.

"We're not only providing fuel, but also meals for the pilots," said Rodriguez. "They're out there in the fight; they don't really have time to eat, so when they come here for fuel, we provide them with sandwiches, meals ready-to-eat, Gatorade and water."

Rodriguez said providing support for the Black Forest Fire has instilled a sense of pride and duty in the Soldiers.

"Since we've been out here, they've seen the fires and the plumes of smoke," said Rodriguez. "So even though we were on a three day weekend, they didn't mind coming out here; they're volunteers that came out here to provide support and assist the city."

Gregory, one of Rodriguez's Soldiers, expressed what it meant to him to be able to support those who were on the front lines of the firefighting effort.

"It means a lot, actually being able to help the people here; I know a lot of them lost their homes and are in a shelter, so I understand that we have to work through the weekend," said Gregory. "I just think to myself; what if I were in that position and my house had been burnt down? I'm just doing my part to try to help."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The calls went out to each Soldier at 1 a.m., letting them know they had two-days to prepare themselves for a deployment that could take them anywhere in the world.

Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted a two-day deployment rehearsal training exercise, June 11-13, as part of an on-going series of training to fulfill their role in support of the Global Response Force.

"It's a real-world deployable mission," said Maj. Brian Schoellhorn, executive officer, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. "It's a good mission for unit training, especially as a heavy force. Were using it as an opportunity to train on things that we haven't trained on in a while."

The purpose of the Global Response Force is to have a unit of Soldiers able to quickly deploy and execute Decisive Action Operations requiring a rapid response.

"The GRF provides the Army the ability to fulfill missions in both conventional warfare and humanitarian assistance, such as disaster relief or evacuations," said 1st Lt. Trent Ervin, platoon leader, Company A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

With the closure of counter insurgency operations in Iraq and the drawdown in Afghanistan in effect, Company A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., has assumed the uniquely different mission in support of the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C.

The mission of GRF is very different from the Army's counterinsurgency focus of the last 12 years, requiring Soldiers and units to brush up on some older skills.

"The GRF mission is an important responsibility. We're happy to have the chance to have that responsibility," said Schoellhorn. "Rapid deployment with tanks, Bradleys and all that comes with it, are skills and mission sets that we haven't practiced in a long time."

Day one of the training event covered personnel readiness, during which Soldiers verified and updated records, life insurance policies, and sought legal assistance for help with things such as powers of attorney.

Day two of the training exercise covered loading of equipment such as Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles onto heavy equipment transporters.

The Soldiers have been training for the mission since April, and assumed full responsibility for it in May. They have encountered different challenges to ensure they are ready.

One such challenge for Ervin was figuring out how to effectively manage and utilize the unit's resources, which include a platoon of Abrams tanks, a platoon of Bradley fighting vehicles and a platoon of dismounted Soldiers.

"It was difficult to prepare for the plethora of things that we might encounter," said Ervin. "Understanding how to coordinate all those efforts into one [effort] was a challenge."

Getting time to train, and discussing the capabilities and limitations of equipment and personnel with fellow unit leaders, helped to overcome those difficulties, Ervin said.

Even at the lowest level, they felt that they can accomplish any mission.

"My platoon still trains and performs their duties as directed," said Ervin. "Yes, we're fit and ready to go to answer any call we may get."

One of the main goals of the exercise was to practice coordinating with external military and civilian supporters of the mission. The 43rd Sustainment Brigade and Fort Carson Directorate of Logistics are among the list of the elements providing support to prepare Company A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., in their GRF mission.

"We are here to support the units," said Shanette Thornton, movement branch chief, Fort Carson DOL, who added exercises like this help to prepare the units for the actual mission.

"The 43rd SB and DOL really have done an incredible job," said Schoellhorn.

Soldiers have expressed their confidence in their training and their leadership as they prepare for the GRF mission.

"Our leadership is doing a really good job with guiding us," said Spc. Travis Doody, M1 tank crewman, Company A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. "They're showing us the ropes, getting us ready for deployment, and going over crew drills (repetitively). I feel 100 percent prepared."

FORT CARSON, Colo. - An M113 Armored Personnel Carrier balances on a balancing wedge while Mary Strauch, transportation specialist, Fort Carson Directorate of Logistics, makes a mark for the vehicle's center of gravity, before it is loaded onto a heavy equipment transporter, June 12, 2013, during a two-day deployment rehearsal exercise, in support of Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and their mission as part of the Global Response Force.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Servicemembers, Families and friends of the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron gathered at Founders Field to bid farewell to Lt. Col. Thomas P. Moore, and welcome Lt. Col. Cory S. Jeffers, during a change of command ceremony, June 13.

The 13th ASOS is an Air Force unit stationed on Fort Carson, which integrates and controls air and space power, in support of 4th Infantry Division operations.

Moore has served as commander of the 13th ASOS since June 2011, and is set to deploy to Afghanistan as the Deputy Commander of the 504th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group.

During Moore's time in command, ASOS deployed 60 percent of its Airmen, ran more than two thousand missions, assisting in the capture of 70 high value targets, and became one of the three out of seven squadrons to achieve an excellent rating from the Air Combat Command Inspector General Team.

"Looking back over the four years, it was in those moments that I was out there in the field with you, ruck-marches, field training exercises…it was in those personal moments, standing shoulder to shoulder with you, that brought me the greatest satisfaction," said Moore. "I'm humbled by the opportunity to say I'm with such amazing patriots. You've proved time and time again that you are absolutely unmatched in providing air support with and for our Army brothers."

After Moore's speech to his Family, friends and Soldiers, he relinquished command of his Airmen by presenting the unit colors to Col. Thomas Bell, commander, 3rd Air Support Operation Group, who in turn presented them to Jeffers.

Jeffers, comes to Fort Carson from, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., where he served as the Director of Operations, 1st Air Support Operations Group.

"Ladies and gentlemen, 'Gun Slingers,' I could not be more thrilled or honored to be standing in front of you as your commander," said Jeffers. "When people that I know found out that I was going to be taking command of the 13th ASOS, their first reaction was not to say 'Colorado Springs is a nice place to live;' they said, 'man, that 13th (ASOS) is an awesome unit."

As the new ASOS commander, Jeffers has high hopes for his Airmen, as well as a mission he plans to achieve.

"Our mission is to enhance the joint warfighter team by providing combat mission ready Airmen to integrate and control all aspects of Air and Space Power," said Jeffers.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Lt. Col. Thomas Moore, outgoing commander, 13th Air Support Operation Squadron, 3rd Air Support Operation Group, addresses Families friends and Airmen of the squadron and bids them farewell, during a Change of Command ceremony at Founders Field, June 13, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Lt. Col. Thomas Moore, outgoing commander, 13th Air Support Operation Squadron, 3rd Air Support Operation Group, receives a Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Thomas Bell, commander, 3rd ASOG, during a Change of Command ceremony at Founders Field, June 13, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Lt. Col. Thomas Moore(right), outgoing commander, 13th Air Support Operation Squadron, 3rd Air Support Operation Group, relinquishes command of the squadron by presenting the unit colors to Col. Thomas Bell, commander, 3rd ASOG, during a Change of Command ceremony at Founders Field, June 13, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Lt. Col. Cory Jeffers (right), incoming commander, 13th Air Support Operation Squadron, 3rd Air Support Operation Group, assumes command of the squadron by receiving the unit colors from Col. Thomas Bell, commander, 3rd ASOG, during a Change of Command ceremony at Founders Field, June 13, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Lt. Col. Thomas Moore, outgoing commander, 13th Air Support Operation Squadron, 3rd Air Support Operation Group, addresses Families friends and Airmen of the squadron and bids them farewell, during a Change of Command ceremony at Founders Field, June 13, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Former Army specialist, William Martin, who after nearly four years of service, ended his journey on active duty with the Army due to medical separation, and successfully transitioned into civilian life with a new career.

Martin served as a tracked vehicle mechanic in Company D, 4th Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Armored "IRON" Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He said that he went through a medical separation board for an injury to his left knee and first noticed the problem during his most recent deployment to Iraq from 2010 to 2011.

Soldiers who go through a Medical Evaluation Board are assigned a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer, who assist them throughout the transition process Soldiers are also assigned to a unit such as the Warrior Transition Unit which is designed to assist injured Soldiers in successfully transitioning to the next stage of their careers, by either changing jobs in the Army, or back into civilian life.

Originally from Auburn, Wash., Martin joined the Army in 2009. He was recommended to appear before a Medical Evaluation Board twice, after getting injured while deployed to Iraq.

"I had a negative view on any other way of getting out of the army other than serving out my contract," Martin said. "The first time I was recommended, I refused, because I felt it was an 'easy way out' of the Army. When I signed the contract, I agreed to serve."

When he was recommended for a second time, Martin said he was educated about the advantages and benefits of appearing before a Medical Evaluation Board by his assigned physician assistant.

Soldiers in the Medical Evaluation Board process become a part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System.

The IDES Program is used by Department of Defense to assess service members who have been wounded, ill, or injured, to see if they are still able to serve. If they are not, the IDES gives them a Veterans Affairs disability rating before leaving service. This tells the Service member the amount of compensation and benefits they will receive from the VA.

Soldiers who are a part of the IDES also have opportunities to do volunteer work, go to college, or work as interns.

"Our job here is to make sure the Soldiers have a job when they leave in order to set them up for success," 1st Sgt. Jesus Sharkgambrell, Company K, 64th Brigade Support Battalion. "So, we require a 5-year plan for them."

Those Soldiers who are being medically evaluated for possible separation from the Army have access to the services provided by the Soldier and Family Assistance Center on Fort Carson.

According to Martin, having the assistance and resources available at the SFAC increased his confidence about transitioning out of the Army into a civilian role.

Resources available at the SFAC include entitlement and benefit counseling, educational services, transition/employment assistance, substance abuse information for family members, coordination of legal and pastoral services, lodging assistance, and the Army Career and Alumni Program.

The mission of ACAP is to deliver a world class transition program for America's Army that empowers members to make informed career decisions through benefits counseling and employment assistance, according to the ACAP mission statement.

The ACAP seeks to make the transition process from military to civilian life as stress free and helpful as possible with services such as a Veteran Affairs seminar, Disabled Transition Assistance Program Seminar, job search assistance, financial planning classes, and resume development, according to their website.

Martin said that he was successful with writing his own resume with the guidance of his ACAP counselor.

"Most Soldiers who do extensive work with an ACAP counselor write a master resume that includes everything the Soldier has done," said Lois Bay, Fort Carson ACAP Contractor Installation Manager. "As the Soldier applies for specific jobs, the Soldier takes the master resume and targets the resume for the specific job he or she applies for."

Martin graduated from the Corrections Training Academy in Cañon City, Colo., as a corrections officer, May 31, 2013.

"I will work at a correctional facility in Sterling, Colo.," said Martin. Kim Beicker, Training Manager for the Corrections Training Academy in Cañon City, said there is a difference between corrections students with prior military service, like Martin, and those without prior military service.

"The military guys show more discipline and are more physically fit," said Beicker.

Martin, who completely cleared out of the Army May 18, expressed his appreciation for the people who helped him and attributes his successful transition from the Army to the leadership from his transitional unit.

"They provided me with information that I needed to know," said Martin. "There was a lot of (information) I wasn't aware of before I got there, with regards to transitioning."

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Specialist William Martin (left), tracked vehicle mechanic, Company D, 4th Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team "IRON" Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, hands clearing papers to Spc. Yolane Johnson, leasing assistant, Fort Carson Housing Office, April 17, 2013.

CAÑON CITY, Colo. - William Martin,(top), a former Army specialist, and tracked vehicle mechanic Company D, 4th Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team "IRON" Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, receives his certificate of completion from guest speaker Rick Thompkins, associate director of human resources, Colorado Department of Corrections, at a graduation ceremony at the Colorado State Corrections Training Academy, Cañon City, Colo., May 31, 2013.

CAÑON CITY, Colo. - William Martin,(top), a former Army specialist, and tracked vehicle mechanic Company D, 4th Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team "IRON" Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, stands ready to take on a new career as a corrections officer after graduating from the Colorado State Corrections Training Academy, Cañon City, Colo., May 31, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – When a blaring siren pierced the Kuwaiti air, "Raider" Brigade Soldiers donned their M40 Protective Masks and filled the bunkers scattered across Camp Buehring's sandy surface.

"Incoming, incoming, incoming," a disembodied voice bellowed, as the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Soldiers packed into the shelters, testing the seals of their masks.

Raiders reaffirmed their chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives attack response skills, and practiced the proper procedures for finding cover during an artillery mortar or rocket attack, during an indirect fire drill, June 5.

"As soon as we heard the siren, we hit the bunkers," said Sgt. Brandon Sweetman, armor crewman, Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st ABCT. "It is very important to have systems in place for situations like this."

In the days leading up to the event leaders throughout the brigade drilled their Soldiers on proper pro-mask and bunker procedures. "Soldiers who have never come under fire before cannot understand what it is like," said Sweetman, who experienced indirect-fire attacks during previous deployments. "If we keep training over and over, muscle memory and instinct will kick in, and could save their lives during a real world situation."

Capt. Andrew Lowe, air defense officer, 1st ABCT, and brigade leaders observed the exercise, and disseminated casualty cards that directed Soldiers to assume the role of wounded in need of aid from their comrades.

"We conduct these battle drills to ensure the Soldiers of the "Raider" Brigade are ready for anything," said Lowe. "Drills like this refresh our basic skills. Whether we are here in Kuwait, or back at Fort Carson, or deployed to Afghanistan, we need to continually train to maintain these skills."

At the announcement of "All clear, all clear, all clear," most Soldiers exited the bunkers to resume their daily tasks, but for the medical Soldiers of Company C, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st ABCT, the exercise had only just begun.

Within minutes of the "all clear," simulated casualties began to arrive at the brigade aid station, suffering from fictitious trauma, ranging from chest wounds to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"Our expectations were to effectively treat patients as they came in, and we accomplished that very well," said Spc. Nicklaus Lego, healthcare specialist, Company C, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st ABCT. "The whole medical side of the operation went smoothly."

Lego said incorporating the "Charlie Med" Soldiers into the exercise lent the operation an air of realism, and helped the medical troops maintain their perishable skills.

"Medical skills have a tendency to be lost if they are not used continually," he said. "Even stepping out of the right mindset for a few minutes can cost a patient's life."

Soldiers of the Raider brigade will continue training and enhancing their warrior skills throughout their deployment to Kuwait.

"I think the event was a success," Lowe said. "Soldiers knew and followed the proper procedures for an indirect fire attack in a possible NBC environment. The lessons we learned during this exercise will help us make our next training event even better."

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Pfc. Ronald Campos, healthcare specialist, Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, carries simulated casualty, Sgt. Christopher Clover, wheeled vehicle mechanic, Company B, to the brigade aid station after an indirect fire drill, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 5, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, take cover in a bunker during an indirect fire drill at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 5, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Medical Soldiers assigned to Company C, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, treat a simulated casualty during a react to indirect fire drill at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 5, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – His daily routine is defined by his son, the challenges almost commonplace. On a good night, his son sleeps straight through. On a bad night, he'll be up a couple of times.

His 16-month-old alarm clock wakes him up around 8 or 9 a.m. Next is feeding his son breakfast, followed by cleaning up the vomit, which happens after every meal. Typically he'll have a couple hours of recovery before the next feeding/vomit cycle.

After that, it's the appointment of the day; at least 3 times a week. Then, they eat dinner, clean-up the mess, bath time, and then bed, to start the pattern all over again.

For some men, the challenge of dealing with the host of medical problems that come with taking care of a premature child and its associated medical problems would be daunting, to say the least.

To Morgan Waterman, though, it's just what he does.

"All his little problems, the G-tube, stuff like that; she gets freaked out when we have to change it," said Morgan of his wife, Capt. Rebecca Waterman. "She won't do it, but it's not a big deal."

A G-tube is a special tube inserted into a child's stomach to give food and medicine, until the child can chew or swallow on its own.

The child's health issues, which resulted in life-changing decisions for the parents, were unexpected.

Rebecca Waterman, personnel officer, 759th Military Police Battalion, said that after about eight weeks of trying to feed her son Noah in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, they did a brain scan and diagnosed him with cerebral atrophy. His blood was cut off at some point; it could have been for ten seconds, and they believe that he had suffered a stroke in the womb, and stopped practicing swallowing in the womb; an action that is very hard to get back once outside of the womb.

She later discovered that the problems were due to her having a low blood platelet count, a condition that affects about 3% of the population.

Morgan Waterman takes his son Noah to physical therapy once a week, and occupational therapy, which is the feeding clinic, twice a week, peppered with gastrointestinal doctor's visits, and a dietician every three weeks. Some weeks, there is an appointment every day.

Prior to the emergency c-section and complications of birth, Morgan Waterman, who had graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in business administration, had planned on settling into a job, but the arrival of Noah set him on a whole new course.

"We were planning on her getting out, or moving somewhere else, so once I graduated, I wasn't going to find a job right away," said Morgan Waterman, who had served in the United States Marine Corps from 2003-2007. "I would have started looking around, once we decided where we were going to be."

While trying to arrange day-care for the child would be difficult, Rebecca Waterman didn't want to put her husband into a role that he would grow to dislike.

"We sat down and had a talk after Noah came," she said. "I didn't want to force him to be a stay-at-home dad if he didn't want to, and that was the route we were headed towards. My biggest fear was that he was going to resent me for being able to go to work every day, and he was going to be the one to stay home, but it's worked out well."

Their decision for her to stay in the Army was in large part due to the support she received after Noah was born.

"We had a talk before I went back to work," she said. "The Army has given us so much, up to this point; the Army Family was amazing during our NICU stay, me going into labor and everything, because we didn't have any of our own family out here.

"It was rough going for a while, but the Army stuck by us, and the friends we've made in the Army," she said. "We decided to keep rolling for a little while and see where it takes us."

The toughest part for Morgan Waterman is finding personal time, as the only breaks he receives from his daily care of Noah is through respite care, due to the special needs of his son.

"The hardest thing is not being able to get a regular baby sitter; having to coordinate with respite care, having limited hours of that," said Morgan Waterman. "We can't just pick up a phone and say 'Hey, we want to go out for the day. If he didn't have all that stuff, the next door neighbor would come over and we'd pay her twenty bucks to watch him for a while."

While arranging respite care can be difficult, it does allow the couple to have some free time.

"We went to watch our first movie since he's been born, for his 30th birthday, just two weeks ago," said Rebecca Waterman, laughingly. "That was nice, got respite care; we coordinated two weeks out so that we could have respite care with him for four hours so we could go see a movie."

She also appreciates that she can trust her husband to handle Noah without any concerns.

"What I like about our situation is, even normal moms worry about their kids sometimes with dad," she said. "I go to work every day just fine."

Morgan Waterman also makes sure that mom and son still have a good relationship.

"In the beginning I was scared, because I was afraid my kid wouldn't know who I am, but Morgan does an awesome job," said Rebecca Waterman. "When I was working late or anything, he'd call me, or he would take videos for me. He was always adamant that when I come home Noah greets me as mama so that he recognizes who I am. In the beginning he only really took to Morgan, now there's days where he'll sit by the front door and wait for me to come home."

Not only is Morgan Waterman great with Noah, but he's also supportive of his wife.

"What's really awesome is on the weekends, even though I've worked through the week, and Morgan has been stuck with him all week by himself, Morgan still gives me a couple hours to go to the salon, or go do something on my own," she said.

Rebecca Waterman also recognizes how Morgan Waterman's influence has improved her Army career.

"His enlisted experience as a noncommissioned officer helped me better myself, as an officer and as a leader," she said. "I bring scenarios home sometimes on how I should handle it, or whether I should let my NCOs handle it, and he gives me his advice.

"I wouldn't be as strong of a leader if I didn't have his support," she said. "We compensate for each other in a lot of different ways. His strengths are my weaknesses, and his weaknesses are my strengths."

While Rebecca Waterman has always appreciated what her husband brings to the relationship, it was only with the birth of their son and all the responsibilities that came with it, that many of her coworkers recognized his contributions.

"A lot of my previous bosses, commanders have looked at is 'oh wow, you have a stay-at-home husband,' and we'll catch a lot of grief," she said. "Recently they've all come back and I've gone to lunch with them, where they said, 'you know, as much grief as we gave him, everything has worked out perfectly for you guys, with the health issues, with everything going on.'"

Despite all the difficulties they had in the first pregnancy, Rebecca Waterman is pregnant with their second boy, though this time she's fully armed with the knowledge of how to protect her growing baby, with regular doctor visits and antibody infusions to keep her and her son healthy. She is still enjoying her time in the service, looking forward to her next deployment and helping Soldiers be fit to fight. Wherever their road leads though, Morgan Waterman has complete confidence in his wife.

"I think whatever job she does, whether it's in the military or a civilian job, she'll be very good at," he said.

Rebecca Waterman, on the other hand, knows that her husband is the one that makes it possible for her to follow her dreams.

I love what I do, I couldn't do it without him," she said. "I couldn't devote the time to taking care of Soldiers, personnel actions, without him in my corner."

FORT CARSON, Colo. --Morgan Waterman and his son, Noah Waterman, play with a picture frame as they spend the day at Iron Horse Park, March 29, 2013. Morgan Waterman is a stay at home dad, who daily helps his son with a number of medical issues due to a premature birth and other conditions related to his mother, Capt. Rebecca Waterman, personnel officer, 759th Military Police Battalion, having a low blood platelet count, a condition that affects 3% of the population.

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Noah Waterman rides a horse while his father Morgan Waterman, and his mother Rebecca Waterman, personnel officer, 759th Military Police Battalion, help to keep him in place, at Iron Horse Park, March 29, 2013. Morgan Waterman is a stay at home dad, who daily helps his son with a number of medical issues due to a premature birth and other conditions related to Rebecca Waterman having a low blood platelet count, a condition that affects 3% of the population.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sixteen Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, have spent the last two months preparing for the Fort Carson Combatives Tournament taking place during the "Iron Horse Week" competitions, June 3-6.

Leading the charge for the team is Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Wheeland, brigade plans noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd BSTB. Wheeland is level two combatives certified, and has been involved with modern Army combatives for the last three years.

He said he initially just volunteered to be on the 3rd BSTB team, but eventually became the coach, drawing from his martial arts training in taekwondo, akido, and muay thai, to help train other team members.

"We bring the modern Army combatives program manual and teach from it so the team members learn the basics," Wheeland, a native of Globe, Ariz., said. "Then we throw in our own experiences from martial arts training, and give them different looks, so they aren't looking down a tunnel to learn."

A few members of the team didn't have the martial arts background, but rely on experience from another sport similar to combatives. Staff Sgt. Jose Almaraz, squad leader, Company C, 3rd BSTB, competed in varsity wrestling while attending high school in Gainesville, Ga., and said wrestling is what helped him with learning.

"Wrestling experience helped out a lot with learning combatives and becoming level one certified," Almaraz said. "You can reference a lot of wrestling to the grappling in combatives."

Almaraz became involved with modern Army combatives when one of his Soldiers invited him to attend to some of the level one training. He also competed in last year's combatives tournament.

Wheeland was quick to point out that while technique and training are important in preparing, Soldiers must also understand it is just the start to learning. He added that his team members have greatly improved from the start of training to the start of competition.

"There is always going to be someone out there who can beat you, someone who is going to be better with technique, or just stronger," Wheeland said. "But the way my guys went out there and performed on the first day; I couldn't be happier."

FORT CARSON, Colo.— History met the future when a Korean War veteran visited Soldiers assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, May 28, in the battalion's motor pool.

P.J. Lawler, an 84 year old native of Minneapolis, Minn., served as a tank commander in an M24 Chaffee Light Tank while on active duty. He was stationed at Fort Carson, then known as Camp Carson, from 1951-1953."Camp Carson was a lot smaller back in 1953, but the mountains sure haven't changed," Lawler said. He then shared a photo of Cheyenne Mountain taken in 1953 from the same perspective as the battalion motor pool.

The visit was the last stop, and highlight, of a cross country road trip for Lawler. Coordinated by Lawler's sons, Chris, Dave and Jeff, the visit marked 60 years since Lawler had left Camp Carson.

Capt. Juan Rizo, commander, Company C, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., sponsored the visit for Lawler and his three sons, and discussed daily company operations, maintenance procedures, and the capabilities of the fleet.

"It was an amazing experience talking to someone who served on this post 60 years ago," Rizo said. "He still embodied the tanker spirit, and enjoyed relating to the Soldiers."

Sgt. Brian Blanchette, gunner, Company C, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., helped Lawler into the inside of the turret of an Abrams, and then discussed the tank's capabilities and each crew member's responsibilities.

"We have made many improvements to our armor force in the past 60 years," Blanchette said. "It was great to hear a first-hand account of what tanking was like many years ago."

During lunch, Lawler shared stories and photographs of Camp Carson, circa 1953, with the Soldiers. Although a lot has changed in the past 60 years, the stoic Cheyenne Mountain remained a prominent feature stitching the view of yesterday's Camp Carson to today's Fort Carson.

"The Soldiers went above and beyond the call of duty during [my] visit," Lawler said. "Hopefully I have the opportunity to return the same hospitality to any Company C Soldier visiting the Midwest.

Fort Carson, Colo. – From left, 1st Lt. Greg Campbell, Capt. Rizo, Dave Lawler, Chris Lawler, P.J. Lawler, Jeff Lawler, Capt. Allyson Schmidt, and 1st Lt. Ben Leonard pose for a group photo May 28, 2013, prior to visiting the unit's motorpool. P.J. Lawler is a Korean War veteran and former tank commander who was stationed at Fort Carson, then Camp Carson, from 1951-1953.

Fort Carson, Colo. – Sgt. Brian Blanchette and P.J. Lawler prepare to climb inside an M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams Main Battle Tank May 28, 2013, as part of Lawler's visit to Fort Carson. Lawler, who was stationed at Fort Carson from 1951-1953, was visiting Fort Carson as part of a cross-country trip planned by his three sons.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers, Families and friends gathered at Founders Field to see which units would be recognized as the best, Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, presented the winners of Iron Horse Week with the Commander's Cups, recognizing the large and small battalions that rose to the top during a week of sports competitions and events.

1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., won the large-unit Commander's Cup and 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., took home the small unit Commander's Cup.

Throughout Iron Horse Week, the Joint Task Force Carson community gathered at Iron Horse Park and various other locations on base to cheer on participants, as they competed in event after event to see who would be victorious.

The five-day celebration of Joint Task Force Carson pride featured competitions and tournaments in: a 10-kilometer run, dodge ball, racquetball, archery, basketball, bowling, boxing, combatives, flag football, golf, marksmanship, paintball, sand volleyball, wall climb, softball, and tug of war.

"Overall, Iron Horse Week is a great event, and the marksmanship portion is great battle-focused training for Soldiers," said Staff Sgt. Glenn Peterson, M4 carbine marksmanship competitor, Company B, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. "It is the most realistic training that a Soldier can get. Iron Horse Week is great for the Soldiers; it helps to build units esprit de corps and camaraderie across the entire division."

Iron Horse Week provided its participants the opportunity to have fun and highlight their physical abilities while representing units.

"It was nice to be able to participate in Iron Horse Week," said Pfc. Ben Thorsen, softball team member, 183rd Maintenance Company, 43rd Sustainment Brigade. "It was an honor to be able to represent my unit. It helped to build more camaraderie and esprit de corps in my unit with people who I don't usually work with."

Soldiers and Family members not competing in the tournaments supported them by cheering for their units or loved ones during the week of competitions, and cooking to keep them strong throughout the week.

Wrapping up Iron Horse Week with the awards presentation and cake cutting Thursday, an early celebration of the Army's birthday. The Army is celebrating its 238th birthday Friday, and it has fought in every major conflict the U.S. has been involved in, including: The Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

10 kilometer run -- 52nd Engineer Battalion. Archery – 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment.

Basketball – 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment. Bowling – 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.

Boxing – 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment. Combatives – 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Division.

Dodge ball -- 3rd Special Troops Battalion. Flag Football – 4th Squadron 10th Cavalry Regiment.

Golf – 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. Marksmanship – 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment.

M9 Pistol -- 52nd Engineer Battalion.

M4 Rifle -- 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment.

M249 Squad automatic weapon -- 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Division.

M240B Machinegun -- 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment. Orienteering -- 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Division.

Paintball -- 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment.

Racquetball doubles -- 2-77 Field Artillery

Sand Volleyball -- 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment.

Softball – 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment.

Tug-of-War -- 3rd Special Troops Battalion.

Wall Climbing – 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment.

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – From loading vehicles and equipment by train and semi-truck, to packing Soldiers on a bus, it takes multiple working parts to move a brigade element across country.

From May 29 through June 8, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, transported more than 3,900 Soldiers, and shipped approximately 700 pieces of equipment, to Fort Irwin, Calif., in preparation for a month-long field training exercise.

The initial week at Fort Irwin is solely for preparing the brigade to conduct combat operations and show they are battle ready.

The biggest thing for Soldiers is learning to coordinate higher than battalion, where they are used to working, said Capt. Steven Morse, brigade tactical battle captain, 2nd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div. "This is very much a brigade operation; it gives many of them a look at the big picture."

Once Soldiers hit the ground, they went right to work.

"We are building combat power," said Morse. "We are in the initial stages of (reception, staging, onward movement and integration), and we are trying to get ahead of the ball game as much as possible."

As Soldiers arrive, the main focus of the initial days is receiving equipment, installing simulated battlefield weapons, called the multiple integrated laser engagement system, and ensuring everything is working properly.

Along with shipping its own equipment, the brigade will also draw vehicles from Fort Irwin personnel.

"We have about two days to (inspect) the vehicles before we sign for them," said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Muller, Bradley fighting vehicle system repairer, Forward Support Company, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd ABCT.

Soldiers inspecting the equipment know it is important to check that everything is working properly.

"If (Soldiers) get bad equipment, or something is wrong with it, anything can happen out there in the box," said Muller. "The terrain is crazy, and making sure the vehicles are safe is key."

Brigade leadership wanted to replicate what Soldiers might go through during a movement to a combat theater of operations.

"This is a fairly accurate representation of what an actual deployment RSOI is like," said Morse.

Most importantly, leaders with little or no experience will have the chance to see how an operation of this magnitude works.

"We have a lot of young leaders, to include myself; a lot of guys who this is the first time doing their jobs," said Morse. "There is a lot of new staff coming in right now, so this is our dry run at the deployment."

Setting aside a week for integration also allows Soldier the proper time to adjust.

"Acclimatizing and familiarizing themselves with their equipment, and how the unit works, is important in preparing Soldiers for future operations," said Muller.

As Soldiers prepare for combat operations later this month, this week should build the team and assist in the success of the mission.

"I think any shared hardship brings a team together and this is definitely a shared hardship," said Morse. "This is a unique opportunity, as a brigade, to build combat power and fight together."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Staff Sgt. Matthew Bowsher, cannon crew member, Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, ground guides an M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle during rail load operations on Fort Carson, Colo., May 29, 2013. Soldiers of 2nd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., are preparing for a 30-day field training exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Spc. Joshua Loya, health care specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fills out a DD Form 1750, a packing list, in preparation for rail load operations, May 29, 2013. "Warhorse" Soldiers loaded more than 700 vehicles for movement to The National Training Center Fort Irwin, Calif. The brigade will be conducting a month-long field training exercise, with the end result of being able to deploy anywhere in the world and conduct combat operations.

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – Sgt. Jacob Dacyczyn, infantryman, Company B, 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, exits a bus after arriving to The National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., Jun 6, 2013. After arriving, Soldiers in-process through their respective unit and assigned sleep quarters.

FORT CARSON, COLO. – Motivation, dedication and desire were the fuels that fed the fire the cooks used to prepare an exceptional meal, during an evaluation for the Connelly Active Army Field Kitchen Competition on Fort Carson, Colo., June 4.

Fourteen cooks from Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, competed for the Connelly.

The cooks had three weeks to prepare for the competition. Usually, they have a few months to prepare for a competition. Even with the short amount of time, they volunteered to compete for the Connelly award.

"Mentally, we had to be prepared for this competition, because we had a short amount of time to get everything ready," said Sgt. Jarrell Fielder, food service noncommissioned officer, Company E, 2-4 GSAB.

The cooks worked many hard, long hours to set up the site for the Connelly.

"I get up at 2:30 a.m. to get ready for work," said Pfc. Maurice McMullen, food service specialist, Company E, 2-4 GSAB. "We start work at 4 a.m., and stop working as late as 9 p.m. On average, we worked 16 to 19 hours a day to prepare for this."

Although the days were long and fast paced, it helped to build their confidence in the future.

"We only had three weeks to prepare," said Pfc. Rosa Schick, food service specialist, Company E, 2-4 GSAB. "I am pretty impressed with what we have accomplished in that amount of time. We have done a good job."

The cooks found innovative ways to overcome the short amount of time and limited resources, to complete their mission and be able to compete.

"Our leadership figured out the budgeting, and acquired the equipment that we needed to compete," said McMullen. "They were determined to be contenders in this year's competition."

The first-time competitors enhanced their skills and knowledge throughout the course of the competition.

"The cooks get an extreme amount of training and knowledge," said Fielder. "This is McMullen and Schick's first time being trained on this equipment and competing on this level. I am very impressed with how well they are doing and how quick they soaked up the knowledge."

Winning the Connelly would earn great accolades for the 4th CAB cooks and an enormous sense of accomplishment.

"Since we are a new unit, this would show that we have come a long way in a short amount of time," said Schick. "It means a lot to me, because most of the points for the competition come from the field kitchen that McMullen and I worked on. This means I (would) have played a large role in winning this competition."

FORT CARSON, COLO. – Sgt. Jarrell Fielder, food service noncommissioned officer, Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, checks his paperwork to make sure everything is correct before he gets evaluated for the Connelly Active Army Field Kitchen Competition on Fort Carson, Colo., June 4, 2013.

FORT CARSON, COLO. – Spc. Jacob Johnson, petroleum supply specialist, Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, has Spc. Katherine Cheesman, petroleum laboratory specialist, Company A, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th CAB, sign the headcount sheet during the Connelly Active Army Field Kitchen Competition evaluation on Fort Carson, Colo., June 4, 2013.

FORT CARSON, COLO. – Pfc. Rosa Schick, right, and Pfc. Maurice McMullen, middle, both food service specialists, serve food to Spc. Holly Verostick, petroleum supply specialist, all from Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, during a Connelly Active Army Field Kitchen Competition evaluation on Fort Carson, Colo., June 4, 2013.

FORT CARSON, COLO. – Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall, senior enlisted leader, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, talks to the cooks of Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., during their Connelly Active Army Field Kitchen Competition evaluation on Fort Carson, Colo., June 4, 2013.

FORT CARSON, COLO. – Sgt. Elizabeth Moore, sanitation sergeant, Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, answers evaluation questions asked by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Princidio Texidor, FORSCOM Food Advisor, during a Connelly Active Army Field Kitchen Competition evaluation on Fort Carson, Colo., June 4, 2013.

FORT CARSON, Colo.—Cavalry Soldiers and their Families participated in back-to-back training events to foster team building, and to bring their Families to a better understanding of what cavalry scouts do on a daily basis.

Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in a three-day rigorous leader certification program, also known as a Spur Ride, May 21-23, while the Family event took place June 1.

Within the Cavalry world, earning the privilege to wear spurs is an important right of passage, and one of the highest honors a cavalry scout can earn, said Command Sgt. Maj. Edwin A, Rivera, senior enlisted advisor, 4-10 CAV, 3ABCT. Many consider it one of the crowning achievements of their military career.

"The Spur Ride is a mentally and physically demanding event, that challenges Soldiers to push themselves in a tactical environment," Lt. Col. Stephen C. Marr, commander, 4-10 Cav, 3ABCT, said. "Upon successfully completing the Spur Ride, our Soldier leaders have demonstrated to everyone that they have the skills, endurance, and fortitude to lead."

According to Rivera, developing leadership skills is just one of the reasons the unit conducts a spur ride at least annually. Both the Spur Ride and Family Spur ride, he said, help build teamwork and camaraderie, both within the organization, and the greater cavalry and Fort Carson communities.

"The whole concept is teamwork," Rivera said. "In the Army you do not do anything by yourself; it is always a whole team effort."

Both Marr and Rivera said the spur ride events offer a greater purpose than just testing Soldiers' leadership skills.

"Spurs symbolize all of the qualities of professional excellence that all cavalry troopers hold in common," Marr said. "Esprit de corps, tactical and technical expertise, common sense, judgment, and the ability to operate independently, with minimal guidance."

Lexie Coppinger, her husband Spc. Anthony Coppinger, cavalry scout, Troop C, 4-10 CAV, 3ABCT and their young daughter just arrived to Fort Carson, and the 3rd ABCT, right before Spur Ride events kicked off. New to the unit, the couple said they did not know anyone, and even though her husband had already earned his spurs and been inducted into the Order of the Spur, they jumped at the opportunity to be involved in the 'Spur Ride Week' activities.

"Both my husband and I think it is really nice to bring the entire team—Soldier and Family—together," Lexie Coppinger said. " We just moved here, and the spur ride allowed my husband to interact and get to know the guys he works with better."

Lexie Coppinger also said her husband was not the only one to benefit.

"For me, the Family spur ride event gave me the incredible opportunity to meet other Families within the unit and start building a bond with them," Lexie Coppinger said. "Just knowing others within the unit, and being given the opportunity to build new friendships, can help build morale, not just for the Soldiers, but the Families too."

FORT CARSON, Colo.- Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participating in a three-day rigorous leader certification program, also known as a Spur Ride, test their skills on the firing range May 21, 2013. Soldiers who complete the Spur Ride earn the silver spurs.

FORT CARSON, Colo.-- The 4th Infantry Division Mounted Color Guard escorts Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to the finish line of the final event of a Spur Ride, May 23, 2013. The Soldiers were participating in the three-day leader certification course to earn their silver spurs.

FORT CARSON, Colo.— The 4th Infantry Division Mounted Color Guard escorts Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to the finish line of the final event of a Spur Ride May 23, 2013. The Soldiers participated in the three-day rigorous leader certification program for the opportunity to earn their silver spurs and be inducted into the Order of the Spur.

FORT CARSON, Colo.-Family members of Soldiers in the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participate in a Family Spur Ride event hosted by 4-10 CAV June 1, 2013. The event mimicked the same type of events the 4-10 CAV Soldiers participated in May 21-23, during their own Spur Ride.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, vied against one another to establish the best hand-to-hand fighters in the battalion, during a Modern Army Combatives Program tournament at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 31-June 1.

"Straight Arrows," in weight classes ranging from light to heavyweight, took down opponents, grappled, and strove to achieve dominant positions, to earn points or forced submissions to win each bout.

Competitors embodied the "I will never quit" tenant of the Warrior Ethos throughout the tournament, said the event's coordinator, 1st Lt. Paul Wagner, communications officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Bn., 42nd FA Reg.

"Even in dire situations, many of them held out, testing their physical and mental resiliency, to fight on until the end of the mission," Wagner said. "They have stepped up to test themselves in an arena of competition that most of them had little or no experience in. I feel the Soldiers have a better understanding of what they are capable of."

Wagner said the competition also brought the battalion closer as a whole.

"The camaraderie displayed during the fights was exceptional," Wagner said. "After a tough match, you would see the Soldiers come together to talk about the experience, give each other praise, and end up coaching each other in later rounds."

In the months leading up to the competition, 47 "Straight Arrow" troops completed the 40-hour MACP level one course, a training regimen designed to develop realistic fighting skills, incorporating ground fighting, stand-up fighting, and take-downs into a Soldier's tactical repertoire.

Pfc. Allen Rodriguez, cannon crewmember, Battery B, said he enjoyed the opportunity to demonstrate his new skills to the rest of his unit.

"Learning combatives and fighting in this tournament has made me more confident, and demonstrated to my leaders that I'm a dedicated Soldier," Rodriguez said. "I hope I can compete in more tournaments as the deployment continues."

While Rodriguez said he considers his ability to wiggle out of a tight spot his greatest strength as a fighter, Sgt. Jacob Newell said his strongest asset is his mind.

Defeating an opponent hand-to-hand has as much to do with strategy and mental agility as it does with strength and speed, said Newell, cannon crewmember, Battery A, who won the cruiserweight class tournament.

"Physically it all comes down to heart, but one of my biggest challenges is to slow down and think," Newell said. "It's like a game of chess; mentally you have to be three or four moves ahead of your opponent."

Newell said he prepared for the competition by training with larger and more experienced fighters.

"My training partners could wipe the floor with me, but they were always willing to help me learn new moves or how to read and counter my opponents," he said. "It all comes down to training."

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Pfc. Leon Spencer, top, cannon crewmember, Battery B, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and 1st Lt. Christopher Cheng, chemical officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Bn., 42nd FA Reg., vie for a dominate position during the "Straight Arrow" Modern Army Combatives Program tournament at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 1, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Spc. Jason Riley, top, artillery mechanic, Battery G, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Pfc. Jesse Crockett, field artillery tactical data systems specialist, Battery A, 4th Bn., 42nd FA Reg., vie for a dominate position during the "Straight Arrow" Modern Army Combatives Program tournament at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 1, 2013.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Sgt. Matthew Hahn, bottom, cannon crewmember, Battery A, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, flips Pfc. Hunter Medcalf, cannon crewmember, Battery B, 4th Bn., 42nd FA Reg., over his body to gain a dominate position during the "Straight Arrow" Modern Army Combatives Program tournament at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 1, 2013.