2. The Warrior
COMMANDER SPEAKS
Mountain Warrior Soldiers and
Families,
As we move into one of the busiest
times of the year for the brigade, we
also find ourselves in the midst of a
difficult time for our nation. I want to
assure our Soldiers and Families that
we as a team will do whatever we can
to mitigate the impacts of the government shutdown on our formation. As
of now our deployment training and
rotation to the National Training Center will continue as planned. We owe it
to our Soldiers and our nation to ensure that we are
trained, proficient and prepared to execute all facets
of our mission.
While these events are inspiring, we are seeing a couple of
trends that leaders must address
to bring us back to standard. Texting while driving, speeding and
reckless driving are our major
offenses. These are senseless
errors in judgment and discipline and we must correct them.
Commanders, talk to your junior
leaders. Leaders, talk to our Soldiers. Families, talk to your young
drivers. If we lack the discipline
to adhere to local traffic laws then we will feel the
effects both at NTC and especially downrange.
The risks are too great to ignore.
I want to thank each of you who took time out of
your schedules to participate in one of our many
Ironhorse Strong events over the past month.
Whether it was the FRG Squared Away, Strong
Bonds or the brigade organizational day, your attendance was greatly appreciated. Gen. Ray Odierno
often says, “the strength of our nation is our Soldiers, the strength of our Soldiers is our Familes.”
There is no way we, as service members, could
ever achieve the results we do without you. During our time at NTC we will have a full complement
of support staff to assist you while your Soldier is
away in training.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago our character
and our competence go hand-in-hand. Part of
being 360 degree Soldiers entails that we do the
right thing under all conditions. As always it is an
honor to serve alongside you, thank you for your
service. “Strength and Respect”!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
- Ironhorse Strong
- Wee-EIB
- Fire Under Pressure
- Destroyers Test Skills
Check Out Our New
Mountain Warrior Report
“Led By Love of Country, Steadfast and Loyal!”
Col. Brian L Pearl,
Commander, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division
The Warrior
CHAPLAIN SPEAKS
Valuing the Time
Upon return from our current rotation through
NTC at Fort Irwin, we will be only four months
away from heading to Afghanistan for a ninemonth deployment. Those two things might be
looming heavy on some of our minds.
For some, it means another birthday or anniversary missed in a string of many. Another year
apart from the ones we love.
“Why does it always have to be my Soldier that
deploys?” Some Spouses might ask.
For others, it is the chance to deploy perhaps
on the last combat deployment our Army may do
for a while, and that fills them with pride. Pride
that they are part of a storied and highly decorated Brigade that has given everything for this
country. Pride that when our country asks them to
go, they answer the call, no questions asked.
I wonder, though, have we taken a moment to
think about the time coming up between NTC and
the deployment? The Bible challenges us to take
every moment and make it valuable; to have an
eternal perspective. In the Book of Ephesians,
the Apostle Paul writes, “Make the most of every chance you get. These are frenzied times!
Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you
understand what the Master wants.” (Ephesians
5:16-17, MSG)
When you are home, treasure the time you have
with your family. Show them it is an honor to be in
their presence. Love unconditionally, forgive willingly, and be angry sparingly.
After my last deployment, I was putting my
younger two daughters to bed. After telling them
a story, and praying with them, I gave them each
a kiss goodnight, rejoicing at being able to tell
them I would see them in the morning. As I turned
out the light and got ready to leave, my daughter
Hannah stopped me in the doorway.
“Daddy,” she asked, “Are you a hero?”
I turned to face her. “No, baby. I’m just a chaplain,” I smiled in reply with tears welling up in my
eyes. “But God allowed me to minister to a whole
battalion of heroes.”
You all are our heroes. May the time you spend
now reap a harvest of blessing when you return,
and may that time always be focused on Eternity.
Frenzied times indeed! Instead of fretting over
the future, cherish every minute you have between NTC and our deployment. When you are
at work, work as if you are working for the King
of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Colossians 3:23)
Chap. (Maj.) Donald
Williamson
4th IBCT, 4ID
On the Cover:
Spc. Frank Thibodeaux and Spc. Christopher Bourque
of 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th IBCT,
4th Inf. Div. fire 120mm mortars at training targets on
Fort Carson, Sept. 10 2013.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nelson Robles 4th IBCT
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4th Infantry brigade combat team
ISSUE 7 | October 11, 2013
3
3. 4th IBCT MOUNTAIN WARRIORS
The Warrior
4
The Warrior
Mountain Warrioirs Build Iron Horse Strong Families
Story and photos by Sgt. Nelson Robles
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers and their families
are attending classes and events aimed at building Iron
Horse Strong bonds not only with each other, but also
within their units.
SQUARED AWAY
The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division’s “Squared Away” program focused on deployment preparation for families covering various topics from important paperwork and record keeping, to
resources available while their Soldiers are deployed.
“I got a lot of information that I needed to know as far
as who to get in contact with if something does go wrong
or if I need help or assistance with anything (while my
Soldier is deployed),” said Daniel Merryman, a Mountain
Warrior spouse. “For those who didn’t attend the training
I feel they should try to in January because there is a lot
of information that is useful especially for the first timers
to deployment like myself who have never been through
this before.”
This four-session program was held over September
and saw speakers from many organizations including
Army Community Services, 4th IBCT’s legal team and
the Battalion Family Readiness Support Assistants.
“We had 95 Soldiers and family members complete
the four day training program and we will be offering
another Squared Away session after the holidays,” said
Leah Fuller, Family Readiness Support Assistant, 4IBCT.
“We loved meeting new families and sharing good food
and information to help them prepare for the everyday
challenges of military life.”
4th Infantry brigade combat team
STRONG BONDS
The Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs
was the setting for the recent “Strong Bonds” couple’s
retreat. Focused on strengthening the communication
skills of Mountain Warrior couples, this event featured
classes and a team building rope course.
“It’s a nice setting, it’s a nice opportunity for the couples
to get away for a day, to just enjoy each other’s company
and hopefully learn some tools they can use within the
relationship to keep them on solid ground and help them
express their love to each other,” said Captain Lamont
Risner, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th
IBCT, 4th Inf. Div. Chaplain. “During this session we’ll
be going over the speaker listener technique, danger
signs of communication, expectations in marriage and
how personality and communication plays a role in that.”
Beyond the Strong Bonds retreats, there are many other
resources for couple’s in 4th IBCT and help is always
available.
“All the battalions in the brigade have chaplains that are
very effective at their jobs, that are able to be a resource
for a couple to tune up and listen to each other a little
better,” said Captain Jeremie Vore, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th IBCT, 4th Inf. Div. Chaplain. “If the
level of care that is required is a little beyond that, there
are a myriad of resources on post that we send people to;
the Military and Family Life Consultant for the Brigade is
a very good counselor and works a lot with couples and
Army Community Services provides many services such
as retreats and classes.”
ISSUE 7 | October 11, 2013
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4. 4th IBCT MOUNTAIN WARRIORS
The Warrior
6
The Warrior
4th IBCT ORGANIZATION DAY
The 4th IBCT Organization Day was held outside of
Brigade and Battalion Headquarters in the Wilderness
Complex. This event featured food and entertainment for
all Mountain Warriors and their families.
“Our intent for organization day was to provide the
families at the brigade level an opportunity for camaraderie, to come in and just have a great time and a great
meal, enjoy a day here at the 4th Brigade headquarters
with events for Soldiers, for families and for kids and
that’s what we executed,” said Lt. Col. Jim Pangelinan, the
events organizer. “A major part of (bringing) the event
(together) was the donations that we got from some really incredible and patriotic groups, small businesses in
the local area and non-profit organizations.”
There were sports competitions, bounce houses, a
dunk tank and even a mechanical bull. A free lunch was
was provided for all by the All American Beef Battalion
which served over 3500 grilled steaks. The 4th Inf. Div.
Rock Band entertained the masses with a three hour set.
“It’s important to have these kinds of events because the
Army is about Soldiers and that includes their families,”
said Col. Brian Pearl, 4IBCT commander. “It’s a special
day (when) we can get everybody together in one place
mentally, physically, spiritually (to) come together and
have a great day of bonding.”
4th Infantry brigade combat team
ISSUE 7 | October 11, 2013
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5. 1st BATTALION, 12TH INFANTRY Regiment
The Warrior
The Warrior
Wee EIB
1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment hosted it’s
first unit-wide Ironhorse Strong event, Sept. 20,
Fort Carson. The Red Warrior’s first “Wee-EIB”
event was an opportunity for Families to see what
their Soldiers do on a daily basis while kids bot
to compete against other children in simulated
Expert Infantry Badge chalenges.
There were a variety of events ranging from obstical courses and medical sled pulling, to a night
vision item hunt. There were also static displays
where children could interact with vehicles and
weapons.
Over 400 Soldiers and Family members took
part in the festivities and the winners from different age groups were presented with EIB badges of
their own.
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4th Infantry brigade combat team
ISSUE 7 | October 11, 2013
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6. 2nd BATTALION, 12TH INFANTRY Regiment
The Warrior
The Warrior
Fire Under Pressure
Story and photos by Sgt. Nelson Robles
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
ABOVE - Pfc. Derek Williams, a Soldier with 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division fireman carries
his battle buddy during a stress fire range on Fort Carson, Sept. 18, 2013. Soldiers
first carried the injured to cover, sprinted to the firing line and engaged targets.
FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers honed their close quarter marksmanship skills with elevated heart rates and
their adrenaline pumping during a stress shoot range,
Sept. 18, 2013.
As 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers
firemen-carry their battle buddy towards the close quarters range firing line, you realize something is different
about this training exercise.
The stress range is designed to not only sharpen their
marksmanship skills, but also to do so under pressure.
“Our intent today is to take our Soldiers’ marksmen
skills from the basic rifle marksmanship to the next level,
what were trying to do is introduce some of the factors
that they’re going to face in a fire fight, wherever that
may be,” said 1st Lt. Luke Grotelueschen, range officer
in charge for 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg. “We’re introducing
stress, introducing an elevated heart rate, were making
them acquire and engage targets while their shaking,
they’ve just been running, sprinting, carrying buddies,
and evacuating casualties.”
Compared to a standard range where the Soldier is
stationary with sandbags firing at pop-up targets, this
increase in heart rate challenges the Soldier’s ability to
fire accurately and respond to direction under these
conditions.
“When your in combat, your not in regular kit (calmly)
shooting targets, your getting shot at, your under pressure, your heart rate is pumping, your adrenaline is rushing, its a lot more hectic,” said Spc. Steven Clarke of 2nd
Bn., 12th Inf. Reg. “It’s (this range) not only fun but it’s
the best training you can get stateside, I think.”
With the completion of this range, the 4th IBCT, 4th
Inf. Div. Mountain Warriors will continue to further
develop their proficiencies both lethal and non-lethal
leading into a rotation at the National Training Center in
Fort Erwin, CA.
TOP RIGHT - Spc. Steven Clarke, a Soldier with 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division fires from
the prone position during a stress fire range on Fort Carson, Sept. 18, 2013. This
close quarter marksmanship range forced Soldiers to fire with elevated heartbeats and adrenaline.
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BOTTOM RIGHT - Pfc. Derek Williams, a Soldier with 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division receives
firing orders from his range safety during a stress fire range on Fort Carson, Sept.
18, 2013. Ranges like these help Soldiers improve their combat readiness under
stress.
4th Infantry brigade combat team
ISSUE 7 | October 11, 2013
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7. 3RD SQUADRON, 61ST CAVALRY Regiment
The Warrior
The Warrior
Destroyers Test Skills in Field
Mortarmen with 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division conducted a 120mm mortar
live fire range on Fort Carson, Sept. 10 2013.
This 120mm mortar system is transported on a
trailer that has a built in lift system, this speeds
up placement and displacement times to below 60
seconds.
This system can also be digitally aimed with coordinates sent from Soldiers in combat to ensure
accuracy. Spotters are still used when possible to
ensure rounds hit their intended targets.
TOP RIGHT - Pfc. Ryan Hazlett, an ammo bearer with 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division cleans
out a morat tube on Fort Carson, Sept. 10 2013. This mortar system digitally
adjusts its angle of fire when provided grid coordinates.
BOTTOM RIGHT - Pfc. Nick Murdaugh, an ammo bearer with 3rd Squadron,
61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division prepares 120mm mortars for firing on Fort Carson, Sept. 10 2013. This
mortar system can digitally aim with coordinates sent from Soldiers in combat to
ensure accuracy.
TOP LEFT - Staff Sgt. Matthew Warren of 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment,
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division calls in adjustment
coordinates to a mortar team on Fort Carson, Sept. 10 2013. This observation
post helped ensure the rounds fired hit their intended target.
BOTTOM LEFT -Pfc. Nick Murdaugh and Pfc. James Tracy of 3rd Squadron, 61st
Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division fire
120mm mortars at training targets on Fort Carson, Sept. 10 2013. This mortar
system can be set up in less then 60 seconds with its provided trailer lift.
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4th Infantry brigade combat team
(Story and photos by Sgt. Nelson Robles, 4th IBCT PAO)
ISSUE 7 | October 11, 2013
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9. The Warrior
FORT CARSON
RESOURCES
MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
EO
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Lonnie Nulph
BBHQ, 1st Floor, next to chaplain’s office
(719) 244-5831
SFC Michael Deliberti
(912) 492-8237
michael.a.deliberti.mil@mail.mil
(877) 272-7337
VICTIM ADVOCACY EMERGENCY HOTLINE
(719) 243-7907
SHARP
SSG Dina Moreno
(210) 849-8171
RETENTION
SSG Casey Panique
(719) 503-5053
MILITARY ONE SOURCE
www.militaryonesource.com
(800) 342-9647
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
BLDG 1830 on Specker Ave.
(719) 526-7155/7661
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BLDG 1526, 6303 Wetzel Ave.
community.carson.army.mil
(719) 526-4590
CHILD YOUTH SERVICES
(719) 526-1101
MILITARY POLICE NON EMERGENCY
(719) 526-6199
MILITARY POLICE
(719) 526-2333
FORT CARSON WEBSITE
www.carson.army.mil
FACEBOOK
4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
4th Infantry brigade combat team