1. Vol. 71, No. 6 Feb. 15, 2013
Medal of Honor
Former division
Soldier receives
highest combat
medal for valor By C. Todd Lopez
Army News Service
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama
placed the Medal of Honor around the neck of former
Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha during a ceremony
Monday in the East Room of the White House.
Romesha is the fourth living servicemember to
receive the medal for service in Operation Iraqi
Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. He earned
the Medal of Honor for actions Oct. 3, 2009, while
part of Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh
District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.
On that morning, COP Keating, manned by only 53 Photo by Leroy Council
Soldiers and situated at the bottom of a steep valley, The president said that upon learning he would President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Honor to
came under attack by as many as 300 Taliban fighters. receive the Medal of Honor, Romesha displayed the former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha during a
During the fight, the perimeter of COP Keating brand of humbleness typical of many Soldiers. ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Monday.
was breached by the enemy. Romesha, who was injured “When I called Clint to tell him that he would Romesha received the Medal of Honor for his courageous
in the battle, led the fight to protect the bodies of fallen receive this medal, he said he was honored, but he actions during a daylong firefight at Combat Outpost
Soldiers, provide cover to those Soldiers seeking also said, ‘it wasn’t just me out there, it was a team Keating, Afghanistan, in October 2009 while assigned to
medical assistance, and reclaim the American outpost effort,’” Obama said. “And, so today, we also honor Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th
that would later be deemed “tactically indefensible.” this American team, including those who made the Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
“Throughout history, the question has often been ultimate sacrifice.”
asked, why? Why do those in uniform take such Included among those who died in the fighting that
extraordinary risks? And what compels them to such day in Afghanistan were Staff Sgt. Justin Gallegos, Sgt. earned 37 Army Commendation Medals, 27 Purple
courage?” the president said. “You ask Clint and any Christopher Griffin, Sgt. Joshua Hardt, Sgt. Joshua Hearts, 18 Bronze Stars and nine Silver Stars.
of these Soldiers who are here today, and they’ll tell Kirk, Spc. Stephan Mace, Staff Sgt. Vernon Martin, “These men were outnumbered, outgunned and
you. Yes, they fight for their country, and they fight Sgt. Michael Scusa and Pfc. Kevin Thomson. almost overrun,” Obama said. “Looking back, one
for our freedom. Yes, they fight to come home to their “Each of these patriots gave their lives looking out of them said, ‘I’m surprised any of us made it out.’
Families. But most of all, they fight for each other, to for each other,” Obama said. “In a battle that raged all But they are here today. And I would ask these
keep each other safe and to have each other’s backs.” day, that brand of selflessness was displayed again Soldiers, this band of brothers, to stand and accept
The White House ceremony was attended by and again and again, Soldiers exposing themselves to the gratitude of our entire nation.
several hundred, including lawmakers, defense leaders, enemy fire to pull a comrade to safety, tending to each “God bless you, Clint Romesha, and all of your
Romesha’s Family, and his team members from Bravo other’s wounds, (and) performing ‘buddy transfusions,’ team,” the president said. “God bless all who serve.
Troop, 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg. Also there was giving each other their own blood.” And God bless the United States of America.”
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, Chief of Staff The president said on that day, it wasn’t just The president then asked that the Medal of Honor
of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno and Sgt. Maj. of the Romesha who earned recognition for his actions, it Citation be read, and following that, he placed the
Army Raymond F. Chandler III. was dozens of Soldiers. From that battle, Soldiers medal around Romesha’s neck.
Message board INSIDE
Off limits
Copperhead Road,
3330 N. Academy Blvd.,
was added to the off-limits
areas for all uniformed
personnel effective Feb. 7.
See complete list at
http://www.carson.army.mil. Page 30
Pages 10-11 Pages 22-23
2. 2 MOUNTAINEER — Feb. 15, 2013
MOUNTAINEER
Commanding General:
Garrison Commander:
Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson
With each milestone, a step toward equality
By Andrea Sutherland they do to protect this nation.”
Col. David L. Grosso Mountaineer staff For me, this is an understatement.
Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer:
These partners of Soldiers have endured the field
For the Mountaineer, I’m expected to be an objective trainings, the moves and the deployments. They’ve
Dee McNutt
expert on many facets of Army life. I report on Soldier experienced the loneliness and the heartache of
Chief, Print and Web Communications: trainings, Army policy and activities taking place around being separated from their Soldiers as duties call.
Rick Emert post. However, every so often an opportunity arises for They’ve dealt with the agony and fear when the lines of
Editor: Devin Fisher
reporters to voice their opinion on a subject, often one communication go silent while their Soldier serves
that is controversial. in a combat zone.
Staff writer: Andrea Sutherland
As a journalist, I feel that to ignore the They’ve laughed, loved, fought and
Happenings: Nel Lampe opportunity to comment on these occasions
would be detrimental to my position on this
With the repeal cried with their Soldiers.
They’ve stood by their Soldiers, just
Sports writer: Walt Johnson
Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall
staff. As the wife of a Soldier, I feel that I
am in a unique position to lend my opinion
of ‘Don’t Ask, as hundreds of other spouses have
supported theirs, yet they’ve done so
This commercial enterprise newspaper is
and let the readers of this publication
judge as they will. Don’t Tell,’ (gays without the support of many Army benefits
heterosexual couples enjoy, such as
an authorized publication for members of the
In a historic announcement, Monday, commissary and Exchange privileges,
Department of Defense. Contents of the
Mountaineer are not necessarily the official Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and lesbians) access to child care and youth programs,
view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or extended almost two dozen benefits to legal assistance and Directorate of
the Department of the Army. Printed circulation
is 12,000 copies.
same-sex couples. are no longer Family and Morale, Welfare and
I call this announcement “historic” Recreation programs.
The editorial content of the
Mountaineer is the responsibility of the Public
because I am shocked and elated that faceless, Panetta’s declaration changes that.
Affairs Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, this proclamation and step toward equal Once benefits laid out in Panetta’s
Tel.: 526-4144. The e-mail address is
fcmountaineer@hotmail.com.
rights is taking place at a time when I
can appreciate its magnitude.
emotionless statement are implemented throughout
the next eight months, partners will also
The Mountaineer is posted on the
Internet at http://csmng.com.
For the second time since I began
writing for the Mountaineer, gays and
beings serving receive survivor benefits and have access
to counseling services.
The Mountaineer is an unofficial
publication authorized by AR 360-1. The
Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs
lesbians serving in the military have been
recognized as a population. With the repeal in the ranks. Even with these new benefits, however,
same-sex couples will not receive other
Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” they are able benefits given to heterosexual couples. The
no way connected with the Department of the
to assert their lifestyle without fear of Defense of Marriage Act — a law signed
Army, under exclusive written contract with
Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year.
repercussions. They are no longer faceless, emotionless in 1996 by then-President William Clinton — prohibits the
The appearance of advertising in this beings serving in the ranks. Department of Defense from extending benefits such as
publication, including inserts or supplements, Monday’s announcement acknowledged the men and medical and dental, as well as with-dependent rate Basic
does not constitute endorsement by the women supporting them and recognized them as valued Allowance for Housing.
Department of the Army or Colorado Springs
members of the military community. This is a new era for civil rights. There are still steps
Military Newspaper Group, of the products or
services advertised. The printer reserves the
In a statement, Panetta said, “Extending these benefits to take toward equality, but I am proud and happy to
right to reject advertisements. is an appropriate next step under current law to ensure be part of a military that is actively seeking that goal.
Everything advertised in this publication that all servicemembers receive equal support for what See related story on Page 3.
shall be made available for purchase, use or
patronage without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical
handicap, political affiliation or any other
nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
If a violation or rejection of this equal
opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed,
the printer shall refuse to print advertising
from that source until the violation is corrected.
For display advertising call 634-5905.
All correspondence or queries regarding
advertising and subscriptions should be directed
to Colorado Springs Military Newspaper
Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903, phone 634-5905.
The Mountaineer’s editorial content is
edited, prepared and provided by the Public
Affairs Office, building 1430, room 265, Fort
Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone 526-4144.
Releases from outside sources are so
indicated. The deadline for submissions to the
Mountaineer is close of business the week
before the next issue is published. The
Mountaineer staff reserves the right to edit
submissions for newspaper style, clarity and
typographical errors.
Policies and statements reflected in the
news and editorial columns represent views
of the individual writers and under no
circumstances are to be considered those of
the Department of the Army.
Reproduction of editorial material is
authorized. Please credit accordingly.
Classified advertising
329-5236
Display advertising
634-5905
Mountaineer editor
526-4144
Post information
526-5811
Post weather hotline
526-0096
3. Feb. 15, 2013 — MOUNTAINEER 3
Memo extends benefits to same-sex partners
American Forces Press Service
Calling it “a matter of fundamental equity,”
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta signed a
“Extending these benefits is an
memorandum to the service secretaries and
the Pentagon’s top personnel official extending bene-
appropriate next step under current
fits to same-sex partners of servicemembers, Monday.
Here is the secretary’s announcement of the law to ensure that all servicemembers
policy change:
“Seventeen months ago, the United States receive equal support for what they
military ended the policy of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell.’ We have implemented the repeal of that
policy and made clear that discrimination based on
do to protect this nation.”
— Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta
sexual orientation has no place in the Department
of Defense.
“At the time of repeal, I committed to reviewing
benefits that had not previously been available to current law to ensure that all servicemembers will continue to comply with current law while
same-sex partners based on existing law and policy. It receive equal support for what they do to protect doing all we can to take care of all Soldiers,
is a matter of fundamental equity that we provide this nation. Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their Families.
similar benefits to all of those men and women in “One of the legal limitations to providing all “While the implementation of additional
uniform who serve their country. The department benefits at this time is the Defense of Marriage benefits will require substantial policy revisions
already provides a group of benefits that are Act, which is still the law of the land. There are and training, it is my expectation that these
member-designated. Today, I am pleased to certain benefits that can only be provided to spouses benefits will be made available as expeditiously
announce that after a thorough and deliberate as defined by that law, which is now being as possible. One of the great successes at the
review, the department will extend additional reviewed by the United States Supreme Court. Department of Defense has been the implementation
benefits to same-sex partners of servicemembers. While it will not change during my tenure as of DADT repeal. It has been highly professional
“Taking care of our servicemembers and secretary of defense, I foresee a time when the law and has strengthened our military community. I
honoring the sacrifices of all military Families are will allow the department to grant full benefits to am confident in the military services’ ability to
two core values of this nation. Extending these servicemembers and their dependents, irrespective effectively implement these changes over the
benefits is an appropriate next step under of sexual orientation. Until then, the department coming months.”
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4. 4 MOUNTAINEER — Feb. 15, 2013
Engineers complete missions
Story and photo by Cpl. William Smith improvements at base facilities. Overall, the
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office 544th Eng. Soldiers performed nearly
107,000 man-hours of construction during
Yells and cheers filled the air at the their deployment.
Special Events Center, as Family and friends Friends and Family could not wait to
watched the arrival of more than 260 Soldiers, reunite with their Soldiers once the ceremony
Feb. 8, after returning from a deployment to concluded.
Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of “I am very excited,” said Sandy Milton,
Operation Enduring Freedom. wife of Sgt. Ronnie Milton, 497th Eng. “I have
Soldiers with the 497th and 544th engineer barely been able to sleep from the anticipation
companies, 52nd Engineer Battalion, deployed of him coming home. I have butterflies.”
in May and spent the past 10 months completing The Soldiers were also glad to be back on
construction projects in Kuwait, Afghanistan, American soil with those closest to them.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. “I am absolutely thrilled to be home,” said
“On behalf of all of us from Fort Carson Capt. Tyler Scheidt, commander, 544th Eng.
and Colorado Springs, welcome home and “A lot has changed in the time I was gone.”
thanks for a job well done,” said Maj. Gen. After singing the Army Song, the Soldiers
Joseph Anderson, commanding general, 4th were released and rushed to their loved ones
Infantry Division and Fort Carson. “We’re very with smiles, tears of joy and open arms.
proud of all of your accomplishments, as
you should be. To all of our Families out
here, thank you for your love and support.
Without that, these Soldiers could not do
Mayor welcomes Soldiers
By Steve Bach
their job. Have a great and safe reunion Mayor, city of Colorado Springs
with your loved ones.”
The 497th Eng. “Devastators,” com- Welcome home, Soldiers of the 52nd
pleted more than 40 construction projects Engineer Battalion
in Kuwait and Afghanistan, resulting in All of us in Colorado Springs are grateful
the construction of new fuel facility for your safe return to our city. Though you
berms, waste water retention ponds and may have your “home” someplace else, you are
connex storage yards at Camp Buehring, welcomed home, here to a city that respects
Camp John Pratt and Camp Marmal. your bravery and hard work while in Kuwait
The “Spartans” of the 544th Eng. and Afghanistan.
completed large-scale engineering projects Your many accomplishments in engineering
in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar and the construction and infrastructure projects honors
United Arab Emirates. Although their main your battalion’s long heritage. Congratulations
construction efforts remained in Kuwait, on your recommendation for a Meritorious Spc. Joel Stuemke, 497th Engineer Company, 52nd Engineer Battalion,
the unit sent platoon-sized detachments Unit Citation. You have done excellent work. holds his son, Luke Marshall Stuemke, for the first time, after returning
forward to other countries to provide Stay safe and welcome home. from a 10-month deployment to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of
infrastructure and Soldier quality-of-life Operation Enduring Freedom.
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