Published in the interest of the Fort Carson Community. Visit the
Fort Carson website at http://www.carson.army.mil.
Vol. 79, No. 39Oct. 1, 2021
Art in the Park is Saturday at
Iron Horse Park from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m.
Photo by Capt. Tobias Cukale
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, maneuver an M2A3
Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle into position before beginning a
platoon live-fire exercise lane Sept. 10 on a range at Fort Carson.
Unlike dismounted infantry platoon live fires, mechanized infantry
platoons must also plan for the employment of their Bradley
vehicles to be effective on the battlefield. See more on Page
5.
DPW prepares for cooling to heating By Susan C. Galentine
Directorate of Public Works sustainability specialist
The Directorate of Public Works (DPW) operations and maintenance
contractor, T&H Services, begins the seasonal transition from
cooling to heating in early October.
Although the process to turn off cooling to buildings begins in
early October, activating heating systems is based on seasonal
temperatures or as directed by the garrison commander to conserve
energy and reduce installation utility costs.
The following is a tentative schedule, subject to change as weather
dictates, for shutting down and isolating cooling systems. During
this period, buildings’ heating systems will go through a check and
be prepared for heating season.
• Early October: All child care facilities, Soldier barracks,
community service facilities (chapels, legal, etc.), operational
dining facilities and post and division headquarters
buildings.
• Mid October: All remaining buildings, facilities and industrial
areas.
During heating season, the temperature for comfort heating is set
in accordance with command policy. The policy requires temperature
set points for barracks and offices to be set at 70 degrees to keep
the space temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees during occupied
hours. Due to special requirements, medical facilities will keep
the temperature in their facilities at 72 degrees and child
care/youth facilities no warmer than 74 degrees.
Maintenance shops, bays, supply areas, warehouses, gymnasiums and
hangars should be set at 60 degrees.
During periods where facilities are
unoccupied, the building temperatures should be set back to 55
degrees and monitored during cold periods to prevent damage from
pipes freezing.
If heating is needed higher than the policy temperature ranges, an
exception must be requested through the DPW.
For more information about the cooling to heating season
transition, call DPW at 719-526-9241 or email
[email protected].
Building occupants can call in service orders for maintenance and
repair, including heating issues, to the contractor at
719-526-5345. Service orders can be called in 24/7.
Display / Classified advertising 634-5905
Garrison Commander: Col. Nate Springer
Garrison Public Affairs Officer: Dee McNutt
Chief, Print and Web Communications: Rick Emert
Editor: Aleah M. Castrejon
Staff writer: Scott Prater
Sports writer: Walt Johnson
Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall
This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication
for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the
Mountaineer are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. Printed
circulation is 8,000 copies.
The editorial content of the Mountaineer is the respon sibility of
the Public Affairs Office, Fort Carson, Colo., Tel.: 526-4144. The
e-mail address is
[email protected].
The Mountaineer is posted online at
http://www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com.
The Mountaineer is an unofficial publication authorized by AR
360-1. The Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs Military
Newspaper Group, a private firm in no way connected with the
Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort
Carson. It is published 49 times per year.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including
inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the
Department of the Army or Colorado Springs Military Newspaper
Group, of the products or services advertised. The publisher
reserves the right to reject advertisements.
Everything advertised in this publication 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, 235 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903,
phone 634-5905.
The Mountaineer’s editorial content is edited, prepared and
provided by the Public Affairs Office, building 1220, room 221,
Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone 526-4144.
Releases from outside sources are so indicated. The deadline for
submissions to the Mountaineer is close of business Friday the week
before the next issue is published. The Mountaineer staff reserves
the right to edit submissions for newspaper style, clarity and
typographical errors.
Policies and statements reflected in the news and editorial columns
represent views of the individual writers and under no
circumstances are to be considered those of the Department of the
Army.
Reproduction of editorial material is authorized. Please credit
accordingly.
2 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
CommentaryCommentary
Military 5 Soldiers maintain deployment
readiness 6 Suicide prevention: Families
urge others to seek help 8 Blazing a new trail 9 Soldiers engage
with community 10 Military briefs
Community 11 Quality child care: Carson FCC
provider goes extra mile 12 Pool season closes with Dog Splash 14
Cheyenne Shadows pro named
Colorado PGA patriot 15 Shred it! 16 The Journey (Chapel
series):
‘Living on a Prayer’ 17 Community briefs
In addition 20 Classified
12
5
11
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division
QUANTICO, Va. — Special Agent Gregory D. Ford assumed
responsibility as director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation
Division (CID), during a transfer of authority ceremony Sept. 17 at
the Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia.
Ford is the first civilian special agent assigned as the director
for the organization since it was established as a major command on
Sept. 17, 1971. Ford assumed authority from Brig. Gen. Duane
Miller, who served in the position since August.
Miller will remain as the provost marshal general of the Army and
the commander of the Army Corrections Command.
“It is my great privilege to lead the organization through this
time of unprecedented change,” Ford said. “CID has a long proud
history of service to the Army and the nation. The transformation
occurring now is not meant to erase or minimize that history, but
rather to build upon it to ensure CID is ever ready to provide
superior criminal investigative support to the total force across
all domains and in all locations around the globe in order to
maintain the readiness of the United States Army.”
As Ford becomes director, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation
Command is being renamed the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation
Division. A name first associated with the
organization in 1918, when Gen. John Pershing directed the provost
marshal general of his American Expeditionary Forces to organize a
criminal investigation division within the Military Police Corps
for the purpose of detecting and preventing crimes within the
territory occupied by the American Expeditionary Forces.
Previously announced by the Army in May, the CID restructure
follows recommendations from the Fort Hood
Courtesy photo
Christopher Lowman, left, administers the Oath of Office to Special
Agent Gregory Ford, swearing him in as the first civilian director
of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division at the Pentagon,
Sept. 17 in Arlington, Virginia.
See CID on Page 4
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October is Army Energy Action Month
Small efforts can conserve energy, save money By Susan C. Galentine
Directorate of Public Works sustainability specialist
October is Army Energy Action Month, which ties in to National
Energy Awareness Month observed across the country. The Army’s 2021
Energy Action Month theme is “Power to Win.”
The Army’s energy focus is resiliency. Energy resiliency means
being able to carry out the mission in the face of
catastrophes.
“Efficiency plays heavily into resiliency because the most
resilient form of power is the power you don’t need to complete the
mission,” said Sean Bogren, energy manager, Directorate of Public
Works. “Fort Carson is a leader in energy and continues to harden
its energy posture through efficiency and redundancy.”
Although Fort Carson derives a large portion of energy from
renewable sources like solar and hydropower and continually seeks
to grow its renewable energy portfolio, overall annual utility
costs are sizeable.
In fiscal 2020, Fort Carson paid about $22.8 million — or an
average of $62,400 a day — for electric, natural gas and water use.
Soldiers and staff are critical in helping the installation reduce
utility costs and achieve energy and water goals.
The following information, published with permission from Colorado
Springs Utilities, provides useful information for Fort Carson
community members to help reduce their energy-related costs during
October and throughout the year.
Top 10 tips under $10 Being more energy efficient does not have to
be
expensive or difficult. Colorado Springs Utilities, Fort Carson’s
utility provider, made it easy by creating a list. Small energy
behavior changes can add up to large energy overall savings.
1. Turn the thermostat down in the winter and up in the
summer.
In the winter, keep thermostats at 68 degrees when at home and put
a sweater on if it gets chilly, and 60 degrees when people are not
at home or sleeping. During the summer, set the air conditioner
thermostat to 78 degrees when at home and 85 degrees when away.
(Fort Carson energy policy: Facility temperatures are set no higher
than 70 degrees for heating in winter and no lower than 74 degrees
for cooling in summer.) (Free)
2. Turn off lights in empty rooms. On average, home lighting
accounts for 10-15%
of the energy bill. Be sure to flip the switch when leaving a room.
(Free)
3. Microwave food, use a toaster oven or grill rather than a
conventional oven.
Avoid using a large conventional oven when cooking small portions
of food. Microwaves and toaster ovens use much less energy but cook
foods just as well. In the summer, use an outdoor grill.
(Free)
4. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. Helps conserve the
amount of natural gas used to
heat the water that a dishwasher and washing machine
need. People will not only be saving energy, but water too.
(Free)
5. Use the sun and window coverings to control the temperature in
the home.
Open window coverings on sunny days to let in the sun’s warmth.
Close them at night or on cloudy days to keep the cold air out. Use
draperies, blinds, curtains or shutters on all windows to slow the
loss of heat through the glass. (Free)
6. Adjust the temperature on the water heater.
Water heating typically accounts for 16% of a home energy bill. Set
water heater temperatures no higher than 120 degrees. (Free)
7. Position furniture in the home for optimal comfort.
Make sure furniture is placed next to inside walls instead of
outside walls and away from drafty windows. Avoid blocking heat
registers and returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.
(Free)
8. Seal leaks and cracks especially around windows and doors.
Poorly sealed homes allow heated air to escape through gaps.
Caulking and weather-stripping reduces uncomfortable drafts and
lowers energy bills. ($10)
9. Replace old light bulbs with LEDs. By replacing 25% of lights in
high-use areas with
LEDs, homeowners can cut their lighting costs in half. ($3 to $7
per bulb)
10. Check and replace furnace and A/C filters. Replace furnace and
air conditioner filters
every 30 days to maximize its operating efficiency. A dirty filter
makes the equipment work harder to push air through it. ($10)
The Springs Utilities website, https://www. csu.org, offers a
wealth of links for consumer conservation information to help
consumers on and off Fort Carson cinch their utility belts.
Courtesy image
Prescriptions changes
By Jeanine Mezei U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Carson
Public Affairs Office
Beginning Sept. 30, TRICARE beneficiaries can choose from three
locations on Fort Carson to pick up prescription refills.
The Mountain Post Soldier Center (MPSC) Pharmacy and the
ScriptCenter kiosks located at Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH)
and the Fort Carson Main Exchange (PX) will be the designated
locations for prescription- refill pick up.
The Soldier Family Care Center Pharmacy at
EACH will no longer be available for prescription refill pick
up.
To request a refill, call the Automated Prescription Refill System
at 888-745-6427 or 719-524-4081. Refills will be ready for pick up
three days after the request is placed. Beneficiaries with a new
prescription, who wish to request it with an existing refill, can
pick up both prescriptions at the MPSC Pharmacy.
The MPSC Pharmacy is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
and is located at 6351 Wetzel Ave., building 1525.
The EACH ScriptCenter kiosk is located at the Main
Outpatient Pharmacy for beneficiaries to conveniently and securely
pick-up refill prescriptions 24/7.
The PX ScriptCenter kiosk is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven
days a week, during PX hours of operation.
Beneficiaries must create an account at the ScriptCenter before
they request a refill at the kiosk.
Stock image
Independent Review Committee. The restructure effort splits the
duties that were previously assigned to one person, dual-hatted as
both the CID commanding general and the Army’s provost marshal
general, to focus the new civilian leadership solely on the
criminal investigative process. Ford’s selection as director is an
important step forward and one of several changes to come as the
restructure process continues.
Ford said the transformation “will require a shift in how CID views
itself and how it is viewed by others. Historically, the
organization was viewed as an Army command tasked with law
enforcement duties. We must now clearly establish CID as an elite
federal law enforcement agency that operates within and in support
of the Department of the Army.
“I would like to encourage every member of CID to be a part of the
change and to actively contribute ideas to the discussion,” said
Ford during his first address to the newly named division. “While
the organization is comprised of active-duty agents, civilian
agents and a variety of professionals who support those agents, we
are one CID and need to remain focused on the criminal
investigative mission. The organization has many talented and
dedicated people who are committed to ensuring CID meets the unique
needs of the Army and sets the bar for the military criminal
investigative organizations.”
Under the restructure, CID will feature a higher ratio of civilian
criminal investigators to military special agents in order to
increase investigative experience, stability and grow effective
partnerships with local and regional law enforcement
agencies.
“To bring about that change, CID leadership will focus on four
complementary lines of effort: operational excellence, talent
management, modernization and partnerships,” said Ford.
“Additionally, the organization will commit to a culture of
multi-tiered internal oversight and continuous assessment.”
Christopher Lowman, the senior official performing the duties of
the under secretary of the Army, hosted the ceremony and thanked
Miller for his leadership and contributions during his tenure at
CID.
“General Miller, thank you for your hard work over the last three
years,” Lowman said. “We look forward to your continued efforts in
synchronizing Army law enforcement across the enterprise.”
Lowman stressed his confidence in Ford as he assumes the position
as the first civilian director of CID.
“Greg will undoubtedly shepherd us
from this initial starting point to the aim point of our redesign,”
Lowman said. “I am convinced that he will be supported by those
agencies and working groups that have already brought us this
far.
“This ceremony is only the beginning, Director Ford. You have a
challenging task ahead of you. Rest assured, you have the full
support of the leaders in this room and across the Army. You have
an outstanding group of special agents and investigative
professionals hard at work.”
In his last official act as CID commanding general, Miller
addressed the law enforcement professionals he has known for the
past several years.
“Today marks an important change within the Military Police Corps
and our Army,” Miller said. “Great organizations continuously seek
ways to improve and in some cases those changes can seem daunting.
However, if we never realize the new possibilities that loom on the
horizon, we may never reach excellence, but that’s not the case for
CID nor is it the United States Army way.”
Miller said he is fully confident Ford will deliver CID to the next
level.
“When I look to the future of CID, I see nothing but continued
professionalism
and increasing capabilities for the Military Police Corps and our
Army,” Miller said. “The role that CID plays in the Army’s story is
ever evolving. Now, Greg and his team have the honor of guiding us
through the next phase of its journey.”
During the ceremony, Ford thanked his Family and circle of friends,
and Miller “for the open and candid discussions we’ve had over the
last several weeks and for turning over such a professional and
dedicated team.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the secretary of the Army and
the chief of staff of the Army for their faith and confidence to
appoint him to this position, stating he is “honored to have been
selected as the first civilian director of Army CID.”
“We have an important mission; first to prevent crime and protect
life and then to investigate criminal allegations to uncover the
truth,” said Ford. “We cannot succeed if we don’t hold ourselves to
a higher standard than others would hold us to.”
A veteran federal law enforcement officer with a skillset of more
than 20 years at both the local and federal level, Ford was
promoted to the Senior Executive Service in December 2018. His
experience includes 16 years at the Naval Criminal Investigative
Service (NCIS) where he most recently served as the deputy director
of operations. Ford joins CID as it reaches its 50th year as the
Army’s independent investigative agency.
Ford began his career with NCIS in 2004. Prior to that he served in
the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, Washington, D.C., and on
the FBI Washington, D.C. Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task
Force.
CID From Page 2 “While the organization is comprised of
active-duty agents, civilian agents and a variety of professionals
who support those agents, we are one CID and need to remain focused
on the criminal investigative mission.
Special Agent Gregory D. Ford
“
By Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
Office
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted M1
Abrams (M1A2) and M2 Bradley (M2A3) gunnery followed by a platoon
live-fire exercise in preparation for deployment readiness at Fort
Carson.
Photos by Capt. Tobias Cukale
Spc. Kidmanshaq Sea, right, and Cpl. Jordan
Shavit with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, provide suppressive fire on an
objective during a platoon live-fire exercise Sept. 10 on a range
at Fort Carson.
A squad with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, advances into a trench
Sept. 10 during platoon live- fire exercises on a range at Fort
Carson.
See Readiness on Page 8
6 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
Suicide prevention
Families urge others to seek help By Cpl. Kelsey Simmons 4th
Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Brandon and Travis Selinsky came into this world together only a
few minutes apart. Nearly 30 years later, they left it — this time
a year and a half apart.
Although both brothers were U.S. Army service members and had been
on multiple deployments, it was not the combat engagements that
ended their lives. Rather, it was the guilt and psychological
damage that culminated throughout the years after.
Travis and Brandon Selinsky were born in Phoenix, and grew up in
Prescott Valley, Arizona. Growing up as identical twins, they
shared a close relationship that only people who inhabited a womb
together could understand.
Travis Selinsky, the eldest of the twins, was known to be quieter
and more reserved than his brother.
“He was quite the ladies’ man,” said Cassie Bertella, the twins’
older sister. “They loved him. It wasn’t just that he was handsome,
but I think it was also his sweet and caring demeanor. Family was
everything to him.”
Staying true to the common trope of identical twins having
completely opposite personalities, Cassie characterized Brandon
Selinsky as a wild and crazy showman.
“He loved karaoke, but he couldn’t sing to save his life,” said
Courtney Smith, Brandon’s widow and a former service member. “He
often couldn’t remember the words to the songs, but he was super
confident about it. He was a fun-loving guy who was always joking
around and happy. He had a bright smile, and he always wanted to
make other people smile. Everyone loved being around him.”
Not only did the brothers have opposing personalities, but they
also enjoyed contrasting recreational activities. Brandon
Selinsky’s cheerful disposition reflected his love for the sunny
outdoors. He enjoyed spending his time hiking, fishing, running and
working on his car.
“You could definitely tell that he enjoyed life a lot,” Smith said.
“It was always an adventure when we were together.”
While Brandon Selinsky spent his recreational time exploring the
world’s terrain, his brother preferred colder environments and
water-based activities, such as paddleboarding, surfboarding and
snowboarding.
Given their active lifestyles, it was no surprise that both
brothers enlisted in the Army. Travis Selinsky joined first,
signing up as an infantryman as soon as he turned 18 years old in
2008. Four years later, Brandon Selinsky followed in his brother’s
footsteps and enlisted as a vehicle all-wheel mechanic.
As an infantryman, Travis Selinsky deployed many times throughout
his military career. After many years, he decided that he had seen
enough bloodshed and lost too many of his friends to combat, so he
changed paths and became a recruiter instead.
“Travis (Selinsky) was dealing with a lot of personal things, like
combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and ‘survivor’s
guilt,’” Smith said.
He was stationed in Hawaii — a place where he could do all the
water-based activities he loved. Unfortunately, even the sandy
beaches and beautiful sunsets of a Hawaiian paradise weren’t enough
to keep his mind off his fallen comrades.
“Travis (Selinsky) was the epitome of the American Soldier,”
Bertella said. “He loved it. I think that is why he suffered so
much with the guilt and pain of the loss of his brothers-in-arms.
He had a sleeve full of memorial tattoos on both of his
arms.”
In February 2017, Travis was the first of the Selinsky twins to
commit suicide.
Unfortunately, time does not pause after a loved one passes. Amidst
the chaos and heartache of his sudden death, Brandon Selinsky and
Smith still had responsibilities to attend to, such as
attending
the Senior Leadership Course (SLC) and working toward a
promotion.
“We made it a competition to see who could get promoted first since
we were both (sergeants),” Smith said. “We went to SLC in two
different brigades, so we were in two different hotels about two
miles from each other.”
Smith said Brandon Selinsky had a difficult time coping with his
twin’s sudden death. She believed the added pressure, of course,
and living in a hotel alone was too much to handle for him.
“We never really slowed down enough to process any of it,” she
said.
Three nights before their graduation, Smith got a phone call from a
detective telling her to get to Brandon Selinsky’s hotel as soon as
possible.
Once she arrived, a few of her and Brandon Selinsky’s friends from
class were already there, waiting outside his hotel room. When they
saw her, they passed the horrible news that he committed
suicide.
“Of course, I didn’t believe them,” Smith said. “Then I saw one of
our really good friends, Steven. When he told me, that’s when I
finally believed it was true.”
Police wouldn’t allow her into the room, but she watched in agony
as the gurney carried her husband away to the coroner’s van —
hidden from her eyes by a white blanket covering his lifeless body
— leaving her alone with her grief.
Smith said she wished her husband
Photo by Cpl. Kelsey Simmons
Courtney Smith, a former service member, displays a photo of her
husband, Brandon Selinsky, left, and his twin brother, Travis,
right, Sept. 17. While in the service of the Army, both Brandon and
Travis committed suicide, just a year and a half apart from each
other.
There are other people out there who are probably going through the
same thing, or at least have similar feelings. Just reach out to
someone. It doesn’t necessarily have to be behavioral health, but
still talk to somebody. There’s someone out there who loves you,
cares about you and would do anything they can to help you.
Courtney Smith See Prevention on Page 9
“
“
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8 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
Blazing a new Trail By Sgt. James Geelen 4th Sustainment Brigade
Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
“Trailblazers,” friends, Families and colleagues all gathered to
say farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny G. Bryant, senior enlisted
leader, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th
Infantry Division, during a change of responsibility ceremony Sept.
17 on Founders Field at Fort Carson.
Lt. Col. Travis W. Hill Sr., commander, 4th STB, 4th SB, presided
over the ceremony as Bryant relinquished responsibility to Command
Sgt. Maj. Darryl O. Dotson Jr.
“For the last two years, Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant has provided me
and my predecessor with phenomenal support and advice with
distinction,” Hill said. “This battalion has had the challenging
task of providing sustainment support and readiness to the ‘Ivy’
Division, while supporting numerous (U.S. Army North) missions in
the continental United States for both COVID-19 response and
medical logistical support.”
Bryant was an expert at assessing the many needs of the
battalion.
“Balancing your own unit readiness, your expected training glide
path and the needs of meeting mission requirements for the rest of
the battalion is a constant juggle that impacts multiple formations
on a daily basis,” Hill said. “The ability to quickly adapt to
changing situations, look at your own formation to see how it can
best support, then provide the guidance and resources to apply is
something Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant provided on a routine basis —
and he made it look easy.”
Bryant will soon be transitioning to the 4th Security Force
Assistance Brigade at Fort Carson.
“I’m very excited for this next step in my career,” Bryant said.
“This opportunity is something different for me. It’s not anything
that I put my name in the hat for, but if big Army says they need
my talents there, then I’m ready to take my chance. I’m eager to
jump in, become a team member and help build a stronger
organization.”
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Duran
Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny G. Bryant, right, battalion sergeant
major, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th
Infantry Division, hands the battalion guidon to Lt. Col. Travis W.
Hill, Sr., commander, 4th STB, 4th SB, during a change of
responsibility ceremony Sept. 17 on Founders Field at Fort
Carson.
Photo by Capt. Tobias Cukale
A squad with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, advances through a
trench Sept. 10 during platoon live-fire exercises on a range at
Fort Carson.
This training certified Soldiers, vehicle crews and platoons to be
effective in their abilities to safely engage and destroy the
enemy. The event was the culmination of three weeks of training as
the unit certified and trained Soldiers to be effective with their
abilities to complete missions and be lethal.
“Making sure that we are able to be lethal on all our weapon
systems — and then maneuvering those weapon systems around in the
platoon live-fire scenarios (is imperative),” said 1st Lt. Spencer
Pavia, platoon leader, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Bn., 8th
Inf. Reg., 3rd ABCT.
The Soldiers focused on proficiency in their skill set and their
abilities with various weapon systems in gunnery and platoon live
fire, and they seemed to benefit from the training.
“Coming out here and actually (completing the battle drills), like
going into a trench and platoon live fire; you go over all the
battle drills,” said Pfc. Jacob Kelly, squad automatic weapon
gunner, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd
ABCT.
The brigade conducted gunnery to qualify its crews, develop
cohesion and practice firing its main weapons systems.
Readiness From Page 5
9Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
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General: $15.00 Children 12 & under: Free w/Parent or
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Active Military $12Only
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500 TABLES with all types of guns, knives, ammunition, survival
gear and food, and related hunting and shing accessories. We
attract vendors from throughout
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SELECTION OF NEW AND USED FIREARMS IN THE STATE.
(THIS COUPON AND MILITARY ID NEEDED)
Soldiers engage with community
Photo by Maj. Jason Elmore
Sgt. Theodore Smith, with 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment,
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, teaches a
family about the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Sept. 18, in Aurora.
Soldiers from 2nd SBCT engaged with community members during a
military appreciation football game held by the Cherry Creek School
District in Aurora.
would have reached out, and that she’s occasionally put the blame
on herself for not recognizing it.
“I was devastated, and I still am,” said Bertella. “I can look at
pictures of them, but I still can’t watch a video or hear their
voices. It’s too tragic and
heartbreaking to grasp that we could let this happen, not once, but
twice. We failed them. The pain they carried is now left with us to
have.”
After 16 years of service, Smith has now been out of the military
since March. Now that she’s transitioned into life as a civilian,
she wants to contribute more to the Gold Star Family program at
Fort Carson.
“I want to get more involved,” Smith said. “I know they do
different
fundraisers and have support groups. I think the support groups
really help Families with lost loved ones because it shows them
that they’re not alone and they have someone else around who knows
what they went through.”
If there was any message that Smith could pass on to Brandon or
Travis Selinsky or anyone else who’s considering taking their life,
she said it would be to reach out and know they aren’t alone.
“There are other people out there who are probably going through
the same thing or at least have similar feelings,” Smith said.
“Just reach out to someone. It doesn’t necessarily have to be
behavioral health, but still talk to somebody. There’s someone out
there who loves you, cares about you and would do anything they can
to help you.”
Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 or text to 838255
to get help now.
Prevention From Page 6
Fort Carson Ivy Warrior Restaurants hours of operation:
Friday Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m.
Wolf Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner:
Closed
Warfighter (Wilderness Road)
Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5-6:30
p.m.
LaRochelle 10th SFG(A) Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to
1 p.m. Dinner: Closed
Saturday-Sunday Wolf, Warfighter (Wilderness Road) and LaRochelle
10th SFG(A)
Closed
Stack Brunch: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supper: 5-6:30 p.m.
Monday-Thursday Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m. Closed for dinner
Thursday
Wolf Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5:30-7
p.m.
Warfighter (Wilderness Road)
Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5-6:30
p.m.
LaRochelle 10th SFG(A) Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to
1 p.m. Dinner: Closed
Of note Personal trainer certificate — III Corps will pay for a
certificate to be a personal
trainer. Requirements are for active-duty specialists (promotable)
through first lieutenants: Army Physical Fitness Test score must be
greater than 239, must be able to complete total Army Combat
Fitness Test, no administrative flags in 12 months and have
12-month stability at CMPY. Interested participants can call
719-503-0910 or email Maj. Nathan Henry at
[email protected] or Sgt. Maj. Gersom Jimenez at
[email protected].
DOD-funded research study — The study is for active-duty service
members and is sponsored by the Department of the Army (USAMRAA)
and has also been approved by the University of Arizona
Institutional Review Board, as well as HRPO (Human Research
Protection Office). Research study will examine the effects of an
internet-based awareness training program on psychological health
and emotional functioning in active-duty military personnel.
Eligible participants will receive $400 for completion of all study
activities. Study participants will complete two, approximate
three-hour online assessment sessions and complete a nine- to
11-hour online awareness training program. Participants will be
randomly assigned to one of two different awareness training
programs to assess how each affects psychological functioning.
Interested service members may fill out the online interest form at
https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV(underscore)e5PoQAy5VrE0jQx
or email
[email protected] for further
questions.
Military briefs Editor’s note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com
for the complete list of military briefs. Due to the COVID-19
closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of
contact for updated information and hours of operation.
11Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
CommunityCommunity Quality child care
Carson FCC provider goes extra mile
Story and photo by Eric E. Parris Fort Carson Public Affairs
Office
For more than 17 years, Isela Orona has provided one of the most
essential services military Families value — caring for their
children.
Orona, a Family member who lives in Kiowa Village on Fort Carson,
is a Fort Carson Family Child Care (FCC) provider who provides care
for six children, ages 7 months to 4 years old.
Her home is filled with activities that provide the children with
learning opportunities every day. Walls are lined with posters of
shapes and colors and children’s work is on display.
“We do a lot of learn by play, so for example if they’re playing at
the little kitchen, they’re chefs,” Orona said. “They get to learn
kind of a trade, and they learn about Family, too.”
Orona arrived at Fort Carson with her Family in October 2020 and
was certified to accept children in her home in May.
FCC providers must go through training that includes classes on
first aid, CPR, a food handlers class and providing medication to
children, said Catalina Cole, Fort Carson FCC director. Background
checks are required of those who want to become providers.
Classes are also offered on curriculum for daily lesson plans for
providers.
Once providers are certified and they start receiving children in
their homes, unannounced inspections are required at least once a
month, Cole said.
Providers set their own hours and some
watch children on weekends, do overnights and can provide
mission-related care, Cole said.
Orona’s normal child care hours are from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but
she has assisted Families with child care on weekends, she
said.
FFC providers can take children from 8 weeks old to 12, Cole
said.
In addition to being a certified FCC provider, Orona earned
accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care
(NAFCC), which recognizes FCC providers who meet the highest
standards for home-based early care and education, said Anita
Russell, lead training specialist for Fort Carson’s Child and Youth
Services (CYS).
Orona went through a rigorous self-study process, using NAFCC’s
Quality Standards, Russell said. Her children’s parents were
surveyed, and she was observed by an assessor to achieve
accreditation of her program.
She is the only FCC provider on Fort Carson who has earned this
accreditation.
“Fort Carson CYS is very proud to recognize her achievement,”
Russell said.
Providing quality child care and seeing the children’s progress is
what Orona enjoys the most.
She gave an example of one of the children, an 18-month-old who, at
first, was having trouble following the daily schedule, but now he
knows what comes next and does some tasks on his own.
“I like to watch them grow and learn new things that I’ve taught
them,” Orona said. “It’s like teaching my children and being
excited when they accomplish it.”
There’s a need for in-home child care, and this program provides
benefits to the providers.
Currently, there are nine FCC providers on post, Cole said.
Cole said Orona provides the personal care and attention that
allows the children to be successful.
“She’s aware of the individual needs of the children and how to
guide the children so she can manage their day, and they can
flourish,” Cole said. “This is high-quality care.”
Providers can stay home with their children, are able to take care
of their Family, and they bring in income to their homes, Cole
said.
Isela Orona, a Fort Carson Family Child Care provider, leads the
children she cares for in a learning activity Sept. 22 in her home
in Kiowa Village on Fort Carson.
“It’s such a good program and we’re doing such a good thing for the
community. I wish there were more people who would participate in
the program.
Isela Orona See Child care on Page 16
“
FeatureFeature
Story and photos by Walt Johnson Mountaineer staff
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation
(DFMWR) aquatics division held its annual Dog Splash at the Ellis
Outdoor Pool Saturday, marking the season’s closing with a number
of four-legged Family members and their owners.
The 11th annual event kicked off at 10 a.m. with dogs being let off
their leashes as they entered the pool area. If anyone thought that
the sight of a pool full of water would detract from the pets’
excitement, that thought quickly vanished. The dogs came together
with other dogs and took full advantage of the opportunity. Outside
of an occasional disagreement on whose space it was, the dogs
relished the chance to chase after each other and drank from the
doggie pools.
It didn’t take long for the animals to become familiar with the
water, which helped them stay cool on the hot day. The pets enjoyed
the pool and the company of their owners, as one after another
raced around the pool and swam with joy.
The dogs ranged from large at about 100 pounds to the smallest dog
at about 5 pounds, a toy poodle owned by Stella Calderon. While the
toy poodle stayed close to Calderon, she said he didn’t have a
problem being around the larger pets.
“He’s the only dog at home, so he isn’t used to being around bigger
dogs,” Calderon said. “But he has been very good today. I brought
him here today because I thought he would really like the pool, and
he does.”
Roland Shepherd said he brought his pets to the event for two
reasons. He said it gave them a chance to socialize with other
pets, and it gave them experience at an activity they don’t
normally get to do.
“My bigger dog is having a bit of a time adjusting but doing well,
while my smaller dog is just loving it,” Shepherd said.
Misael Urena-Rojas said he loves the water, and he thought his dog
would too. The pair were seen leaping into the water, clinging to
one another and soaking up every bit of fun they could muster
during the event.
“I would be having fun even if he wasn’t here with me, but the fact
that he is with me makes it more fun,” Urena-Rojas said. “My dog
has (been swimming) in lakes before, but this is the first time he
has been in a pool. Like me, he is loving the water, and we are
having fun.”
A Soldier watches his favorite four-legged friend
dive into the pool after him during the annual Dog
Splash event Saturday at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.
After being let off their leashes, pets race to play with the other
dogs Saturday during the annual Dog Splash event at the Ellis
Outdoor Pool.
Misael Urena-Rojas hugs his four-legged friend as they enjoyed the
water Saturday at the annual Dog Splash event at the Ellis Outdoor
Pool.
A Family member watches her dog jump into the water after throwing
a toy during the annual Dog Splash event Saturday at the Ellis
Outdoor Pool.
A Family member cools off his pet at the doggie pool during the
annual Dog Splash event Saturday at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.
14 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
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CoffeeCoffee Connect
CoffeeCoffee2021CoffeeCoffeeCoffee Connect
Coffee Join the Southeast Express as we discuss issues that
affect
Southeast residents with local community leaders.
Preventing Domestic Violence Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Noon – 1
p.m.
Viewed on Zoom, livestream on KOAA, Southeast Express Facebook and
My Black Colorado Facebook.
For more information on events visit
southeastexpress.org/events
Coffee Connect events will be live broadcasted by KOAA
Cheyenne Shadows pro named Colorado PGA patriot Story and photo by
Scott Prater Mountaineer staff
Anyone who has tried to play a round of golf, or even hit a few
balls on the driving range, knows — golf is hard.
Paul Surniak’s job is to make it a little easier. He’s been the
head teaching professional at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club going on
12 years now. He’s taught first graders how to follow through like
Tiger Woods, moms how to escape a sand bunker and wounded Soldiers
how to play the game despite their physical limitations.
While he’s earned the admiration of thousands of students
throughout the years, the Colorado section of the Professional
Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) also took notice recently as
it named Surniak the inaugural Colorado PGA Patriot Award
winner.
While announcing the
award, Colorado PGA Section president, Jim Hajek, explained that
the Patriot Award is presented to the PGA professional who
personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates
unwavering commitment and dedication to the men
and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States
of America.
“Paul has a passion for this,” said Frank Jacobson, chief of
Business Programs for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare
and
Recreation at Fort Carson. “Let’s face it, it’s a great mission. He
could be out there (teaching at any other facility). But here, he
gets to work with heroes.”
A former professional tour player, Surniak settled in Colorado
Springs decades ago. He chose to teach at Cheyenne Shadows partly
because of its location — roughly three minutes from his
house.
Back in 2008 though, he had no idea how the course, and the
Soldiers, would impact his life.
Besides hosting clinics for junior players and military spouses,
Surniak also teaches individual lessons. One drives the other, so
to speak. Most of his individual students
Paul Surniak, right, head teaching professional at Cheyenne Shadows
Golf Club, shows students proper form for a bunker shot during a
Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) clinic at the course Sept.
24. See Golf on Page 18
15Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
presents
As a leader in your fi eld, represent your business as a panelist
hosted by the CSBJ For more information, call your CSBJ Account
Executive | 719.634.5905
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WEBINAR LUNCH SERIES MANAGING THE LONG-TERM
IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON YOUR BUSINESS
Events are FREE to attend | RSVP at CSBJ.com/Events
Past Community Conversations are available at
facebook.com/csbusinessjournal.
Four-part series, Noon – 1 p.m. Oct. 8: Real Estate: Still booming,
still an issue for those seeking housing in Colorado Springs. And
what’s up with the commercial market. What we know now and some
prognosticating from our realtors. Sponsored by:
Oct. 15: Financial Advisers: How do you prepare your business for
investment? How do you manage your personal assets?
Oct. 22: Nonprofi ts: Nonprofi ts were hit hard during the
pandemic. Learn where this industry stands now – and what the
future looks like.
Oct. 29: Insurance: From health insurance to property and liability
insurance, and everything in between: Learn how what your business
insurance needs are and how to prepare for the worst.
Shred it!
Photo by Susan C. Galentine
From left: Cpl. Obed Arias, Spc. Michael Hill and Sgt. 1st Class
Charles Woods, with Ready Company, Headquarters and Headquarters
Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, dispose of unclassified documents
during the Pollution Prevention Week paper shredding event held
Sept. 23 by building 3710 north of Gate 20. The Directorate of
Public Works- hosted event drew close to 90 participants, bringing
an estimated 14,540 pounds of paper for shredding and subsequent
recycling.
16 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
Commentary by Capt. Andy Vaughn Chaplain, Soldier Recovery
Unit
One of my favorite childhood memories includes the old station
wagon my parents owned, equipped with vinyl seats and a basic radio
with one knob for volume and the other knob for
finding radio stations. The vinyl seats notoriously collected heat
like a
furnace during the hot summer months providing me a lifetime of
learning.
I remember hearing in that car for the very first time, the 1980s
hit song
“Living on a Prayer” by the rock band Bon Jovi. Sitting on a
hot car seat listening to a song titled “Living on a Prayer” helped
me gain an early
childhood perspective on prayer that eventually came to
realization.
Recently, I took an honest look at my personal prayer life and
discovered some areas deserving much attention. For starters, my
regular time of prayer gave way to interruptions, leaving me with
no regular time of prayer. Second, I found myself calling out to
God in prayer only after I discovered my inadequacy to take care of
the matter at hand that I wanted to maintain control over. I turned
to God’s word for much needed guidance.
The Bible provides encouragement to pray in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to
Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty
things, which you do not know.”
Important conversations deserve uninterrupted time. Consider the
importance of God’s invitation for you to call upon him through
prayer. I encourage you to avoid placing God on hold any longer due
to interruptions that can wait. Only you know what is interrupting
your time alone with God.
Jesus ventured to the mountain alone so he could pray. Think of it
this way, God wants you to turn up the volume in your prayer life.
Find a
time and place to make this happen. “I love the Lord because he
hears my voice
and my pleas for mercy. Because he has inclined his ear to me,
therefore I shall call upon him as long as I live,” Psalm
116:1-2.
Walking the pathways of life without a connection to God through
prayer is like rejecting the maker’s roadmap designed uniquely for
you. Consider for a moment the comforting thought that the God of
all creation invites you to pray, and his ear is always inclined to
you. The loneliest place on earth is a place without the assurance
of God’s nearness. God’s nearness is promised as his listening ear
is tuned toward the prayers you whisper from your inner room, shout
from the mountain top, or silently speak within the depths of your
soul.
Remember this, Bon Jovi’s world-famous hit, “Living on a Prayer,”
continues to blast the airwaves around the world, and God’s
invitation for you to pray is wide open anytime, anyplace, no
matter where you find yourself. Keep tuning in to God through
prayer and turn the volume up throughout the course of your living
on a prayer journey.
‘Living on a Prayer’
Editor’s note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer. com for the complete
list of the chapel briefs and service schedule.
Facebook — Search “4ID and Fort Carson Religious Support Office”
for events and schedules: visit
https://www.facebook.com/4IDCarsonRSO/ or
https://www.facebook.com/Our-Lady-of-Fort- Carson-622517474897811
for livestreaming.
Chapel NeXt — Visit https://www.facebook.com/ chapelnextfortcarson/
for livestream. Visit the Chapel
NeXt Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/
chapelnextfortcarson for details.
Religious Education class — Contact Pat Treacy at 524-2458 or
[email protected] for details.
Catholic Women of the Chapel — Call Michelle Jones at 352-231-1088
or email mountainPostCWOC@ gmail.com.
Protestant Women of the Chapel — The RSO can be reached at
719-526-5279 or visit https://www.facebook.
com/pwocfortcarson.
Native American prayer/spiritual services — The He Ska Akicita
(White Mountain Warriors) hosts Inipi (sweat lodge) services at
Turkey Creek Ranch, but are suspended until further notice. Contact
Michael Hackwith at 285-5240 for more information and protocols.
Chaplain sponsor is Capt. Charlene Cheney, 53rd Signal Battalion,
who can be reached at
[email protected].
Knights of Columbus — a Catholic group for men 18 and older, call
526-5769.
Spanish Bible Study — Call Ted Garcia at 719-205-3076.
Chapel briefs Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for
the complete list of community briefs and chapel schedules. Due to
the COVID-19 closures and cancellations, contact the respective
points of contact for updated information. Many religious support
activities have moved to a digital platform.
Many of the parents like the FCC because of the smaller in-home
environment and the personal care for their children.
For those who are considering becoming an FFC provider, it can be a
rewarding experience.
“It’s a fun good job and very fulfilling,” Orona said. “You’re
helping
out a community that you’re a part of. It’s such a good program,
and we’re doing such a good thing for the community. I wish there
were more people who would participate in the program.”
Soldiers who need child care or Family members who are interested
in becoming FCC providers, should contact Parent Central at
526-1101. Soldiers can register for child care at
https://www.mcc.com.
There is still a need for child
care providers, Cole said. Soldiers are having to go to off post to
look for child care, and it’s normally more expensive.
For Soldiers who use FCC providers, they receive a 15% discount off
what the on-post child care centers charge, Cole said.
Orona has cared for about 40 children during her time as an FCC
provider at several military installations. She’s heard from some
of the parents of those children.
“That means a lot to me to hear from those parents,” she
said.
And even after her husband’s retirement from the military next
summer, she said she may continue working in the child care career
field.
But now she continues to educate and nurture the six children she
cares for, which is important to the Soldiers.
“That’s the point of being an FCC provider on post, helping your
Soldiers out and the community,” Orona said.
Child care From Page 11
17Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
Claims to the estate Staff Sgt. Paul L. Olmstead — With
deepest regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims
against or indebtedness to his estate should call Capt. Adrian
Fagan at 801-878-5212.
Of note Make a Difference Day — The
event takes place Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. Make A Difference
Day (MADD) is the largest annual National Volunteer Day dedicated
to helping others — a celebration of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”.
Everyone is welcome to participate to volunteer for this event. On
this day, individuals and families, schools and church groups,
businesses and other organizations draw upon their skills and
resources to contribute where needs exist. Projects include Iron
Horse Park and Sports Complex, Fort Carson storm water drains, Fort
Carson military
housing and on-post schools. To register, complete the form on the
AVC webpage under “2021 Make a Difference Day (MADD)” https://
carson.armymwr.com/programs/ army-volunteer-corps.
Education center — Due to a staffing shortage of Army Education
counselors at the Fort Carson Education Center, Soldiers will
experience advising delays for Tuition Assistance (TA),
Credentialing Assistance (CA), promotion point memos and other
education counseling services. Customers should use the College
101/TA briefing, Credentialing Assistance, and GI Bill group
briefings as much as possible to answer questions regarding
education counseling needs prior to requesting to meet with a
counselor to maximize staff efficiency. Currently response time to
email and voicemail messages is up to seven business days, and the
staff is working hard to assist service members as soon as
possible.
Army pre-retirement benefits training — The Army Benefits
Center-Civilian (ABC-C) is offering free virtual pre-retirement
benefits training. Registration is not required. Multiple sessions
are offered in September on FERS and CSRS/FERS Special Retirement
Coverage (SRC). During this training, ABC-C will discuss the
requirements for retirement eligibility, consequences of making a
deposit/redeposit, survivor annuity elections, eligibility for
continuing FEHB/FEGLI into retirement and the process for
submitting a retirement application. Training dates, times and
sessions are listed in Central Time. 1. Thursday, 9 a.m. to
noon
CT, CSRS special retirement coverage (SRC)
3. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. CT, FERS special retirement coverage
(SRC)
Registration is not required; however, attendees are asked to log
in 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the briefing. The training
is available at https:// conference.apps.mil/webconf/
RetirementBriefingfy21.
Community briefs Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com
for the complete list of community briefs. Due to the COVID-19
closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of
contact for updated information and hours of operation.
See Briefs on Page 19
Music FREE CONCERT OCTOBER 20 Harry Mo and the Cru
6-8 p.m. 235 S. Nevada
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18 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
stem from the clinics — players often notice immediate improvement
in their performance after their group lesson and then want more
instruction.
No doubt, this phenomenon tends to occur at most golf courses.
Where Cheyenne Shadows differs is in the make- up of its students —
Soldiers, veterans, retirees and their Family members — many of
whom come to the game with distinctive and debilitating
injuries.
Surniak teaches wounded veterans through several programs, the
PGA’s HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere), the Salute Military
Golf Association and through partnerships with Evans Army Community
Hospital and the Soldier Recovery Unit.
“You can’t teach someone with an amputation to swing like a pro,”
he said. “It doesn’t work. So, you’ve got to adapt. When I first
got a hold of Brandon Adam, who has no legs and can’t use
prosthetics, it was brand new to me. I spent hours kneeling in a
chair trying to figure out what he was going through. Given that
situation, you learn different things about how the body works.
Most instructors have never had to face that before.”
On top of his regular clinic-and-
individual-lesson schedule, Surniak conducts two SMGA and one HOPE
clinic each week. Ultimately, that sheer level of experience drew
the attention of organizations around the country.
“I’ve been asked what advice I would give to pros who teach players
with disabilities, and I say, ‘patience,’” he said. “Sometimes you
deal with anger issues; sometimes it’s a traumatic brain injury,
other times, it’s family problems or the loss of a loved one. So,
patience is vital (to reaching a desired outcome).”
While he teaches half the year in Colorado and the other half — the
colder months — in Florida, Surniak has no plans to retire. The
simple satisfaction of helping people improve their golf games and
their lives, provides plenty of motivation.
“It’s pretty gratifying to see your work pay off,” he said. “Our
moms’ clinic started after many of them hung around to watch our
junior clinics. From there, the moms got their spouses interested,
and pretty soon, the whole family was playing the game together.
Especially during the worst of the pandemic, Golf was a big thing
for people who needed something fun to do as a Family.”
Surniak will be formally recognized at the Colorado PGA Awards Gala
at Colorado Golf Club in Parker Oct. 29.
goalac.org 1-877-776-4625
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2021 Leadership Lessons
RSVP at CSBJ.com/Events
4:30-6 p.m. • Ent Center for the Arts (5225 N. Nevada Ave.) •
$25/person
LYNNE TELFORD Oct. 7 Lynne Telford joined Care and Share as
president and CEO in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. She brought
a wealth of expertise in the finance and nonprofit sectors to the
role and under her guidance and leadership, the nonprofit has
evolved to provide more hunger-relief services and education than
ever before. She will discuss how she overcomes leadership
challenges during these rapidly changing times and will share
emerging trends in the nonprofit sector.
Photo by Scott Prater
Paul Surniak, center, head teaching professional at Cheyenne
Shadows Golf Club, provides tips for students during a clinic at
the course’s driving range Sept. 24.
Golf From Page 14
19Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
Details at csbj.com/events
AWARDS CEREMONY Nov. 4, 2021 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ent Center for the Arts
Melissa Burkhardt-Shields Shannon Coker Susan DiNapoli Dr. Sandy
Ho
Geri Johnson Crystal LaTier Dr. Kenya Lee Mina Liebert
Nilaja Montgomery Tamara Moore Darsey Nicklasson Marjorie
Noleen
Joyce Salazar Jennifer Taylor
Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training — Due to COVID-19
travel restrictions, the Casualty Notification Officer (CNO)/
Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) recertification timeline for CNO/
CAO training is extended from 12 to 24 months. The requirement for
in-person training every fourth year is also suspended. In-person
CNO/CAO training may be conducted when all COVID-19 health and
force protection requirements can be met and followed. The Joint
Knowledge Online SIMM 1, SIMM and SIMM 3 Casualty Training is not a
substitute for the Army’s in-classroom CNO/CAO initial
certification and remains the Army’s CNO/CAO recertification
training. For more information, call 526-5613/ 5614 or email
usarmy.carson.imcom-central.
[email protected].
General announcements Voluntary leave transfer — The
following Fort Carson-serviced employees have been approved to
receive donated leave due to an emergency medical condition: •
James A. Chapman, Civilian
Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) • Michael K. Coyne, U.S.
Army
Installation Management Command, education services
• Denver L. Holder, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense
Command
• Daniel G. Sullivan, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization,
and Security (DPTMS) training division
Any Army appropriated fund civilian employee wishing to donate
annual leave to a listed employee, must complete the OPM Form 630a
at http:// www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf(underscore) fill/opm630a.pdf. If a
non-Army appropriated fund civilian employee from another federal
agency (VA, AF, DOD, Interior, etc.) is interested in donating, he
must complete the OPM Form 630b at http://www.opm.gov/
Forms/pdf(underscore)fill/opm630b. pdf and provide to his civilian
personnel/HR office for annotation. Both forms must then be
forwarded to Clinton Moss Jr. of the Fort Carson Civilian Personnel
Advisory Center (CPAC) by email to clinton.moss4.
[email protected] with
the subject line “VLTP.” Call Moss at 526-3641 for more
information. Employees experiencing a medical emergency (personal
or Family member) who will exhaust their leave balances
quickly
should contact the CPAC Management Employee Relations team.
Do you want access to your medical records? Before making a trip to
Evans Army Community Hospital, consider logging into TRICARE online
and accessing its “Blue Button” feature. Securely view, download
and print medical profiles, lab results, immunizations and vital
signs for the patient and family members under the age of 12. To
conveniently view medical records, visit https://
www.tricareonline.com. Proceed to “Health Record,” then “Download
My Data” to access medical records. The Correspondence (Release of
Information) Office in the Patient Administration Division hours
are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;
closed Thursday and federal holidays. Call 526-0890 for
details.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center at Fort Carson Transition
Assistance Program (TAP) is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. — Mt. Carmel employment and transition team, in partnership
with TAP, offers career services for transitioning Soldiers, Family
members and veterans at a new office. The office is located in
building 6237, room 115, TAP. Services include no-cost
transition or job seeker assistance and access to paid internships,
veteran benefits support, supportive and behavioral health
services, financial counseling, support groups, discounted
professional clothing and more. Call 526-8758 or visit https://
veteranscenter.org/.
Soldier Readiness Center pharmacy — located in the Mountain Post
Soldier Center at 6351 Wetzel Ave., building 1525, room 402, is
open for pharmacy services. The pharmacy is open only for
deployments Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on
the number of personnel scheduled to deploy.
Army Wellness Center classes — Upping your Metabolism is every
Monday and Friday at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. Fueling
for Health is every third Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. Meals in Minutes is
every second and fourth Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. Healthy Sleep Habits
is every first and third Thursday at 9:45 a.m. Stress Management is
every second and fourth Thursday at 9:45 a.m. Stay Fit, Home and
Away is every second Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. The Retire Strong class
is currently under construction. Performance Triad, P3 and Tactical
Sleep for Sustained Operations classes are by request. Classes are
subject to change. Call 526-3887 for more information, reserve a
seat or sign up for classes.
Briefs From Page 17
21Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
23Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
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