Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Issue 101 Apr. 28, 2012

Col. John S. Kolasheski, commander2nd Brigade Combat TeamCombined Task Force Warhorse

communicating lines of effort will set the conditions for Lancer to begin their mission with a running start. We will soon return to Fort Carson; some already have. Homecomings are emotional. Expect to be happy, excited, anxious, and possibly frustrated. There is a natural adjustment period. Upon arrival, all Soldiers will enjoy a 4-day pass. Regardless of the day, Soldiers will report to work for accountability on the 5th day. For example, if the 4th day of pass lands on a Saturday, Soldiers will report to formation on Sunday morning. Following pass, Soldiers will have 10 reintegration training (RIT) days, not including weekends. Training days include medical checkups, reintegration briefings, and equipment maintenance.

Families are welcome to some of the reintegration training. The rear detachment can provide more information. Patience is key as flight schedules and training plans will change. Patience is also key as you adjust after being apart for a year. The strength of our Soldiers lies in the strength and flexibility of our Families. Communicate openly and regularly.Your Soldiers have done amazing work in southern and western Afghanistan. Afghanistan is better than it was, and our Nation is safer thanks to your efforts. I am proud of our Soldiers, our Families, the greater Fort Carson community, and our Nation.We will see you soon. Warhorse!

Commander’s ColumnCommander’s Column

Emotions are running high here, as I know they are in the extended Warhorse Family. Our replacements, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat

Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Washington, are arriving and we are helping them best understand the area and the mission. Our bases will be crowded for a few weeks as we show the Lancer Brigade Soldiers the terrain, introduce them to our Afghan partners, and share our lessons learned. The end of any mission, regardless how long, can be “high adventure” with all the moving pieces. We are preparing Lancer, packing our equipment, finishing awards and evaluations, and planning upcoming Fort Carson training. Most importantly, we have increased the pace of our operations to maintain the momentum we spent the year building. One last push along our security, stability, and

287th MPs observe 100 days in combatStory and photo by Sgt. April York2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO

To commemorate being in a combat zone for 100 days, the 287th Military Police Company attached

to 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division held a shoulder sleeve insignia, former wartime service ceremony at Combat Outpost Shorandam in eastern Kandahar City, April 13. Since arriving in country the MPs have asserted themselves into their mission. The 287th joined 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. from Fort Riley, Kan. The “Warhorse” brigade will redeploy to Fort Carson in the coming months, and the 287th will then work with 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Inf. Div. from Fort Lewis, Wash. “We have been partnering with the (Afghan Uniformed Police) and training them so when we leave they can protect their own people,” said Spc. Phillip Giusti, a driver

with 2nd Platoon, 287th MP Company. The ceremony not only honored Soldiers with the 4th Inf. Div. combat patch, which they will wear on their right shoulder, but also made them part of the distinguished history of the “Buffalo Soldiers” of 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. “The 10th U.S. Cavalry was activated at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on July 28, 1866 as a regiment of volunteers composed of free slaves from the Southern states and some veterans of the Civil War,” said the master of ceremony Capt. Peter Luft, adjutant for the squadron. “Like their forebearers, this squadron stands ready to defend the homeland and to extend the frontiers of liberty to all who seek its blessings.” For some Soldiers this is their first deployment to a combat zone and their first opportunity to serve with a cavalry regiment. “It’s been stressful and challenging, but we keep on going,” said Spc. Jordan Jonas, a driver for 3rd Platoon, 287th MP Company.

“I’m enjoying it out here; it’s a culture shock and it’s bizarre, but I like it alot,” said Pfc. Alexandria Mangum, a gunner with 287th MP Company.” With 100 days of combat under their belt and a new 4th Infantry Division combat patch on their sleeve, the military police of the 287th MP Company are eager to continue their mission.

Lt. Col. John Cook, commander of 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., shakes hands with Capt. Scott Grimsy, commander of the 287th MP Company attached to 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., after presenting him with the 4th Inf. Div. patch.

Warhorse PridePage 2 Issue 101 Apr. 28, 2012

The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-funded news-letter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public

Affairs Office. The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication. All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed online from your home computer at www.facebook.com/2bct4id Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor:seth.barham@afghan.swa.army.mil

Col. John S. Kolasheski...................2nd BCT CommanderCommand Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa..............2nd BCT CSMMaj. Kevin Toner................................................2nd BCT PAOSgt. Seth Barham..................................................PAO NCOICSgt. Ruth Pagan......................................Layout and DesignSgt. April York.........................................Layout and Design

Warhorse Pride