May 6, 2010Issue 11

Fantom FSC lends a hand at 2-8 gunnery

Command Sergeant Major’s Corner

Command Sgt. Maj. David Pierce, CSM1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment

Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

With all this training, the need for healthy, capable Soldiers is a must. The time we spend on our wheeled vehicles, tanks and Bradleys is used to teach our Death Dealers that while we are a lethal fighting force, we cannot maintain our momentum without using proper procedures and the composite risk management process. The vehicles and equipment we use deserve our respect and attention; they can be incredibly unforgiving to complacent or careless crews.

The Death Dealers are also

Story and photo by Capt. Kellye Green204th Brigade Support Battalion

of the following Soldiers from E, FSC: Pvt. Ronald Taylor, a Bradley fighting vehicle system maintainer, Pfc. James Jordan, a motor transport operator, Spc. Jeremiah West, a radio and communications security repairer, Sgt. Joseph Hicks, a motor transport operator, and Sgt. Ryan Benally, a track vehicle repairer, with commanders’ coins for their excellent performance.

Each of these outstanding Fantom Soldiers went well above and beyond the typical scopes of their duties, to ensure the company missions didn’t fail at a time when many of their peers were unavailable due to gunnery and Command Inspection Preparation.

Bertulis awarded the Army Achievement Medal to Sgt. Michael Wilson, a small arms/artillery repairer, who was chosen over his peers to assume the duties of the maintenance platoon sergeant, while the actual platoon sergeant was away at school.

Being an E-5, Wilson held an E-7 slot for

nearly six weeks. Wilson demonstrated the proactive attitude needed to fill and hold this leadership position.

Bertulis also awarded the Army Achievement Medal to Pvt. Kylee Glass, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist, whose motivation and initiative since arriving at the company has been displayed during the battalion Command Inspection Program.

Glass was able to take control of the

Soldiers from Fantom Forward Support Company, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, load ammuni-tion during a gunnery for 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.

The Fantom Forward Support Company, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, continues to prove themselves during the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. gunnery to be the unstoppable force driving the 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg, to operational success.

While the maneuver Soldiers are qualifying on their tanks and Bradley’s the FSC Soldiers are ensuring that they have the fuel, maintenance support and ammunition to keep their equipment operational and the food to keep their Soldiers happy.

More than a week into gunnery the FSC had already pumped 28,690 gallons of fuel, delivered 184,644 rounds, served 7,270 meals and conducted over 20 sustainment convoys—and the Table 12 and Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise are yet to come!

The Soldiers of the FSC are disciplined, motivated and caring. They truly know what a challenge it can be to sustain the Talons and they are up for the challenge.

Recently, Lt. Col. Todd Bertulis, 204th Brigade Support Battalion commander, recognized the outstanding contribution

As the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion 67th Artillery Regiment, my primary concern is the training, welfare and safety of our Soldiers. From the beginning of my tenure, the battalion has continued to grow and improve the training opportunities available for our Soldiers. In the past month we have executed some intense, technical, fast-paced training to further improve the effectiveness of our force.

Last month, we began our first

gunnery in nearly two years here on Fort Carson. This training not only gives the Soldiers and crews a chance to familiarize and qualify with their vehicles and weapon systems, but also develops confidence in their abilities to effectively fight on today’s modern battlefield. The capstone exercise of gunnery was the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, the culminating event that will qualify our company teams as a force to be reckoned with. continued on page 2

continued on page 2

are named after a campaign in which 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., fought. The crew of Automatic 13, “Central Europe”, triumphantly donned the red cover on the howitzer after the ceremony. Stevenson’s gun crew includes Sgt. Christopher Hall, Spc. Michael Hann, Spc. Matthew Tsosie, Pfc. Harry Escalera, Pfc. Wilmer Solo, and Pvt. Robert Haas.

Munsey and Command Sgt. Maj. Delmer Traylor also recognized 2nd Lt. Steve Hojnicki, the Fire Direction Officer (FDO) for the battalion’s top POC. The POC is graded on its timeliness and effectiveness of processing fire missions. The Soldiers that comprise the top POC are Sgt. Lonnie Deswood, Spc. Robert Ryder, and Spc. Michael Clair.

The commitment to excellence and teamwork of these Thunder Pride Soldiers set the standard and prepares 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. for success in future combat missions.

Soldiers from Battery A and B, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were recognized for their outstanding performance during Table VIII Artillery Qualifications in April.

Col. John S. Kolasheski and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Barteau awarded impact Army Achievement Medals to 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg.’s top gun crew from 1st Platoon, Battery A and top Platoon Operations Center (POC) from 1st Platoon, Battery B.

Lt. Col. Tom Munsey awarded Battery A’s Paladin gun chief Staff Sgt. Starzane Stevenson with the award for “Top Gun,” bestowing him with the prestigious red gun cover for achieving the highest top gun crew score in the battalion. Each of the battalion’s 16 Paladins

Warhorse Pridepage 2 May 6, 2010Issue 11

Story and photo by 2nd Lt. Ian Faison3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment

Col. John S. Kolasheski, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Barteau, command sergeant major of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., award impact Army Achievement Medals to Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., who were part of the top gun crew during Table VIII Artillery Qualifications in April.

Soldiers awarded for excellence

heavily engaged in programs to ensure that our Soldiers stay safe off-duty. Before our gunnery began, we organized a mock crash that helped illustrate how dangerous drinking and driving is. These alcohol-related incidents can put Soldiers and civilians in the hospital or even worse. It is paramount that our Soldiers stay safe at all times. We have ensured that the entire Death Dealer Family has the tools and information they need to train and come home safely each day.

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company’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Room and sign for and inventory all assigned NBC equipment. Her ability to take charge and excel during that inspection with that quantity of equipment shows great responsibility well above her rank.

There is not a day that goes by where the FSC is not engaged conducting some type of maintenance or supply operation. Range 143 and the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, motor pool are buzzing with activity around the clock as the FSC Soldiers eagerly prepare for daily Logistics Package, conduct maintenance and cook for over 500 Soldiers. Long days are the norm and the success of this battalion depends on their support and in turn the success of the brigade depends on the battalion’s ability to do their mission. The FSC always insures that the Talons are able to do their mission. The FSC is an organization where mediocrity and failure just are not an option.

FSC at 2-8 gunnerycontinued from page 1

The Buffalo Soldiers’ Squadron Rear Detachment began their efforts to partner with Aragon Elementary School, assisting the faculty with their spring carnival on April 9th.

Twelve Soldiers from 1-10 Cavalry participated in the event, working in various game booths, ticket counters and the concessions stand.

One of the Soldiers, Spc. John Hooser of Eagle Troop, was very familiar with the school and members of the staff. Hooser’s son was a student at Aragon until last year.

Hooser enjoyed catching up with several of his son’s former teachers during the carnival. Another Buffalo Soldier, Spc. Michael Jones of Crazyhorse Troop, also had ties to Aragon’s faculty.

Jones, a native of Falcon, recognized Aragon’s principal, Clinton Allison, as his former high school track coach.

The carnival was one of several events scheduled as Aragon completes the final two months of its school year. The Buffalo Soldiers and the Aragon staff are looking forward to the continued partnership in the coming school year.

Buffalo Soldiers adopt a schoolStory by Capt. Andrew Rossow1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment

A promotion ceremony for six first lieutenants from 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was held at Alternate Escapes April 23.

1st Lieutenants Derrick Numbers, Hal Hoogstra, Jeremy Sung, Colin O’Toole,

The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pride is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of The Warhorse Pride arenot necessarily the views 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 War-horse 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 emailed to theeditor: c.mcmillan2@us.army.mil

WarhorsePride

Warhorse Pridepage 3 May 6, 2010Issue 11

First lieutenants climb up the ranksStory by Capt. Colin O’Toole1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment

Chaplain’s Corner: making a differenceA generous heart, kind speech, and a life of

service and sacrifice compelled by compassion are the things that renew humanity. Isn’t it wonderful that those are the primary qualities of moms?

This coming weekend is Mother’s Day. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the wonderful blessing of your mother. Can you remember those times that you so desperately needed a compassionate word of encouragement or a comforting hug? It seemed that a mother’s love could not be exhausted. She was always there and ready to meet the

need or find a way to sooth the pain. We never out grow our mother’s love for us or her desire to see us happy.

I would like to encourage you to take the time to do something special for your mother this Mother’s Day. Sometimes the more direct and simple the louder the thought is conveyed.

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!!

BlessingsCH (Maj.) Ricky Way2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Chaplain

Col. John S. Kolasheski..................2nd BCT CommanderCommand Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Barteau.....2nd BCT CSMLt. Col. Richard Stebbins................................2nd BCT PAO 2nd Lt. Christopher McMillan....................................Editor

Staff WritersSgt. Seth Barham and Spc. April York

Danny McPadden and Christian Hirota, were promoted to captain. The ceremony marked the next large step in the career of the young officers.

The officers had spouses, relatives, or children take off their First lieutenant rank and attach their new captain rank. Capt. Derrick Numbers’ grandpa had the honor of acknowledging 1st Lt. Numbers for the last time, before pinning on his captain bars.

Each of the newly promoted captains was given time to say a few words. There were “thank-yous” and a few shout-outs before the next newly promoted officers spoke.

After the officers were promoted there was a frocking of a newly appointed first sergeant. Sgt 1st Class Brandon Knicely, will be assigned to Company A, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg, the “Assassins”.

The Assassins are one of 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg.’s two Infantry companies. Knicely will be leading the company alongside Capt. Nathan Garner, the Company Commander.

After the promotions and the frocking ceremony, Lt. Col. Michael Simmering, acknowledged another new first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Elton Norman, from Company F, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf.

Newly promoted Captains Christian Hirota, HHC, and Derrick Numbers, Company B, both from 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, are congratulated by Lt. Col. Michael Simmering, commander of 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg. after a promotion ceremony April 23.

(Photo by Mrs. Numbers)

The 1st Battalion, 67th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Coat-of-Arms sits proudly in the ceiling above the front of the bar at Alternate Escapes.

Div. Norman came to the Death Dealers from

Company A, 204th BSB. Finally, Command Sgt. Maj. David Pierce, command sergeant major for 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., presented the staff of Alternate Escapes with a ceiling tile as a token of gratitude from the Death Dealers.

“We had this made to mark our territory in this establishment” said Pierce.

Next time you walk into the bar at Alternate Escapes and order a drink at the front, look straight up and know everything will be done under the vigilance of the Death Dealers.

(Photo by Capt. Colin O’Toole)