Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Issue 118 Dec. 13, 2012

Mangled metal that used to be an automobile, gruesome photos and in-depth testimonies

grabbed the attention of Soldiers from 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a crash display on Fort Carson, Dec. 5. First responders and volunteers of the Front Range community recreated a deadly accident, which claimed the lives of two former 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment Soldiers two years ago, in the 2nd BCT area, using actual crash site photos and the vehicle from the accident. “We want Soldiers to look at the crash display and take it to heart before the next

time they get behind the wheel,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Reaume, brigade provost marshal office, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT. “Have a designated driver and use it. Don’t shy away from it; use the tools that are out there for you.” Approximately 250 Soldiers from the “Roughrider” Battalion passed through the four stations around the “accident site” and received classes that highlighted statistics about drunk driving, the consequences of getting behind the wheel with a high blood alcohol content and different ways to get home after a night of drinking. “I want Soldiers to know they are idolized in the community, and if they make good choices people will see that,” said Nichole Carpenter, a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “I want Soldiers to stay safe; they fight everyday for our freedom and we

‘Rough Riders’ stess importance of safetyStory and photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

want to make sure they get home safe.” Soldiers took the information to heart and listened to the classes. “It’s a reality that as many as one out of three people on the road have some type of intoxication,” said Pfc. Tradis Kamara, human resource specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 204th BSB. “Whether you are drinking or not, something could occur because of someone else’s irresponsibility. No one wakes up and says, ‘Today I want to be pinned between the wheel and the seat in an accident.’” Participants appreciated the class and thought it would bring Soldiers together. “I think very highly of the command for putting on the class,” Kamara said. “I hope it triggers something in the other Soldiers, with the command taking awareness to another level and bringing more camaraderie to the unit.”

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The sound of children playing and laughing are not the typical sounds heard on Range 11where

tanks shoot their massive guns during qualifications. But that is exactly some of the sounds that could be heard Dec. 1 and 4.

The Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, invited their families out to the range for Gunnery Family Day.

The family day allowed the squadron to show their families the types of things that happen during gunnery.

“What we want is for families is to gain an understanding,” said Lt. Col. Dave Guthrie, the squadron commander. “When we say we are going out to gunnery, well, what does that mean to them? They can come out here, see us shoot and experience what it means.”

Spouses enjoyed being able to see what gunnery involved by witnessing the Bradley fighting vehicle shoot as part of qualification. Soldiers had on display gun trucks and

Bradleys for Families to call around on and inside.

Families were also able to handle M4A1 rifles and M9 pistols and shoot paintball guns on a mini range.

“I think its very interesting to see all the stuff (my husband) works with,” said Deborah Vital, wife of Pvt. David Vital, cavalry scout, Troop B, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.

Not only were spouses educated on gunnery but children as well.

“Its pretty cool to see first hand what its like out here for (my husband),” said Audri Wiersema, wife of Sgt. Philip Wiersema, indirect fire infantryman, Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. “Its also good for the kids to see what their daddies do.”

The event was not only beneficial to spouses and children, but helped Soldiers as well.

“It’s a good motivational booster; it gives

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Kiley Denny (left), daughter of Sgt. Trevor Denny, Troop A, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., watches Macael Cross, son of Spc. Nicholas Cross, HHT, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., pull a lever in a Bradley fighting vehicle during the squadron’s Gunnery Family Day, Dec. 4.

Deborah Vital, aims an M4A1 rifle, while her husband, Pvt. David Vital, cavalry scout, Troop B, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav.Reg., and son, Carson Vital, 9 months watch during Gunnery Family Day, Dec. 4. The family day was held by the squadron to educate families on the different weapons and equipment used by Soldiers during gunnery.

Sgt. Kevin Crannell, cavalry scout, Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., helps his son, Kaidyn , shoot a paintball gun during the squadron’s Gunnery Family Day, Dec. 4. Families were invited to spend the day with their Soldier about half way through the three week gunnery exercise.

‘Bison’ hosts Gunnery Family Day

you something to look forward to,” Philip Wiersema said.

The family day was held about mid-way through the gunnery, which ran from Nov. 26 thru Dec. 14.

“We’ve been out here for about a week, and for some of our new Soldiers it’s the first time they’ve been away from their families, so this is kind of a mid-way point and a chance for them to see their families,” Guthrie said.

Soldiers appreciated the experience that their families received.

“I think its pretty cool because she actually gets to come out and see what we really do instead of just hearing about it,” said David Vital.

Before the family day, gunnery was just an event that families really didn’t know about.

“Now (Families) can close their eyes and get a mental picture of what (gunnery) means because they’ve seen it,” Guthrie said.

Warhorse PridePage 3 Issue 118 Dec. 13, 2012

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen (right), senior enlisted leader of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Bellinger (center), senior enlisted leader of 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., and Sgt. Maj. Jerome Nichols, operations sergeant major for the battalion, light candles representing the fourth watch during a Noncommissioned Officer induction ceremony held at McMahon Theater, Dec. 5, 2012. Historically, in order to be recognized as an NCO, the Soldier would have to pull four watches where the Soldier would receive visitors that he would present with different gifts depending on the rank and watch level.

Cpl. Michael Higgins, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., stops under the Noncommissioned Officer arch way during an induction ceremony held a McMahon Theater, Dec. 5. The arch way is a physical representation of the Soldier crossing into the NCO corps.

“As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which

is known as ‘The Backbone of the Army.’ I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the corps, the military service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself,” are some of lines taken from the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer that inspired an NCO induction ceremony.

Twenty newly promoted NCOs from 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were inducted into the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers during an induction ceremony held at McMahon Theater, Dec. 5.

“What we are trying to do in this battalion is reinvigorate the traditions and honors of our Noncommissioned Officer Corps,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Bellinger, senior enlisted leader, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg.

The ceremony was seeped in NCO traditions. On display were the four watch tables. Historically, in order to be recognized as an NCO the Soldier would have to pull

four watches where the Soldier would receive visitors that he would present with different gifts depending on the rank and watch level. Two poems, “The Boots of the NCO” and “A Soldier’s Request” were both read.

“I think doing these ceremonies is just the first step in a long path to getting better,” Bellinger said. “This shows my Soldiers that there is something to strive for and to be a noncommissioned officer is special and deserves the recognition.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen, senior enlisted leader of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., welcomed the inductees as the guest speaker.

“Congratulations on your induction to the NCO Corps; stick to the basics, be the best NCO you can be everyday,” Lehtonen said. “NCOs have a tough, demanding but very rewarding job. The Soldiers you lead are the heart of the Army.”

After Sgt. Maj. Jerome Nichols, operations sergeant major for 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., read the “Charge of the NCO” the inductees were called by name and crossed under a wooden arch that symbolized their crossing into the corps. They were then given a framed certificate with the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer.

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

“It was an honor to be inducted this way,” said Sgt. Tyler Veillette, a health care specialist, with Company B, 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg. “It’s nice that they did this ceremony and they are brining back the fundamentals of the corps; having this ceremony is a good inspiration and it reminds us of who we are becoming and the legacy behind it.”

After being inducted, the NCOs received well wishes, handshakes and were presented with a cake.

“This ceremony reinforces to the noncommissioned officers that they are important and they are special to the unit and it gives our young Soldiers something to look forward to that one day they will be able to stand under that arch and cross that line,” Bellinger said.

‘Death Dealers’ induct NCOs

Warhorse PridePage 4 Issue 118 Dec. 13, 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:ruth.a.pagan2.mil@mail.mil

Col. Omar Jones IV........................2nd BCT CommanderCommand Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen....2nd BCT CSMMaj. Chris Maestas.................................................PAO OICStaff Sgt. Andrew Porch..................................PAO NCOICStaff Sgt. Ruth Pagan.........................Layout and DesignSgt. Seth Barham........................................................Editor

Warhorse Pride

1-10 Cav. Reg.

3-16 FA Reg.

Soldiers with 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. qualified their Bradley fighting vehicles during a three-week gunnery. These pictures were taken Dec. 10 on range 155 during one of their final qualifying ranges.

Pfc. Johnathan Rasay, cannon crewmember, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., loads ammunition inside the M109A6 Paladin during the battalion’s gunnery qualification range, Dec. 5.

Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., watch as M109A6 Paladin fires a round during the battalion’s gunnery qualification range Dec. 5. The Paladin had not been fired in three years so as a safety precaution the Soldiers fired the first shot from outside the vehicle. Once they ensured there were not any safety risks they resumed their positions within the Paladin and fired the rounds required to qualify.

‘Warhorse’ goes to gunnery Photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

3-16 FARDyanne Beckman.........................................................526-1635dyanne.m.beckman.civ@mail.mil

1-67 ARValerie Mansapit...........................................................524-1476valerie.j.mansapit.civ@mail.mil

204th BSBBarbara Young...............................................................526-4172barbara.a.young.civ@mail.mil

2-8 INUrsula Pittman...........................................................526-0727ursula.t.pittman.civ@mail.mil 2 STBSpc. Morgan Madrick..............................................503-2602morgan.a.madrick.mil@mail.mil

Find us on Facebook at:http://www.facebook.com/2bct4id

2nd BCTValarie Adams............................................................524-4797valarie.a.adams.civ@mail.mil

1-10 CAVFrancy Avizu...............................................................526-1946francy.avizu.civ@mail.mil

FRSA Information

Family Readiness GroupPage 5 Issue 118 Dec. 13, 2012

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15 16 17 18 19 20~HHC, 2STB Breakfast @ COF~ 9:00 a.m.~3-16 Holiday Pary @Spe-cial Events Center~ 5:00 p.m.~HHC, 2STB Holiday Social~ 6:00 p.m.

World Arena Skate Day@ World Arena11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The Madrigal Singers of Glen Eyrie@ Terra Verde1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Christmas Symphony@ Pikes Peak Center2:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Celebra-tion@ Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Discovery Tour@ Cave of the Winds10:00 a.m. tours run every 30 mins. with the last one at 4:30 p.m.

Family Film Fun: Brave@ Fountain Library Branch6:30 p.m.h

~A Co., 204th Gift Wrapping @PX~ 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Classics @ Glen Eyrie Castle and Conference Center4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

~FSC, 1-67 Gift Wrapping @ PX~ 8:00 a.m.

Public Free Day at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Centerall day

~D Co., 1-67 Gift Wrapping @ PX~ 4:30 p.m.

December Magic@ MacK-enzie Place7:00 p.m.

Story by Andrea SutherlandMountaineer staff

Pay official explains BASBasic Allowance for Subsistence

is a benefit eligible active-duty Soldiers receive under

the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation and applies to enlisted personnel and officers. Paid in monthly stipends, the benefit covers meals for Soldiers while operating in garrison.

Officials from the Defense Military Pay Office at Fort Carson said the benefit does not apply when Soldiers deploy or take part in training missions, such as stints at the National Training Center or Joint Readiness Training Center.

The benefit does not apply to Family members.

“BAS has never been for Family

members,” said Jeyssa Coleman, lead, DMPO. “It’s for Soldiers.”

The benefit is an additional monetary bonus reflected in a Soldiers’ paycheck to offset the cost of living. Enlisted personnel and officers receive flat BAS rates, not determined by rank or Family status. Enlisted personnel receive $348.44 in BAS and officers receive $239.96.

The benefit does not apply when Soldiers deploy or participate in training operations, Coleman said.

“When they go to the field, they’re provided with hot meals — (Meals Ready-to-Eat) or chow,” she said. “If they were provided meals and received money for meals, that’s double dipping.”

According to Volume 7A, Chapter 25 of the DOD Financial Management Regulation, enlisted members are entitled to full BAS on a daily basis if “rations

in kind are not available, permission to mess separately is granted or emergency ration conditions are approved.” Partial BAS is granted when “subsisted in kind.”

BAS differs from other benefits, such as Basic Allowance for Housing, which is determined by rank, Family status and location. Soldiers with Families continue to receive BAH throughout training missions and deployments.

Visit http://comptroller.defense.gov/fmr/07a/07aarch /07A25g.pdf for more information on BAS.

Better Opportunities for Single SoldiersPage 6 Issue 118 Dec. 13, 2012