1. Vol. 70 No. 29 July 20, 2012
Word of the month: Integrity
Photo by Samantha B. Koss
Rodeo days
The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard rides past Soldiers during
the opening ceremony at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Patriot/Fort Carson Night July 11.
to the nation and the community. Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commanding general,
4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, officially welcomed the rodeo crowd and Soldiers set up
Fifty Fort Carson Soldiers received outstanding service medallions for their commitment static displays outside the arena. See pages 22-23 for more.
IMCOM leaders visit post
By Anna Ciccotti briefing, a tour of the post and wished command places on customer service.
Special to the Mountaineer Army Olympians luck prior to their “Our aim is to take care of every
departure to London. Soldier, every Family member, every
Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, commander, The visit started Monday with a member of our workforce, every retiree
Installation Management Command and command update briefing given by the and veteran, every Gold Star Family and
assistant chief of staff for Installation garrison commander, Col. David wounded warriors. But at the end of (the)
Management, made his first visit to Fort Grosso, who illustrated Fort Carson’s day, no matter where your program starts,
Carson Monday-Tuesday since assuming mission, demographics, challenges and it all comes to you,” Ferriter said.
the post in November. opportunities. “We have placed on the garrison
The general, who commands the Acknowledging the “consensus of commander’s shoulders responsibility for
organization that oversees 184 Army spirit and the dedication of this team integrating and coordinating and creating
installations, was accompanied by here at Fort Carson,” Ferriter took the magic among the different services. …
IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Rice. The opportunity to highlight to the garrison
Ferriter leadership team received an orientation leaders in attendance the importance his
See Ferriter on Page 4
Message board INSIDE
Privately owned
weapons firing range
event Saturday from
9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m.
From Specker Avenue turn
on Cobra Lane near Gate 20.
Turn right at tank trail and Pages 32-33
follow red safety flag.
Page 13 Page 7

2. 2 MOUNTAINEER — July 20, 2012
MOUNTAINEER Survivor Benefit Plan
Commanding General:
Garrison Commander:
Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson
Col. David L. Grosso
Planning for Family’s
Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer:
Dee McNutt
Chief, Print and Web Communications:
Rick Emert
financial security Commentary by pay. The good news is that these payments are from
Editor: Devin Fisher Capt. Kurtis Maciorowski pretax dollars — premiums are taken from your retirement
Staff writer: Andrea Sutherland Chief, Legal Assistance Division pay before you are taxed on it, resulting in a lower tax
bill. Unlike most traditional insurance policies, SBP
Happenings: Nel Lampe
When you retire from military service, you receive payments adjust with the cost of living in the same way
Sports writer: Walt Johnson retirement pay based on your rank and number of years of that retirement pay does. This protects your Family from
Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall service. These payments continue until you die. Upon your inflation, which, over time, can significantly degrade
death, your surviving spouse can be left in a difficult financial the value of a normal insurance policy.
This commercial enterprise newspaper is position unless you have a Survivor Benefit Plan. SBP coverage can also be extended to your former
an authorized publication for members of the The Survivor Benefit Plan is an important tool that spouse. In fact, in the event of divorce, judges will often
Department of Defense. Contents of the allows you to plan for your Family’s financial security. require you to change your SBP coverage from spouse to
Mountaineer are not necessarily the official The SBP can be thought of as a type of life insurance. If former spouse coverage in the divorce decree. Normally,
view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or
the Department of the Army. Printed circulation
you elect to purchase the coverage, SBP will pay up to 55 if you want to change the coverage from spouse to former
is 12,000 copies. percent of your retired pay to your surviving spouse. spouse, you must make the election within one year of
The editorial content of the These payments continue until your surviving spouse the divorce. However, if the change is directed by a court
Mountaineer is the responsibility of the Public either dies or remarries. However, if your surviving order, as in a divorce decree, your former spouse can ask
Affairs Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, spouse remarries after the age of 55, he or she will for the change at any time, if you fail to do so. All other
Tel.: 526-4144. The e-mail address is
fcmountaineer@hotmail.com.
continue to receive payments for life. If your surviving aspects of former spouse coverage including benefits and
The Mountaineer is posted on the spouse remarries before 55, the payments will stop but premiums are the same as current spouse coverage.
Internet at http://csmng.com. will begin again if that marriage ends by death or divorce. Finally, SBP coverage can also protect your children.
The Mountaineer is an unofficial SBP coverage can be purchased at varying levels. You can either elect a spouse/former spouse and
publication authorized by AR 360-1. The However, in order to elect anything other than full coverage, children plan, or a children only plan. If you choose the
Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs
Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in
you must have the written consent of spouse/former spouse and children
no way connected with the Department of the your spouse. If no election is made at plan the children will only receive
Army, under exclusive written contract with the time of retirement, full coverage For questions or concerns payments if your spouse or former
Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year. is automatic. Once a specific SBP spouse remarries before the age of
The appearance of advertising in this coverage is chosen, it cannot be about the Survivor Benefit 55 or dies. Children will only receive
publication, including inserts or supplements,
does not constitute endorsement by the
changed except in cases of divorce Plan, contact the Fort payments until they turn 18 or 22
or the death of a beneficiary. if they are still in school. There is
Department of the Army or Colorado Springs
Military Newspaper Group, of the products or The premiums for full coverage
Carson Legal Assistance also an additional premium cost if
services advertised. The printer reserves the are monthly payments in the amount Office at 526-5572. you choose to include your children
right to reject advertisements. of 6.5 percent of the monthly retirement in the coverage.
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, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903, phone 634-5905.
The Mountaineer’s editorial content is
edited, prepared and provided by the Public
Affairs Office, building 1430, room 265, Fort
Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone 526-4144.
Releases from outside sources are so
indicated. The deadline for submissions to the
Mountaineer is close of business the week
before the next issue is published. The
Mountaineer staff reserves the right to edit
submissions for newspaper style, clarity and
typographical errors.
Policies and statements reflected in the
news and editorial columns represent views
of the individual writers and under no
circumstances are to be considered those of
the Department of the Army.
Reproduction of editorial material is
authorized. Please credit accordingly.
Classified advertising
329-5236
Display advertising
634-5905
Mountaineer editor
526-4144
Post information
526-5811
Post weather hotline
526-0096

3. July 20, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 3
CSM Green
takes on
garrison By Andrea Sutherland
Mountaineer staff
The garrison colors were passed once again, Tuesday, as
Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Kilpatrick ceded authority
and the garrison command team welcomed Command Sgt.
Maj. Steven O. Green as the new senior enlisted leader of
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson.
“The greatest thing about being in the U.S. Army is it’s
not based on one individual or one person or one leader,”
said Col. David Grosso, garrison commander. “The strength
of the U.S. Army, the backbone of the Army, is our
noncommissioned officer corps.”
Grosso expressed confidence that Green was the right
man for the command sergeant major slot.
“The NCO corps has produced another long and faithful
servant, a tireless worker and a tremendous leader that is
going to take and fill the shoes of Command Sgt. Maj.
Kilpatrick,” he said. “Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Green
comes to Fort Carson with a wealth of experience, making
him uniquely qualified to serve as the garrison command
sergeant major.”
Green, who recently served as command sergeant major
for the 3rd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, at Fort Photo by Spc. Nathan Thome
See Green on Page 4
Col. David Grosso, garrison commander, left, passes the garrison colors to Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Steven
O. Green during Tuesday’s change of responsibility ceremony held at Manhart Field.

4. 4 MOUNTAINEER — July 20, 2012
Fer riter in an environment where he sees this The employees presented coins also presented to Martha Reed,
from Page 1 practice everywhere, and everywhere were staff members from different DFMWR volunteer, for coordinating
he sees people who care. garrison directorates: Lt. Col. Mike activities within the shelter and ensuring
That magic is the feeling that we want Following the briefing, Ferriter Kropushek, on behalf of the Directorate proper support to the evacuees.
because of the world class customer recognized 13 IMCOM employees with of Emergency Services; Dean Quaranta, Following a windshield tour of
service and care that we have everywhere IMCOM commander coins for their public works; Gregory P. Joell and the installation, the group concluded the
we go,” he said. exceptional performance and selfless David S. Saenz, logistics; Rick Emert, visit at the Headquarters of the Army’s
Ferriter said he saw indicators here service displayed in response to the public affairs; Kristen Kea, Army World Class Athlete Program. The
that make the Installation Management recent Waldo Canyon Fire. Introducing Community Service; Staff Sgt. Daniel WCAP, which falls under IMCOM
Command so powerful. the awardees, the garrison commander L. Rasher, Headquarters Company, U.S. Family and Morale, Welfare and
“We are now in a time of money said that the efforts of the men and Army Garrison Fort Carson; and Sabine Recreation, is based at Fort Carson and
constraint and it doesn’t cost a penny women, both in uniform and civilian, Clark, Michelle Durgin, Charlotte has six other training sites scattered
to make somebody feel like a million were instrumental in helping to contain Laufer, Lori Martindale, William Reed across the nation. Ferriter and Rice
dollars, because it is all about what it the fire and minimize the loss of and Master Sgt. Robbie Rohren, met with the WCAP staff and gave a
is inside of us. That is my kind of lives and property in the Colorado Directorate of Family and Morale, formal sendoff to the 11 Soldiers the
going-in thought and I know we can Springs area throughout the emergency Welfare and Recreation. Army is sending to the Olympics.
do it.” He said he was proud to get out response efforts. A coin for outstanding service was The Soldiers include coaches and
athletes competing in wrestling,
shooting, racewalking, the modern
pentathlon and boxing.
“It was an extreme honor for
Lt. Gen. Ferriter and I to be here,
sit down with our Olympians and
tell them how proud we are of them
and their commitment as they go
Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, forward and represent the United
left, commander, States of America,” said Rice.
Installation “We trained and selected the
Management best Soldiers in the whole program
Command, addresses and our athletes here are our
a group of Fort ambassadors for the Army and they
Carson leaders know what it takes to be No. 1.”
during a visit Monday. He said that their determination
He complimented the and perseverance epitomize the
garrison command Warrior Ethos and are inspira-
on its focused unity tional for all, both at home and
and teamwork. He on the battlefield.
was accompanied “To be No.1 is to give my
by IMCOM Command best,” said Rice, who noted he is
Sgt. Maj. Earl Rice, confident the Soldiers will pull it
second from left. together and do nothing less than to
Photo by Anna Ciccotti bring home Olympic medals.
Gr een
from Page 3
Green wished Kilpatrick luck as the
former command sergeant major prepares
many opportunities that were ahead of me
— opportunities to make a difference in
Gates close for
Campbell, Ky., said he was looking
to take a position at Camp Atterbury Joint
Maneuver Training Center in Indiana.
the lives of Soldiers and their Families.”
Kilpatrick said he knew he faced
maintenance
forward to being a part of the Fort During his final speech at Fort many challenges, but always put the Routine maintenance will be
Carson community. Carson, Kilpatrick thanked his many mission to support the community first. conducted on the vehicle
“My Family and I are truly grateful supporters. “It’s been a long, but an unbelievable, barriers July 21.
and excited,” he said. “To Col. Grosso, “I am humbled to be among many rewarding journey for me,” he said.
sir, I look forward to serving alongside fine members of this community, not “Thank you for allowing me to state Gates will be closed to
you to continue to make Fort Carson only from Fort Carson, but the greater the pleasure and honor of personally inbound and outbound traffic
the ‘Best Hometown in the Army.’” Colorado Springs area and the Front knowing you.” during the following times:
Green thanked Kilpatrick for Range,” he said. Kilpatrick concluded with advice vGate 20, 7:15-8:15 a.m.;
mentoring him on the position. Kilpatrick shared his experience as for Green. vGate 5, 8:45-9:30 a.m.; and
“To Command Sgt. Maj. Kilpatrick, I the senior enlisted leader for the garrison, “I welcome you to this great
can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve a position he held for four years. community,” he said. “Though your tour
vGate 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
done for me and my Family to make this “I was filled with vigor and excite- is just commencing, two years will fly Times are approximate.
transition as smooth as possible.” ment,” he said. “I tried to anticipate the by so savor every moment you can.”
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/4THID
WWW.TWITTER.COM/@4THINFDIV
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/USER/THE4ID
WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/THE4ID
WWW.SLIDESHARE.NET/THE4ID

5. July 20, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 5
Garrison welcomes CSM Green
By Andrea Sutherland
Mountaineer staff
held numerous leadership positions within the
noncommissioned officer corps. He served as
team leader with 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry
As Command Sgt. Maj. Steven O. Green transi- Regiment; platoon sergeant for 2nd Battalion, 3rd
tioned into the role of garrison senior enlisted Aviation Reg.; senior drill sergeant for 1st Bn.,
leader, he also had to adapt to Colorado’s elevation. 222nd Aviation Reg.; and as a first sergeant in
“I’ve never been stationed in Colorado before. 1st Bn., 2nd Aviation Reg., among many others.
I’d never been to Colorado before,” he said. “The He completed four combat tours in support
elevation, you have to transition to it. You have to of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm,
make sure you’re hydrated.” Provide Hope in Somalia, Iraqi Freedom and
For the past few weeks, Green observed Enduring Freedom.
former Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Green has earned numerous awards, including
Kilpatrick before assuming duties Tuesday after Bronze Star medals, the Army Achievement
a change of responsibility ceremony held at Medal and several overseas operations medals.
Manhart Field. Green completed the Warrior Leader Course,
“I’m very excited to serve in this community Advance Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course
and to be a part of this community,” he said. and attended the U.S. Army Sergeants Major
A native of South Carolina, Green said his Academy. He also completed the Command
assignment at Fort Carson was the farthest west Sergeants Major Course, Battle Staff NCO
he’s been stationed. Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School and
“Fort Carson has always been one of the Drill Sergeant School.
top, sought after assignments,” he said, adding Green has held many command sergeant
that he is looking forward to hunting, fishing major positions, including his most recent
and learning how to ski. assignment as command sergeant major for 3rd
“I’ve been told that’s something I need to Bn., 159th Aviation Reg., at Fort Campbell, Ky.
learn how to do,” he said. “I just hope I don’t Despite his many leadership roles, Green said
break a limb.” this position will test him in new ways.
Green said his wife, Carolyn Green, and two “A lot of this job is outside the ordinary
sets of twin daughters, Imani and Imara, realm of leading Soldiers,” he said. “In here,
Photo by Spc. Nathan Thome Hayden and Hannah, are anxious to settle into the you’re not only leading Soldiers, you’re leading
Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Steven O. Green addresses the community and begin school. civilians and the community. It’s a whole different
audience during Tuesday’s change of responsibility ceremony “They’re looking forward to being here,” he said. aspect that will be a challenge for me, but I’m
at Manhart Field. Since joining the Army in 1987, Green has looking forward to it.”
Water Solutions
For Your Home!
No more hard water build-up
No more iron, odor or chlorine taste
Use less soap, softer clothing
Smoother skin and hair
Cleaner water for cooking, better taste
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Ask about salt and water delivery services!
®
Call your Culligan Man today for a FREE consultation!
$
12.95/month $
100 OFF
Try any Culligan Water System ®
Receive up to $100 OFF a
for only $12.95 per month Culligan® Whole House System
for 3 months (includes water softener and drinking water system)
Dealer participation may vary. Limited time offer. See dealer for Dealer participation may vary. Limited time offer. See dealer for
details. Not valid with other offers. Not redeemable for cash. details. Not valid with other offers. Not redeemable for cash.
©2012 Culligan International Company. ©2012 Culligan International Company.
715 South Academy Blvd. 1850 East Woodmen Rd. 412 Eagleridge Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80910 Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Pueblo, CO 81008 Pikes Peak Culligan
719-597-2311 719-277-0407 719-584-3028 Colorado Springs: 382-3100 | Pueblo: 545-7850
PikesPeakCulligan.com

6. 6 MOUNTAINEER — July 20, 2012
Miscellaneous
Fort Carson dining facilities hours of operation
German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge Dining facility Friday Saturday-Sunday Monday-Thursday
— training and testing is conducted monthly. Events Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
include swimming, marksmanship, track and field Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
events (100 meter dash, shot put, long jump and Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner: Closed
3,000-meter run) and a 12-kilometer road march. Wolf Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Soldiers with physical limitations can also participate Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
with an approved alternate event authorized by Dinner: Closed Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
medical personnel. Upon completion of all required
events, Soldiers are awarded a gold, silver or bronze Warfighter Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
badge; level is determined by results of the marks- (Wilderness Road Complex) Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
manship and road march. The foreign military award Dinner: Closed Dinner: Closed
is authorized to be worn on the Class-A or Army LaRochelle Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Closed Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Service Uniform. Soldiers should submit packets 10th SFG(A) Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
through their chain of command to Sgt. Michael Dinner: Closed Dinner: Closed
Phillips at 526-5282 or email michael.j.phillips6@
us.army.mil. Contact the officer-in-charge of the • Repair and utility/self-help — Call Gary personnel section, and a pen to complete forms.
event, Chief Warrant Officer David Douglas, at 720- Grant at 526-5844 or email gerald.l.grant2.civ Call 526-4730/4583 for more information.
250-1221 or email david.douglas1@us.army.mil. @mail.mil. Use this number to obtain self-help Army ROTC Green to Gold briefings — are held
Finance travel processing — All inbound and tools and equipment or a motorized sweeper. the first and third Tuesday of each month at noon
outbound Temporary Lodging Expense, “Do it • Base operations contracting officer at the education center, building 1117, room 120.
Yourself ” Moves, servicemember and Family representative — Call Terry Hagen at 526-9262 Call University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
member travel, travel advance pay and travel pay or email terry.j.hagen.civ@mail.mil for questions Army ROTC at 262-3475 for more information.
inquiries will be handled in building 1218, room 231. on snow removal, grounds maintenance and ETS briefings — for enlisted personnel are held the
Call 526-4454 or 524-2594 for more information. contractor response to service orders. first and third Wednesday of each month. Briefing
First Sergeants’ Barracks Program — is located in • Portable latrines — Call Jerald Just at sign in begins at 7 a.m. at the Soldier Readiness
building 1454 on Nelson Boulevard. The hours of 524-0786 or email jerald.j.just.civ@mail.mil to Building, building 1042, room 244, on a first-come,
operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The request latrines, for service or to report damaged first-served basis. Soldiers must be within 120 days
office assists Soldiers with room assignments and or overturned latrines. of their expiration term of service, but must attend
terminations. For more information call 526-9707. Legal services — provided at the Soldier Readiness the briefing no later than 30 days prior to their ETS
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club — The Fort Carson Processing site are for Soldiers undergoing the SRP or start of transition leave. Call 526-2240/8458.
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meets the third process. The SRP Legal Office will only provide Special Forces briefings — are held Wednesdays in
Tuesday of each month at the Family Connection powers of attorney or notary services to Soldiers building 1430, room 123, from noon to 1 p.m.
Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The SAMC is processing through the SRP. Retirees, Family Soldiers must be specialist to staff sergeant from any
open to all active members and those interested in members and Soldiers not in the SRP process can military occupational specialty, have a general
becoming future SAMC members. The club was receive legal assistance and powers of attorney at technical score of at least 107, be a U.S. citizen, score
originally a U.S. Forces Command organization of the main legal office located at 1633 Mekong St., 240 or higher on the Army Physical Fitness Test, and
elite noncommissioned officers but is now an building 6222, next to the Family Readiness Center. pass a Special Forces physical. Call 524-1461 or visit
Armywide program for individuals who have met Legal assistance prepares powers of attorney and the website at http://www.bragg.army.mil/sorb.
the criteria and have proven themselves to be performs notary services on a walk-in basis from
outstanding NCOs through a board/leadership 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays and Hours of Operation
process. Contact the SAMC president, Staff Sgt. Fridays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays.
Thomas Witt, at 526-5661 for more information. • In-processing — Monday-Thursday from
Recycle incentive program — The Directorate of Briefings 7:30-10:30 a.m.
Public Works has an incentive program to prevent • Initial and partial issues — Monday-
recyclable waste from going to the landfill. 75th Ranger Regiment briefings — are held Friday from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Participating battalions can earn monetary rewards Tuesdays in building 1430, room 150, from noon • Cash sales/report of survey — Monday-
for turning recyclable materials in to the Fort Carson to 1 p.m. Soldiers must private-sergeant first class Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Recycle Center, building 155. Points are assigned for with a minimum General Technical Score of 105; • Direct exchange and partial turn ins —
the pounds of recyclable goods turned in and every be a U.S. citizen; score 240 or higher in the Army Monday-Friday from 7:30-11:30 a.m.
participating battalion receives money quarterly. Call Physical Fitness Test; and pass a Ranger physical. • Full turn ins — by appointment only; call
526-5898 for more information about the program. Call 524-2691 or visit at http://www.goarmy.com/ 526-3321.
Directorate of Public Works services — DPW is ranger.html for more information. • Unit issues and turn ins — Call 526-
responsible for a wide variety of services on Fort Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training — 5512/6477 for approval.
Carson. Services range from repair and maintenance is held Aug. 21-23 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Education Center hours of operation — The
of facilities to equipping units with a sweeper and education center, building 1117, room 303c. This Mountain Post Training and Education Center,
cleaning motor pools. Listed below are phone training is required for all Soldiers asked to perform building 1117, 526-2124, hours are as follows:
numbers and points of contact for services: this solemn duty. Per Army Regulation 600-8-1, this • Counselor Support Center — Monday-
• Facility repair/service orders — Fort duty is limited to those in the ranks of sergeant first Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 11
Carson Support Services service order desk can be class to command sergeant major, chief warrant a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
reached at 526-5345. Use this number for emergencies officer 2-5 and captain and above. No reservations • Army Learning Center — Monday-
or routine tasks and for reporting wind damage, are required to attend training. Classes offered on a Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
damaged traffic signs or other facility damage. first-come, first-served basis. Call Jean Graves at • Defense Activity for Nontraditional
• Refuse/trash and recycling — Call Eric 526-5613/ 5614 for more information. Education Support and Army Personnel Testing —
Bailey at 719-491-0218 or email eric.e.bailey4. Disposition Services — Defense Logistics Agency Monday-Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m.
civ@mail.mil when needing trash containers, trash Disposition Services Colorado Springs, located in Repair and Utility self-help — has moved to building
is overflowing or emergency service is required. building 381, conducts orientations Fridays from 217 and is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Facility custodial services — Call Bryan 12:30-3:30 p.m. The orientations discuss DLA Medical Activity Correspondence Department office
Dorcey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey.civ@ processes to include turning in excess property, hours — The Correspondence (Release of Infor-
mail.mil for service needs or to report complaints. reutilizing government property, web-based tools mation) Office in the Patient Administration Division
• Elevator maintenance — Call Bryan available, special handling of property and environ- hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday 7:30 a.m.
Dorc-ey at 526-6670 or email bryan.s.dorcey. mental needs. To schedule an orientation, contact to 4:30 p.m. and closed Thursday and federal
civ @mail.mil. Arnaldo Borrerorivera at arnaldo.borrerorivera holidays. Call 526-7322 or 526-7284 for details.
• Motor pool sludge removal/disposal — @dla.mil for receiving/ turn in; Mike Welsh at Claims Office hours — are Monday-Friday from 9
Call Dennis Frost at 526-6997 or email mike.welsh@dla.mil for reutilization/web tools; or a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. The Claims Office is
dennis.j.frost.civ@mail.mil. Rufus Guillory at rufus.guillory@dla.mil. located on the first floor of building 6222, 1633
Retirement briefings — are held from 8 a.m. to noon Mekong Street. Shipment under Full Replacement
BOSS meetings are the second and third Wednesday of each month at Value claimants must submit Department of Defense
held the first and third the Joel Hefley Community Center conference room, Form 1840R to the carrier within 75 days. Shipment
Thursday of each 6800 Prussman Ave. The Retirement Services Office under Defense Personal Property Program claimants
month from 2-3:30 recommends spouses accompany Soldiers to the must log into the Defense Personal Property System
p.m. at The Foxhole. briefing. Call 526-2840 for more information. at http://www.move.mil and report all the items
Contact Cpl. Rachael Reassignment briefings — are held Tuesdays online within 75 days. Claims must be submitted
Robertson at 524-2677 for Soldiers heading overseas and Thursdays for within nine months directly with carriers to receive
or visit the BOSS office personnel being reassigned stateside. The briefings full replacement value for missing and destroyed
in room 106 of The Hub for more information. are held in building 1129, Freedom Performing Arts items. All other claims should be submitted to Fort
Text “follow CarsonBOSS” to 40404 to receive Center; sign-in is at 7 a.m. and briefings start at 7:30 Carson Claims Office within two years of the date of
updates and event information. a.m. Soldiers are required to bring Department delivery or date of incident. Call the Fort Carson
of the Army Form 5118, signed by their unit Claims Office at 526-1355 for more information.

7. July 20, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 7
Cooks take to field
Story and photos by Sgt. Khori Johnson
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office,
back to their current mission.”
Fuentes, along with the Fort Carson team non-
couple of times,” said Pfc. Michael Hatton, food
service specialist, GSSC, GSB, 10th SFG(A). “Rain,
4th Infantry Division commissioned officer-in-charge, Staff Sgt. Christian wind … we’ve learned to adapt to pretty much anything.”
Deane from Group Service Support Company, Group Through extensive field training, adaptability and
Food service specialists across Fort Carson are Support Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group teamwork, the Fort Carson team stands ready to take
working together to create a field dining experience (Airborne), built the team from the best food service on the other seven teams within FORSCOM, vying
worthy of earning first place in the Philip A. Connelly specialists from across the post to represent the “Best for first place against rival teams from Fort Hood,
Awards program, a competition that recognizes excel- Hometown in the Army.” Texas, and Fort Bragg, N.C.
lence in field kitchen operations and food service. The Philip A. Connelly Awards program was If the Fort Carson team places first at the
Constructing a field kitchen site, complete with established in 1968 to recognize superiority in FORSCOM level of the competition, they will move
sanitation tent, dining area and a trailer-mounted, Army food service among servicemembers and on to represent the Mountain Post at the Department
containerized field kitchen, the team has trained civilians. The competition was named after Philip of the Army Philip A. Connelly Awards program.
nearly every day since May in preparation for the A. Connelly, former president of the International “We’ve been working together extremely well,”
U.S. Army Forces Command level of the competition. Food Service Executives Association. said Hatton. “I’m pretty confident (in our team).”
The daily operation of the field kitchen site is Preparing for the arrival
centered on the basic elements of food service, such of FORSCOM representa-
as sanitation, meal preparation and creating an tives to evaluate the kitchen
overall positive atmosphere for Soldiers to enjoy, said site, the team’s ability to
Sgt. Albert Fuentes, training noncommissioned officer, adapt and overcome has been
60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment tested multiple times, over-
Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, coming growing pains and
“We’re here to feed Soldiers,” said Fuentes. “We dealing with poor weather.
try to give them a relaxing environment to have a “We’ve had weather kind
nutritional meal, so they can head back to training or of beat up the field site a
Spc. James Grantham, food service specialist, Troop D, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, peels cucumber for a salad.
Spc. Joshua Thorbjornsen, food
service specialist, Group Service
Support Company, Group Support
Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group
(Airborne), prepares gravy in the
trailer-mounted, containerized field
kitchen located on the Fort Carson
team field kitchen site, July 12.
Pfc. Michael Hatton, food service
specialist, Group Service Support
Company, Group Support Battalion,
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne),
adds peppers and onions to pepper steak.

8. 8 MOUNTAINEER — July 20, 2012 July 20, 2012 — MOUNTAINEER 9
dare not make one sound or they would be down on his name just drifted away from me over the years.” to settle in. He didn’t spook too badly. Some kids
you. … Over the hour, hour-and-a-half period that Although he doesn’t recall the Soldier’s name, would have really fallen apart like that.”
we were huddled there, we didn’t say very much. We Krajeski remembers his demeanor and commitment After the war, Krajeski returned home to
actually touched once in a while to give ourselves a to the mission. Nebraska. He left the Army as a master sergeant,
little feeling that we’re not alone.” “He was the kind of guy that didn’t panic when enrolled in the journalism program at the
As the Japanese continued to mill above them we got up in that terrible land,” he said. “We had to be University of Nebraska, and reunited with his
near the entrance to the cave, Krajeski’s third quiet and had to sit there and wait for the Japanese childhood friend, Darlene Mecham.
miracle occurred. “I knew where her apartment was,
“We had light flares from the boats and I went to knock on her door,”
Maj. Gen. off in the sea. They shut them off for Krajeski said. “Instead of (a) big hug or
Joseph (the mission),” he said. “About three something she stood there. I said, ‘Lady,
Anderson, or four hours up on that escarpment, could you spare a crust of dry bread for
commanding waiting for those Japanese to go to bed, an old Soldier?’ And she closed the
general, 4th the good lord or a drunken sailor pushed door. I stood there a moment. … She
Infantry a button, and a night flare came up came back and opened the door and
Division and immediately over the top of us. It couldn’t handed me a dry crust of bread. It only
Fort Carson, have been placed better.” took us six months after that.”
talks with Krajeski said the Japanese rushed John and Darlene Krajeski married
Darlene into the cave, fearing an attack. Krajeski in 1948. For three years they ran a
and John and the other Soldier rushed up the newspaper in Nebraska, before heading
Krajeski hillside, heaving their TNT into the cave. to Colorado to stake claim on soil John
July 11 in his “When that bomb goes off — 50-100 Krajeski said was rich with uranium.
office at the pounds of TNT — it was a horrendous But John Krajeski’s myasthenia gravis
4th Inf. Div. blow,” he said. “It blew those big rocks took hold and he couldn’t work due to
headquarters up in the air, and we heard them coming his condition.
building. down. If one had hit us on the head Darlene Krajeski worked as a nurse
Photo by Andrea Sutherland
we wouldn’t be here today. … It was while her husband stayed home and
WWII vet
something to remember. It’s something raised their children.
that sticks with you.” Despite his heroics, John Krajeski
The two Soldiers ran back to the beach rarely discussed the war.
where they were greeted by their comrades. “He never mentioned this for
Hero receives medals “My lieutenant, I don’t think he
expected to see me come back,” Krajeski
said. “He wrote the (citation) up the
next day.”
Because they were able to blow up
years,” Darlene Krajeski said. “Once in
a while he would bring up something
that would happen in the service, but
he never would talk about it.”
It wasn’t until 2006 that John
67 years after heroic acts
the cave, Krajeski said U.S. troops Krajeski said he felt compelled to receive
pushed past the Japanese and eventually the medals he’d earned.
overtook the island. “Ordinarily, a 19-year-old boy and
“That was the last major fight that another 19-year-old boy, we shouldn’t
we had to get land to get the Japanese have been there. It was ridiculous and
back. It was very important,” he said. anybody who had experience wouldn’t
By Andrea Sutherland Krajeski took the stage. When “After we broke through on that, it even consider going up there at night to
Mountaineer staff the attention to orders was only took us a month of much easier do that,” he said. “The Silver Star … it
called, Krajeski stood as fighting the rest of the way to the end represents that the particular person that
John Krajeski says he is finally at peace. straight and tall as he could. of the island.” gets the star has done something above
“I think I sleep better at night, now,” he said, His hands remained open, and beyond the call of duty.
chuckling. “I wanted at least this recognition. … It was unable to close into fists due to Recognition “Now that I have it, I feel honored
something I needed to do before I went to my grave.” myasthenia gravis — a chronic As he’s aged, names of the men he and at peace.”
For years, Krajeski, 86, had been trying to receive autoimmune neuromuscular served with elude Krajeski.
the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals he had been disease that causes debilitating He can’t remember the name of the
promised 67 years earlier after performing heroic muscle weakness. Soldier who stood by his side throughout A Soldier poses near the entrance of
actions on the island of Okinawa, Japan. As Anderson clipped the mission to the cave. a cave similar to the one bombed by
His lieutenant wrote up the paperwork for the the medals to his lapel, “I called him ‘Shorty’ instead of his Pfc. John Krajeski June 10, 1945.
citation, but Krajeski stored it in a duffel bag with Krajeski’s face filled with real name,” he said. “For some reason Courtesy photo
the rest of his Army paperwork. The bag remained in emotion.
his mother’s basement until 1980 when Krajeski “It’s such a wonderful
found it while helping his mother move. honor,” he said.
“I promised myself that I would follow up on
that. … I didn’t really pay attention on following up Three miracles John
on it until (2006),” he said. Krajeski said he Krajeski’s
More than 60 years after the original citation was
written, Krajeski began his quest to receive the
medals, writing hundreds of letters and emails and
making dozens of phone calls to members of
Congress and officials within the Army.
experienced three miracles
throughout his time as a private with the
17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Inf. Div.
The first came after he fell into the ocean trying
to navigate across the boats after landing at Okinawa.
Courtesy
photo
Silver Sta
citation.
r
What is a Silver Star?
The Silver Star awarded to any person who, while the Navy Department for actions
would help, so I got a friend of mine from another
“I wrote to all the senators, but they all said is the third-highest serving in any capacity with the on or after Dec. 7, 1941, (Public
“I had all my combat items on plus all kinds of company and we volunteered to blow up that cave.”
they couldn’t help me,” he said. “That hurt my military decoration armed forces, distinguishes himself Law 702, 77th Congress).
heavy things like throwing grenades,” he said. Armed with their weapons and 100 pounds of
feelings, badly.” awarded to a by extraordinary heroism involving U.S. Army records estimate that
As he started to sink, Krajeski said he grabbed TNT, Krajeski and another Soldier made their way
Government and military officials said Krajeski’s member of any one of the following actions: the number of Silver Stars awarded
hold of a piece of netting that hung 15 feet below across the hills to the bottom of an escarpment below
records burned in the 1973 fire at the National branch of the United * In action against an enemy of for World War II to present is
the boat deck. the mouth of the cave.
Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. States armed forces. the United States somewhere around 73,650. While
“I was able to grab those nettings and come “We had about an hour and a half or two hours
Armed only with the citation from his duffel bag, It is also the third * While engaged in military that number seems quite large,
crawling up like a squirrel or a monkey and I just got of steady walking and being careful, from where our
Krajeski continued in his pursuit, finding help from highest award given for operations involving conflict when compared to the more than
out before those boats crashed back together again.” people were, to get to this escarpment,” he said. “We
an organization based in Washington, D.C. valor in the face of the enemy. with an opposing foreign force 16 million American men and women
Another miracle occurred after a bomb landed in kept whispering what we got to do and what we’re
“I wish I knew exactly what was pushing me,” The Silver Star is awarded * While serving with friendly foreign who have served in uniform during
his foxhole. going to do. When we finally got there, we made an
Krajeski said. “It was so important to me. I was going for gallantry in action against an forces engaged in an armed that time period, it is evident that
“It hit 20 inches in front of me,” he said. “I heard agreement. We are not going to make any mistakes;
to stay with it until I couldn’t breathe anymore. … I enemy of the United States not conflict against an opposing the Silver Star is a rare award,
it come bump, bump, bump down into my hole, but it we’re not going to do anything too fast; we’re not
wanted at least this recognition.” justifying one of the armed force in which the United bestowed on fewer than one in every
didn’t explode. … It was a dud.” gonna try and be heroes; we’re going to be careful.”
In a formal ceremony, July 11, at the 4th Infantry two higher awards — States is not a belligerent party 220 veterans of military service.
The third miracle came June 10, 1945, two weeks As the two Soldiers made their way up the
Division headquarters, Krajeski was pinned with the the service crosses The Silver Star was established References:
after Krajeski celebrated his 19th birthday. escarpment, shattered coral on the hillside cut into
honors by Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commanding (Distinguished Service by President Woodrow Wilson http://www.hrc.army.mil/;
After months of intense fighting on Okinawa, their hands and feet.
general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. Cross, the Navy Cross, as a “Citation Star” during World http://www.homeofheroes.com/
Soldiers knew the key to capturing the island rested “We bled all the way to the top,” Krajeski said.
“It’s guys like (Krajeski), that’s why we are or the Air Force Cross), War I and it remained exclusively alor/02(underscore)awards/
with the destroying of a single cave from which Just below the top of the escarpment, Krajeski
the greatest country,” Anderson said during the the second-highest an Army decoration until Aug. 7, 04(underscore)ss.html;
Japanese soldiers fought. and his companion waited.
ceremony. “Most of our heroes who earn these military decoration, or 1942, nearly a year after World http://wwiifoundation.org/
American troops made repeated attempts to claim “We must have been there one to two hours, and
awards say, ‘I was just doing my job,’ and I know the Medal of Honor, the War II began. On that date, the our-mission/wwii-facts-figures/
the territory, but were forced to retreat four days in a what we would whisper to each other was ‘Don’t
he would say the same thing. … Today is about highest decoration. Silver Star Medal was expanded
row to their morning foxholes, Krajeski said. do any noise. Don’t sneeze; don’t do anything. If
recognizing bravery and courage.” The Silver Star may be by Act of Congress for award by — Compiled by Anna Ciccotti
“They asked for someone to volunteer to blow you have to go potty, you go in your pants.’
Dressed in his Eisenhower wool uniform, up that cave and I hesitated a long time, but no one “It was so tense, you just could not function. You