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Vol. 66, No. 9 Published in the interest of Division West (First Army) and Fort Carson community. Feb. 29, 2008 Visit the Fort Carson Web site at www.carson.army.mil. Word of the month: Persistent Photo by Pfc. April Campbell Drawing a crowd Staff Sgt. Steve Oullette, a tank commander with 1st Platoon, Company D, 1st stopped in the village, north of Baghdad, to speak with local leaders after completing Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th another mission. The Soldiers have learned some Arabic words needed to communicate Infantry Division, Multi-National Division — Baghdad, smiles as he listens to an eager with Iraqis, and some children in the village can speak and understand a little bunch of children gathered around him during a stop in Jalatah, Iraq. The Silver Lions English, which helps them to better communicate with American Soldiers. Four Soldiers injured in rollover accident Fort Carson Public Affairs Office others were released from Memorial Hospital Realistic training is not without risk. Leaders at all Monday. All the Soldiers are from 3rd Battalion, levels seek to mitigate risks, both in training and Four Soldiers were injured in an M992 Field 16th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, while deployed,” said Col. B. Shannon Davis, Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle rollover 4th Infantry Division. Mission Support Element deputy commander and accident Monday while training at Fort Carson’s The incident is under investigation by Fort chief of staff. “Unfortunately, these incidents local training area about two miles southwest of Carson Police and the Fort Carson Safety Office, in sometimes occur and we will thoroughly investigate the main post. coordination with the 2nd BCT Safety Office. the causes of this accident and share them Army- The condition of the Soldiers is as follows: “I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy wide to help prevent similar incidents and injury two Soldiers are now listed as stable and two to the Soldiers and families affected by this incident. to our Soldiers.” II Military Community Feature NN SS II D D Keeping Iraqi neighborhoods safe. Performing for Wounded Warriors. Piñon Canyon training. EE See Page 5 See Page 11 See Page 22-23 2 MOUNTAINEER — Feb. 29, 2008 Opinion/Editorial MOUNTAINEER Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Mark A. Graham I don’t know death Garrison Commander: Col. Eugene B. Smith Commentary by Sgt. Zach Mott Five Soldiers killed in one incident is the most my Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer: 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th brigade-the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Dee McNutt Division-has experienced in two-plus tours in Iraq. But, Chief, Print and Web Communications: Infantry Division, Multi-National Division — Baghdad Douglas M. Rule it was far more than that. These men who died were the Editor: Julie M. Lucas CAMP TAJI, Iraq — I don’t know death. good guys — the ones you root for when the times get Staff Writer: Michael J. Pach Death has visited the doors of my neighbors and tough. They were the ones who helped motivate an entire Happenings: Nel Lampe some of my friends. But his intrusions on my life have company of men to achieve great things. With the simple, Sports Writer: Walt Johnson been, thankfully, few and far between. My paternal mindless act of one coward, Staff Sgt. Gary Jeffries, Sgt. Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall Photojournalist: James H. Egbert grandmother died when I was barely old enough to know James Craig, Cpl. Evan Marshall, Spc. Brandon Meyer and who she was and my maternal grandmother died after a Pfc. Joshua Young were taken from the Families they both long battle with emphysema. That’s it. dearly loved and who dearly loved them. This commercial enterprise newspaper is I am currently on my second tour in Iraq and have The remaining members of that Jan. 28 patrol an authorized publication for members of the enjoyed relative calm in the 15 months I have spent responded not with rage against the well-hidden, Department of Defense. Contents of the “at war,” so to speak. I’ve fired a total of 45 rounds from heavily-armed enemy; instead, they responded with decisive Mountaineer are not necessarily the official view my assigned weapon while in Iraq. Forty of those rounds actions that fulfilled the Warrior Ethos of “I will never of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. Printed circulation is were aimed at silhouetted targets at a qualification leave a fallen comrade.” They fought back for nearly 12,000 copies. range and the other five were aimed at the dirt mound three hours to ensure their friends’ bodies did not end The editorial content of the Mountaineer surrounding the test-fire pit. My only experience with the, up as a war trophy for the enemy. is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, Tel.: omnipresent, by some accounts, roadside bombs was more Now more than a week removed from the attack, to (719) 526-4144. The e-mail address is than 200 meters in front of me and too small to damage listen to those men recount tales of their now deceased [email protected]. much more than the dirt it pushed into the sky. comrades is enough to bring a tear to even the most The Mountaineer is posted on the As a military journalist, my job is to go where the battle-hardened veteran’s eye. Internet at http://public.carson.Army.mil/ sites/PAO/mountaineer/archives/forms. Soldiers go and cover what they do. Through either a I can’t begin to understand these five men who died. The Mountaineer is an unofficial twist of fate, or some other force, those patrols, missions I can only go off the stories that were told and the publication authorized by AR 360-1. The and other tasks I’ve covered have been harm free. Death, emotions on the faces of their friends and brothers-in-arms. Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in it seems, does not have my address. From that, I can see they were well-loved, well-respected no way connected with the Department of the But, there are Soldiers here that know death all and deeply missed. Army, under exclusive written contract with too well. Some know it well enough that it’s become an I don’t want to know death — there’s far too much of it Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year. unwelcomed member of their squad/platoon/company/ floating around in this country. I know that every time I go The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, battalion/brigade/division/life. out the gate is another chance taken and another step closer does not constitute endorsement by the I covered a memorial ceremony recently for five to that ultimate fate. But I know if I am covering Soldiers Department of the Army or Colorado Springs Soldiers killed by an improvised-explosive device that like those described above, I will be in skilled hands that Military Newspaper Group, of the products or services advertised. The printer reserves the opened my eyes to a new level of pain and anguish. None are capable of accomplishing whatever mission lies ahead. right to reject advertisements. of the previous ceremonies I’ve covered hit me like the I can only hope that if death does knock at my door, Everything advertised in this publication emotional sucker punch this one provided. I am remembered as fondly as these five heroes were. 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 PPOOSSTT TTAALLKK equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation What programs or activities would you is corrected. For display advertising call (719) 634-5905. like to see at Fort Carson? 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 (719) 634-5905. The Mountaineer’s editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, building 1550, room 2180, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, phone (719) 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 “More ethnic activities, like “I’ve only been here for two “Basketball, football and boxing.” Mountaineer staff reserves the right to edit African dancing that I could months, but I think they have submissions for newspaper style, clarity and take my children to.” everything here.” Pvt. Ronald Becker typographical errors. Policies and statements reflected in the 43rd Area Support Group news and editorial columns represent views of Maya Gavin-Ellison Staff Sgt. Josh Leachman the individual writers and under no circum- Family Member Warrior Transition Unit stances 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 “They need a movie theater and “I’d like to see more outdoor “I think they need to do more Post information a bigger post exchange.” activities. At Fort Lewis, we financial workshops for 526-5811 had a lake on post.” deployed Families.” Sgt.

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