Carved in Stone, Soldiers' Memories Endure
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Vol. 63, No. 40 Published in the interest of the 7th Infantry Division and Fort Carson community Oct. 6, 2005 Visitisit thethe FortFort CarsonCarson WWeb site at www.carson.army.mil Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team hold their salute, and their Terrorism memorial Friday. Soldiers of the 2nd BCT now call Fort emotions, during the dedication of Fort Carson’s Global War on Carson home following their year-long deployment in Iraq. Carved in stone, Soldiers’ memories endure Story and Photos by Sgt. Matt Millham Because of his sacrifice, Beard’s was among the troops fighting overseas. 14th Public Affairs Detachment names of 114 Soldiers added to Fort Carson’s Global “Freedom isn’t free — it is a gift selflessly pur- In his third semester at North Carolina State War on Terrorism memorial Friday. chased at a great cost.” University, Bradley S. Beard was looking forward to a The memorial bears the names of 168 Fort Carson Mixon’s speech was forceful as he directed the promising career as an engineer. Soldiers, both active and National Guard, who have audience to remember the stories of the fallen troops The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, changed his plans. died in the Global War on Terrorism. and declared that the United States “must not stray Beard believed the only way to protect America “We owe it to them and we owe it to our nation to from the path of victory.” from another attack was to take the fight to the enemy, never forget their greatness,” Maj. Gen Robert W. To do so, he said, would dishonor our fallen so he dropped out of school and joined the Army as an Mixon Jr. said to a crowd of about 1,500 Soldiers and Soldiers. artillery mechanic. family members gathered around the memorial to The comment drew applause from many of the When the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry honor the fallen Soldiers. surviving family members who clutched yellow roses Division, got called to Iraq last year, Beard volun- Mixon, Fort Carson and 7th Infantry Division and, in some cases, handkerchiefs. teered to change units to join them. Soon after arriving commanding general, said the memorial is a power- in Ramadi, Iraq, Beard was killed by a roadside bomb. ful reminder of the sacrifices made by American See GWOT, Page 8 INSIDE THE Feature Happenings MOUNTAINEER Fire Prevention Opinion/Editorial Lucky to be here where it’s dry. Week kicks off Page 2 Tuesday. Military Army Ten-Miler changes course, See page 18 becomes fun run. Page 4 for details. Community Too fat for comfort? Find out why 2nd BCT cases, uncases colors Visitors can tour the Air Force losing weight isn’t easy. Page 11 at Carson. Academy, chapel and attend foot- Post Weather hotline: Sports ball games at Falcon Stadium. 526-0096 Weekend’s Pigskin Picks. Page 40 See Pages 24 and 25. See Pages 32 and 33. MOUNTAINEER 2 Oct. 6, 2005 Opinion/Editorial First, last and always ... Americans Hispanic-Americans’ contributions recognized during month-long celebration Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. Hernandez’s legacy whether they are serving in our 15 to Oct. 15, recognizes the contribution Hispanic- of duty and selfless military, in the workplace or in Americans have made to our nation. sacrifice can be found the community. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: Strong in all of us who wear The future requires that all of and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric.” the uniform. us continually build our society Our Army is a part of this American Fabric, and No matter the ethnic with a genuine concern for human Hispanic-American Soldiers have played a vital part background or religious values and principles. in the growth of our nation since its early beginning. preference, the American It is then that we can continue From the American and Spanish defenses along Soldier will always to weave the fabric of “strong the Gulf of Mexico during the American Revolution, answer the nation’s call and colorful threads” that we to today’s Global War on Terrorism, Hispanic- to duty and fight to call America. Americans have answered the nation’s call. preserve the freedoms On Monday, from 3-5 p.m. They have contributed greatly in the defense of and liberties that have at the Special Events Center, our country, 37 Hispanic-Americans have been been bestowed upon us please take time to celebrate the awarded our nation’s highest military award — the as a nation. wonderful contributions made by Medal of Honor. We must always Hispanic-Americans to our nation, Soldiers like Cpl. Rodolfo P. Hernandez — while remember, regardless of our defense, our Army and our defending Hill 142 near Wontong-ni, Korea on May our roots, we remain — communities. 31, 1951, his unit came under intense attack and his first, last and always — Army Retired Lt. Col. Vic comrades were forced to withdraw. Americans. Mixon Tise, a consultant with Consulting Remaining behind, Hernandez continued to fight We must never Group of the Americas and on as he ran out of ammunition. forget the achievements business leader in Southern Wounded by an exchange of grenades, of our Hispanic-American Soldiers have made. I Colorado, will be our guest speaker. Hernandez rushed the enemy armed only with rifle salute their accomplishments and the role they played There will also be cultural entertainment and and bayonet. in making our country what it is today — “the home food available for all in attendance. His actions resulted in killing six enemy soldiers of the free and the brave.” Please contact the 7th Infantry Division and and momentarily halting the enemy’s advance, allowing Hispanic-Americans have also contributed greatly Fort Carson Equal Employment Opportunity Office his unit to counterattack and retake Hill 142. to the growth and prosperity of our nation beyond at 526-9487 for more information. Hernandez’s story is just one of many “strong military service. and colorful threads” that make up our American fab- In government, in the arts and sciences, and in ric. His story of heroism and bravery is also visible professional sports, Hispanic-Americans have made Maj. Gen. Robert W. Mixon Jr. today in places like Sadr City, Baghdad and Tal Afar, a dramatic impact in our society and culture. 7th Infantry Division where American Soldiers are helping the Iraqi people During this month, take the time to reflect on and Fort Carson on the path toward democracy. how Hispanic-Americans maintain vital roles, commanding general Let us know what you’re thinking! Send your letter to the editor to: [email protected]. “I have friends in the “I think it is going to “I have family in the “It has not affected “How have area and it makes cause rent prices area and they had to me at all.” Hurricanes Katrina and me realize all the to rise as more evacuate to find a small things I take evacuees look for place to stay.” Spc. Justin Hollon Rita affected you?” for granted.” places to live.” 1st Bn, 8th Inf FSC Spc. Joshua Darby Spc. Blake Boles Kay Harris HHC, USAG HHC, 1st Bn, 503rd Inf Concessionaire MOUNTAINEER This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse- torial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Commanding General: publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the ment by the Department of the Army or Colorado Springs Affairs Office, building 1550, room 2180, Fort Carson, CO Maj. Gen. Robert W. Mixon Jr. Mountaineer are not necessarily the official view of, or Military Newspaper Group, of the products or services adver- 80913-5119, phone 526-4144. Public Affairs Officer: endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, tised. The Printer reserves the right to reject advertisements. Releases from outside sources are so indicated. Army Lt. Col. David Johnson Department of the Army, or Fort Carson. It is published week- Everything advertised in this publication shall be made News Service releases are received from Headquarters, ly, using photo-offset reproduction (or other printing process) available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, Department of the Army. The deadline for submissions to the Chief, Command Communications: by the Public Affairs Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physi- Mountaineer is close of business the Friday before the issue Douglas M. 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