Published in the interest of the Fort Carson Community. Visit the Fort Carson website at http://www.carson.army.mil.
Vol. 79, No. 39Oct. 1, 2021
Art in the Park is Saturday at
Iron Horse Park from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m.
Photo by Capt. Tobias Cukale
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, maneuver an M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle into position before beginning a platoon live-fire exercise lane Sept. 10 on a range at Fort Carson. Unlike dismounted infantry platoon live fires, mechanized infantry platoons must also plan for the employment of their Bradley vehicles to be effective on the battlefield. See more on Page 5.
DPW prepares for cooling to heating By Susan C. Galentine Directorate of Public Works sustainability specialist
The Directorate of Public Works (DPW) operations and maintenance contractor, T&H Services, begins the seasonal transition from cooling to heating in early October.
Although the process to turn off cooling to buildings begins in early October, activating heating systems is based on seasonal temperatures or as directed by the garrison commander to conserve energy and reduce installation utility costs.
The following is a tentative schedule, subject to change as weather dictates, for shutting down and isolating cooling systems. During this period, buildings’ heating systems will go through a check and be prepared for heating season.
• Early October: All child care facilities, Soldier barracks, community service facilities (chapels, legal, etc.), operational dining facilities and post and division headquarters buildings.
• Mid October: All remaining buildings, facilities and industrial areas.
During heating season, the temperature for comfort heating is set in accordance with command policy. The policy requires temperature set points for barracks and offices to be set at 70 degrees to keep the space temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees during occupied hours. Due to special requirements, medical facilities will keep the temperature in their facilities at 72 degrees and child care/youth facilities no warmer than 74 degrees.
Maintenance shops, bays, supply areas, warehouses, gymnasiums and hangars should be set at 60 degrees.
During periods where facilities are
unoccupied, the building temperatures should be set back to 55 degrees and monitored during cold periods to prevent damage from pipes freezing.
If heating is needed higher than the policy temperature ranges, an exception must be requested through the DPW.
For more information about the cooling to heating season transition, call DPW at 719-526-9241 or email jason.r.giberson.civ@mail.mil.
Building occupants can call in service orders for maintenance and repair, including heating issues, to the contractor at 719-526-5345. Service orders can be called in 24/7.
Display / Classified advertising 634-5905
Garrison Commander: Col. Nate Springer
Garrison Public Affairs Officer: Dee McNutt
Chief, Print and Web Communications: Rick Emert
Editor: Aleah M. Castrejon
Staff writer: Scott Prater
Sports writer: Walt Johnson
Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall
This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Mountaineer are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. Printed circulation is 8,000 copies.
The editorial content of the Mountaineer is the respon sibility of the Public Affairs Office, Fort Carson, Colo., Tel.: 526-4144. The e-mail address is editor@fortcarsonmountaineer.com.
The Mountaineer is posted online at http://www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com.
The Mountaineer is an unofficial publication authorized by AR 360-1. The Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, of the products or services advertised. The publisher reserves the right to reject advertisements.
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, 235 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, phone 634-5905.
The Mountaineer’s editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, building 1220, room 221, 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 Friday 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.
2 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
CommentaryCommentary
Military 5 Soldiers maintain deployment
readiness 6 Suicide prevention: Families
urge others to seek help 8 Blazing a new trail 9 Soldiers engage with community 10 Military briefs
Community 11 Quality child care: Carson FCC
provider goes extra mile 12 Pool season closes with Dog Splash 14 Cheyenne Shadows pro named
Colorado PGA patriot 15 Shred it! 16 The Journey (Chapel series):
‘Living on a Prayer’ 17 Community briefs
In addition 20 Classified
12
5
11
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division
QUANTICO, Va. — Special Agent Gregory D. Ford assumed responsibility as director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), during a transfer of authority ceremony Sept. 17 at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia.
Ford is the first civilian special agent assigned as the director for the organization since it was established as a major command on Sept. 17, 1971. Ford assumed authority from Brig. Gen. Duane Miller, who served in the position since August.
Miller will remain as the provost marshal general of the Army and the commander of the Army Corrections Command.
“It is my great privilege to lead the organization through this time of unprecedented change,” Ford said. “CID has a long proud history of service to the Army and the nation. The transformation occurring now is not meant to erase or minimize that history, but rather to build upon it to ensure CID is ever ready to provide superior criminal investigative support to the total force across all domains and in all locations around the globe in order to maintain the readiness of the United States Army.”
As Ford becomes director, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is being renamed the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. A name first associated with the
organization in 1918, when Gen. John Pershing directed the provost marshal general of his American Expeditionary Forces to organize a criminal investigation division within the Military Police Corps for the purpose of detecting and preventing crimes within the territory occupied by the American Expeditionary Forces.
Previously announced by the Army in May, the CID restructure follows recommendations from the Fort Hood
Courtesy photo
Christopher Lowman, left, administers the Oath of Office to Special Agent Gregory Ford, swearing him in as the first civilian director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division at the Pentagon, Sept. 17 in Arlington, Virginia.
See CID on Page 4
NewsNews 3Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
Mon.-Fri. 8-6 • Sat. 8-5 • Sun. 9-5
$10.00 OFF A FULL SERVICE
OIL CHANGE! Valid only at 350 South 8th St. and 3795 Airport Rd., Colorado Springs, CO. Not valid with any other offers.
Offer expires 10/31/21. MTFS10
LESS HASSLE, MORE HUSTLE!
Every Full Service is a 16-Point Preventive Maintenance Review!
350 South 8th St.350 South 8th St. • 719-520-0064719-520-0064 3795 Airport Rd.3795 Airport Rd. • 719-570-6112719-570-6112
Don’t Fall Behind Don’t Fall Behind on Maintenance!on Maintenance!
OFFER VALID ONLY AT
THE BELOW COLORADO SPRINGS
LOCATIONS
Don’t Fall Behind Don’t Fall Behind on Maintenance!on Maintenance!
Most dental insurance accepted, including United Concordia for
MILITARY DEPENDENTS
Professionals in Dentistry, LLC
Dr. Ryan D. Baros
Committed to providing our patients with skilled, caring and gentle dental care.
New Patients and Children are Welcome
513 Kiva Dr., in Security To schedule your appointment call
392-5300 NO
12 months.
WITHOUT INTEREST!
October is Army Energy Action Month
Small efforts can conserve energy, save money By Susan C. Galentine Directorate of Public Works sustainability specialist
October is Army Energy Action Month, which ties in to National Energy Awareness Month observed across the country. The Army’s 2021 Energy Action Month theme is “Power to Win.”
The Army’s energy focus is resiliency. Energy resiliency means being able to carry out the mission in the face of catastrophes.
“Efficiency plays heavily into resiliency because the most resilient form of power is the power you don’t need to complete the mission,” said Sean Bogren, energy manager, Directorate of Public Works. “Fort Carson is a leader in energy and continues to harden its energy posture through efficiency and redundancy.”
Although Fort Carson derives a large portion of energy from renewable sources like solar and hydropower and continually seeks to grow its renewable energy portfolio, overall annual utility costs are sizeable.
In fiscal 2020, Fort Carson paid about $22.8 million — or an average of $62,400 a day — for electric, natural gas and water use. Soldiers and staff are critical in helping the installation reduce utility costs and achieve energy and water goals.
The following information, published with permission from Colorado Springs Utilities, provides useful information for Fort Carson community members to help reduce their energy-related costs during October and throughout the year.
Top 10 tips under $10 Being more energy efficient does not have to be
expensive or difficult. Colorado Springs Utilities, Fort Carson’s utility provider, made it easy by creating a list. Small energy behavior changes can add up to large energy overall savings.
1. Turn the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer.
In the winter, keep thermostats at 68 degrees when at home and put a sweater on if it gets chilly, and 60 degrees when people are not at home or sleeping. During the summer, set the air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees when at home and 85 degrees when away. (Fort Carson energy policy: Facility temperatures are set no higher than 70 degrees for heating in winter and no lower than 74 degrees for cooling in summer.) (Free)
2. Turn off lights in empty rooms. On average, home lighting accounts for 10-15%
of the energy bill. Be sure to flip the switch when leaving a room. (Free)
3. Microwave food, use a toaster oven or grill rather than a conventional oven.
Avoid using a large conventional oven when cooking small portions of food. Microwaves and toaster ovens use much less energy but cook foods just as well. In the summer, use an outdoor grill. (Free)
4. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. Helps conserve the amount of natural gas used to
heat the water that a dishwasher and washing machine
need. People will not only be saving energy, but water too. (Free)
5. Use the sun and window coverings to control the temperature in the home.
Open window coverings on sunny days to let in the sun’s warmth. Close them at night or on cloudy days to keep the cold air out. Use draperies, blinds, curtains or shutters on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass. (Free)
6. Adjust the temperature on the water heater.
Water heating typically accounts for 16% of a home energy bill. Set water heater temperatures no higher than 120 degrees. (Free)
7. Position furniture in the home for optimal comfort.
Make sure furniture is placed next to inside walls instead of outside walls and away from drafty windows. Avoid blocking heat registers and returns with furniture, draperies or carpet. (Free)
8. Seal leaks and cracks especially around windows and doors.
Poorly sealed homes allow heated air to escape through gaps. Caulking and weather-stripping reduces uncomfortable drafts and lowers energy bills. ($10)
9. Replace old light bulbs with LEDs. By replacing 25% of lights in high-use areas with
LEDs, homeowners can cut their lighting costs in half. ($3 to $7 per bulb)
10. Check and replace furnace and A/C filters. Replace furnace and air conditioner filters
every 30 days to maximize its operating efficiency. A dirty filter makes the equipment work harder to push air through it. ($10)
The Springs Utilities website, https://www. csu.org, offers a wealth of links for consumer conservation information to help consumers on and off Fort Carson cinch their utility belts.
Courtesy image
Prescriptions changes
By Jeanine Mezei U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Carson Public Affairs Office
Beginning Sept. 30, TRICARE beneficiaries can choose from three locations on Fort Carson to pick up prescription refills.
The Mountain Post Soldier Center (MPSC) Pharmacy and the ScriptCenter kiosks located at Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) and the Fort Carson Main Exchange (PX) will be the designated locations for prescription- refill pick up.
The Soldier Family Care Center Pharmacy at
EACH will no longer be available for prescription refill pick up.
To request a refill, call the Automated Prescription Refill System at 888-745-6427 or 719-524-4081. Refills will be ready for pick up three days after the request is placed. Beneficiaries with a new prescription, who wish to request it with an existing refill, can pick up both prescriptions at the MPSC Pharmacy.
The MPSC Pharmacy is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 6351 Wetzel Ave., building 1525.
The EACH ScriptCenter kiosk is located at the Main
Outpatient Pharmacy for beneficiaries to conveniently and securely pick-up refill prescriptions 24/7.
The PX ScriptCenter kiosk is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, during PX hours of operation.
Beneficiaries must create an account at the ScriptCenter before they request a refill at the kiosk.
Stock image
Independent Review Committee. The restructure effort splits the duties that were previously assigned to one person, dual-hatted as both the CID commanding general and the Army’s provost marshal general, to focus the new civilian leadership solely on the criminal investigative process. Ford’s selection as director is an important step forward and one of several changes to come as the restructure process continues.
Ford said the transformation “will require a shift in how CID views itself and how it is viewed by others. Historically, the organization was viewed as an Army command tasked with law enforcement duties. We must now clearly establish CID as an elite federal law enforcement agency that operates within and in support of the Department of the Army.
“I would like to encourage every member of CID to be a part of the change and to actively contribute ideas to the discussion,” said Ford during his first address to the newly named division. “While the organization is comprised of active-duty agents, civilian agents and a variety of professionals who support those agents, we are one CID and need to remain focused on the criminal investigative mission. The organization has many talented and dedicated people who are committed to ensuring CID meets the unique needs of the Army and sets the bar for the military criminal investigative organizations.”
Under the restructure, CID will feature a higher ratio of civilian criminal investigators to military special agents in order to increase investigative experience, stability and grow effective partnerships with local and regional law enforcement agencies.
“To bring about that change, CID leadership will focus on four complementary lines of effort: operational excellence, talent management, modernization and partnerships,” said Ford. “Additionally, the organization will commit to a culture of multi-tiered internal oversight and continuous assessment.”
Christopher Lowman, the senior official performing the duties of the under secretary of the Army, hosted the ceremony and thanked Miller for his leadership and contributions during his tenure at CID.
“General Miller, thank you for your hard work over the last three years,” Lowman said. “We look forward to your continued efforts in synchronizing Army law enforcement across the enterprise.”
Lowman stressed his confidence in Ford as he assumes the position as the first civilian director of CID.
“Greg will undoubtedly shepherd us
from this initial starting point to the aim point of our redesign,” Lowman said. “I am convinced that he will be supported by those agencies and working groups that have already brought us this far.
“This ceremony is only the beginning, Director Ford. You have a challenging task ahead of you. Rest assured, you have the full support of the leaders in this room and across the Army. You have an outstanding group of special agents and investigative professionals hard at work.”
In his last official act as CID commanding general, Miller addressed the law enforcement professionals he has known for the past several years.
“Today marks an important change within the Military Police Corps and our Army,” Miller said. “Great organizations continuously seek ways to improve and in some cases those changes can seem daunting. However, if we never realize the new possibilities that loom on the horizon, we may never reach excellence, but that’s not the case for CID nor is it the United States Army way.”
Miller said he is fully confident Ford will deliver CID to the next level.
“When I look to the future of CID, I see nothing but continued professionalism
and increasing capabilities for the Military Police Corps and our Army,” Miller said. “The role that CID plays in the Army’s story is ever evolving. Now, Greg and his team have the honor of guiding us through the next phase of its journey.”
During the ceremony, Ford thanked his Family and circle of friends, and Miller “for the open and candid discussions we’ve had over the last several weeks and for turning over such a professional and dedicated team.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the secretary of the Army and the chief of staff of the Army for their faith and confidence to appoint him to this position, stating he is “honored to have been selected as the first civilian director of Army CID.”
“We have an important mission; first to prevent crime and protect life and then to investigate criminal allegations to uncover the truth,” said Ford. “We cannot succeed if we don’t hold ourselves to a higher standard than others would hold us to.”
A veteran federal law enforcement officer with a skillset of more than 20 years at both the local and federal level, Ford was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in December 2018. His experience includes 16 years at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) where he most recently served as the deputy director of operations. Ford joins CID as it reaches its 50th year as the Army’s independent investigative agency.
Ford began his career with NCIS in 2004. Prior to that he served in the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, Washington, D.C., and on the FBI Washington, D.C. Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
CID From Page 2 “While the organization is comprised of
active-duty agents, civilian agents and a variety of professionals who support those agents, we are one CID and need to remain focused on the criminal investigative mission.
Special Agent Gregory D. Ford
“
By Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted M1
Abrams (M1A2) and M2 Bradley (M2A3) gunnery followed by a platoon live-fire exercise in preparation for deployment readiness at Fort Carson.
Photos by Capt. Tobias Cukale
Spc. Kidmanshaq Sea, right, and Cpl. Jordan
Shavit with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, provide suppressive fire on an
objective during a platoon live-fire exercise Sept. 10 on a range at Fort Carson.
A squad with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, advances into a trench Sept. 10 during platoon live- fire exercises on a range at Fort Carson.
See Readiness on Page 8
6 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
Suicide prevention
Families urge others to seek help By Cpl. Kelsey Simmons 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Brandon and Travis Selinsky came into this world together only a few minutes apart. Nearly 30 years later, they left it — this time a year and a half apart.
Although both brothers were U.S. Army service members and had been on multiple deployments, it was not the combat engagements that ended their lives. Rather, it was the guilt and psychological damage that culminated throughout the years after.
Travis and Brandon Selinsky were born in Phoenix, and grew up in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Growing up as identical twins, they shared a close relationship that only people who inhabited a womb together could understand.
Travis Selinsky, the eldest of the twins, was known to be quieter and more reserved than his brother.
“He was quite the ladies’ man,” said Cassie Bertella, the twins’ older sister. “They loved him. It wasn’t just that he was handsome, but I think it was also his sweet and caring demeanor. Family was everything to him.”
Staying true to the common trope of identical twins having completely opposite personalities, Cassie characterized Brandon Selinsky as a wild and crazy showman.
“He loved karaoke, but he couldn’t sing to save his life,” said Courtney Smith, Brandon’s widow and a former service member. “He often couldn’t remember the words to the songs, but he was super confident about it. He was a fun-loving guy who was always joking around and happy. He had a bright smile, and he always wanted to make other people smile. Everyone loved being around him.”
Not only did the brothers have opposing personalities, but they also enjoyed contrasting recreational activities. Brandon Selinsky’s cheerful disposition reflected his love for the sunny outdoors. He enjoyed spending his time hiking, fishing, running and working on his car.
“You could definitely tell that he enjoyed life a lot,” Smith said. “It was always an adventure when we were together.”
While Brandon Selinsky spent his recreational time exploring the world’s terrain, his brother preferred colder environments and water-based activities, such as paddleboarding, surfboarding and snowboarding.
Given their active lifestyles, it was no surprise that both brothers enlisted in the Army. Travis Selinsky joined first, signing up as an infantryman as soon as he turned 18 years old in 2008. Four years later, Brandon Selinsky followed in his brother’s footsteps and enlisted as a vehicle all-wheel mechanic.
As an infantryman, Travis Selinsky deployed many times throughout his military career. After many years, he decided that he had seen enough bloodshed and lost too many of his friends to combat, so he changed paths and became a recruiter instead.
“Travis (Selinsky) was dealing with a lot of personal things, like combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and ‘survivor’s guilt,’” Smith said.
He was stationed in Hawaii — a place where he could do all the water-based activities he loved. Unfortunately, even the sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets of a Hawaiian paradise weren’t enough to keep his mind off his fallen comrades.
“Travis (Selinsky) was the epitome of the American Soldier,” Bertella said. “He loved it. I think that is why he suffered so much with the guilt and pain of the loss of his brothers-in-arms. He had a sleeve full of memorial tattoos on both of his arms.”
In February 2017, Travis was the first of the Selinsky twins to commit suicide.
Unfortunately, time does not pause after a loved one passes. Amidst the chaos and heartache of his sudden death, Brandon Selinsky and Smith still had responsibilities to attend to, such as attending
the Senior Leadership Course (SLC) and working toward a promotion.
“We made it a competition to see who could get promoted first since we were both (sergeants),” Smith said. “We went to SLC in two different brigades, so we were in two different hotels about two miles from each other.”
Smith said Brandon Selinsky had a difficult time coping with his twin’s sudden death. She believed the added pressure, of course, and living in a hotel alone was too much to handle for him.
“We never really slowed down enough to process any of it,” she said.
Three nights before their graduation, Smith got a phone call from a detective telling her to get to Brandon Selinsky’s hotel as soon as possible.
Once she arrived, a few of her and Brandon Selinsky’s friends from class were already there, waiting outside his hotel room. When they saw her, they passed the horrible news that he committed suicide.
“Of course, I didn’t believe them,” Smith said. “Then I saw one of our really good friends, Steven. When he told me, that’s when I finally believed it was true.”
Police wouldn’t allow her into the room, but she watched in agony as the gurney carried her husband away to the coroner’s van — hidden from her eyes by a white blanket covering his lifeless body — leaving her alone with her grief.
Smith said she wished her husband
Photo by Cpl. Kelsey Simmons
Courtney Smith, a former service member, displays a photo of her husband, Brandon Selinsky, left, and his twin brother, Travis, right, Sept. 17. While in the service of the Army, both Brandon and Travis committed suicide, just a year and a half apart from each other.
There are other people out there who are probably going through the same thing, or at least have similar feelings. Just reach out to someone. It doesn’t necessarily have to be behavioral health, but still talk to somebody. There’s someone out there who loves you, cares about you and would do anything they can to help you.
Courtney Smith See Prevention on Page 9
“
“
093021
AFW.com 2805 N Chestnut St. Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719.633.4220 | 10AM - 10PM ^Available in Store Only | *Ready to Assemble | While Supplies Last
$998 2-Piece
Sectional 2-Piece Sectional $998 (A-960RC-2PC) Available in Reverse Swivel Accent Chair $498 • Storage Ottoman $258 End Table $178 (1850E) • Area Rug $169 (163-A5592-81)
$38$38
Wing Back Chairs Stocked in Gray and Blue (1B1-0517, 1B-0517)
$108 Your Choice
Script Storage Ottoman with 2 Cubes (1A-R127) 36w x 19h x 18d
$98 3-Piece Set
EVERYDAY
8 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
Blazing a new Trail By Sgt. James Geelen 4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
“Trailblazers,” friends, Families and colleagues all gathered to say farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny G. Bryant, senior enlisted leader, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, during a change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 17 on Founders Field at Fort Carson.
Lt. Col. Travis W. Hill Sr., commander, 4th STB, 4th SB, presided over the ceremony as Bryant relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Darryl O. Dotson Jr.
“For the last two years, Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant has provided me and my predecessor with phenomenal support and advice with distinction,” Hill said. “This battalion has had the challenging task of providing sustainment support and readiness to the ‘Ivy’ Division, while supporting numerous (U.S. Army North) missions in the continental United States for both COVID-19 response and medical logistical support.”
Bryant was an expert at assessing the many needs of the battalion.
“Balancing your own unit readiness, your expected training glide path and the needs of meeting mission requirements for the rest of the battalion is a constant juggle that impacts multiple formations on a daily basis,” Hill said. “The ability to quickly adapt to changing situations, look at your own formation to see how it can best support, then provide the guidance and resources to apply is something Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant provided on a routine basis — and he made it look easy.”
Bryant will soon be transitioning to the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Carson.
“I’m very excited for this next step in my career,” Bryant said. “This opportunity is something different for me. It’s not anything that I put my name in the hat for, but if big Army says they need my talents there, then I’m ready to take my chance. I’m eager to jump in, become a team member and help build a stronger organization.”
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Duran
Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny G. Bryant, right, battalion sergeant major, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, hands the battalion guidon to Lt. Col. Travis W. Hill, Sr., commander, 4th STB, 4th SB, during a change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 17 on Founders Field at Fort Carson.
Photo by Capt. Tobias Cukale
A squad with 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, advances through a trench Sept. 10 during platoon live-fire exercises on a range at Fort Carson.
This training certified Soldiers, vehicle crews and platoons to be effective in their abilities to safely engage and destroy the enemy. The event was the culmination of three weeks of training as the unit certified and trained Soldiers to be effective with their abilities to complete missions and be lethal.
“Making sure that we are able to be lethal on all our weapon systems — and then maneuvering those weapon systems around in the platoon live-fire scenarios (is imperative),” said 1st Lt. Spencer Pavia, platoon leader, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd ABCT.
The Soldiers focused on proficiency in their skill set and their abilities with various weapon systems in gunnery and platoon live fire, and they seemed to benefit from the training.
“Coming out here and actually (completing the battle drills), like going into a trench and platoon live fire; you go over all the battle drills,” said Pfc. Jacob Kelly, squad automatic weapon gunner, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd ABCT.
The brigade conducted gunnery to qualify its crews, develop cohesion and practice firing its main weapons systems.
Readiness From Page 5
9Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
Colorado Springs Event Center 3960 Palmer Park Blvd.
Friday 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
General: $15.00 Children 12 & under: Free w/Parent or Guardian
Active Military $12Only
ADMISSION GOOD FOR ADMISSION GOOD FOR ALL THREE DAYSALL THREE DAYS
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR OR ONLINE www.tannergunshow.com
500 TABLES with all types of guns, knives, ammunition, survival gear and food, and related hunting and shing accessories. We attract vendors from throughout
the Western half of the U.S., so you are guaranteed the LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW AND USED FIREARMS IN THE STATE.
(THIS COUPON AND MILITARY ID NEEDED)
Soldiers engage with community
Photo by Maj. Jason Elmore
Sgt. Theodore Smith, with 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, teaches a family about the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Sept. 18, in Aurora. Soldiers from 2nd SBCT engaged with community members during a military appreciation football game held by the Cherry Creek School District in Aurora.
would have reached out, and that she’s occasionally put the blame on herself for not recognizing it.
“I was devastated, and I still am,” said Bertella. “I can look at pictures of them, but I still can’t watch a video or hear their voices. It’s too tragic and
heartbreaking to grasp that we could let this happen, not once, but twice. We failed them. The pain they carried is now left with us to have.”
After 16 years of service, Smith has now been out of the military since March. Now that she’s transitioned into life as a civilian, she wants to contribute more to the Gold Star Family program at Fort Carson.
“I want to get more involved,” Smith said. “I know they do different
fundraisers and have support groups. I think the support groups really help Families with lost loved ones because it shows them that they’re not alone and they have someone else around who knows what they went through.”
If there was any message that Smith could pass on to Brandon or Travis Selinsky or anyone else who’s considering taking their life, she said it would be to reach out and know they aren’t alone.
“There are other people out there who are probably going through the same thing or at least have similar feelings,” Smith said. “Just reach out to someone. It doesn’t necessarily have to be behavioral health, but still talk to somebody. There’s someone out there who loves you, cares about you and would do anything they can to help you.”
Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 or text to 838255 to get help now.
Prevention From Page 6
Fort Carson Ivy Warrior Restaurants hours of operation:
Friday Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m.
Wolf Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: Closed
Warfighter (Wilderness Road)
Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
LaRochelle 10th SFG(A) Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: Closed
Saturday-Sunday Wolf, Warfighter (Wilderness Road) and LaRochelle 10th SFG(A)
Closed
Stack Brunch: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supper: 5-6:30 p.m.
Monday-Thursday Stack Breakfast: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m. Closed for dinner Thursday
Wolf Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m.
Warfighter (Wilderness Road)
Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m.
LaRochelle 10th SFG(A) Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: Closed
Of note Personal trainer certificate — III Corps will pay for a certificate to be a personal
trainer. Requirements are for active-duty specialists (promotable) through first lieutenants: Army Physical Fitness Test score must be greater than 239, must be able to complete total Army Combat Fitness Test, no administrative flags in 12 months and have 12-month stability at CMPY. Interested participants can call 719-503-0910 or email Maj. Nathan Henry at nathan.e.henry4.mil@mail.mil or Sgt. Maj. Gersom Jimenez at gersom.i.jimenez.mil@mail.mil.
DOD-funded research study — The study is for active-duty service members and is sponsored by the Department of the Army (USAMRAA) and has also been approved by the University of Arizona Institutional Review Board, as well as HRPO (Human Research Protection Office). Research study will examine the effects of an internet-based awareness training program on psychological health and emotional functioning in active-duty military personnel. Eligible participants will receive $400 for completion of all study activities. Study participants will complete two, approximate three-hour online assessment sessions and complete a nine- to 11-hour online awareness training program. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two different awareness training programs to assess how each affects psychological functioning. Interested service members may fill out the online interest form at https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV(underscore)e5PoQAy5VrE0jQx or email awarenesstrainingstudy@gmail.com for further questions.
Military briefs Editor’s note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of military briefs. Due to the COVID-19 closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of contact for updated information and hours of operation.
11Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
CommunityCommunity Quality child care
Carson FCC provider goes extra mile
Story and photo by Eric E. Parris Fort Carson Public Affairs Office
For more than 17 years, Isela Orona has provided one of the most essential services military Families value — caring for their children.
Orona, a Family member who lives in Kiowa Village on Fort Carson, is a Fort Carson Family Child Care (FCC) provider who provides care for six children, ages 7 months to 4 years old.
Her home is filled with activities that provide the children with learning opportunities every day. Walls are lined with posters of shapes and colors and children’s work is on display.
“We do a lot of learn by play, so for example if they’re playing at the little kitchen, they’re chefs,” Orona said. “They get to learn kind of a trade, and they learn about Family, too.”
Orona arrived at Fort Carson with her Family in October 2020 and was certified to accept children in her home in May.
FCC providers must go through training that includes classes on first aid, CPR, a food handlers class and providing medication to children, said Catalina Cole, Fort Carson FCC director. Background checks are required of those who want to become providers.
Classes are also offered on curriculum for daily lesson plans for providers.
Once providers are certified and they start receiving children in their homes, unannounced inspections are required at least once a month, Cole said.
Providers set their own hours and some
watch children on weekends, do overnights and can provide mission-related care, Cole said.
Orona’s normal child care hours are from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but she has assisted Families with child care on weekends, she said.
FFC providers can take children from 8 weeks old to 12, Cole said.
In addition to being a certified FCC provider, Orona earned accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), which recognizes FCC providers who meet the highest standards for home-based early care and education, said Anita Russell, lead training specialist for Fort Carson’s Child and Youth Services (CYS).
Orona went through a rigorous self-study process, using NAFCC’s Quality Standards, Russell said. Her children’s parents were surveyed, and she was observed by an assessor to achieve accreditation of her program.
She is the only FCC provider on Fort Carson who has earned this accreditation.
“Fort Carson CYS is very proud to recognize her achievement,” Russell said.
Providing quality child care and seeing the children’s progress is what Orona enjoys the most.
She gave an example of one of the children, an 18-month-old who, at first, was having trouble following the daily schedule, but now he knows what comes next and does some tasks on his own.
“I like to watch them grow and learn new things that I’ve taught them,” Orona said. “It’s like teaching my children and being excited when they accomplish it.”
There’s a need for in-home child care, and this program provides benefits to the providers.
Currently, there are nine FCC providers on post, Cole said.
Cole said Orona provides the personal care and attention that allows the children to be successful.
“She’s aware of the individual needs of the children and how to guide the children so she can manage their day, and they can flourish,” Cole said. “This is high-quality care.”
Providers can stay home with their children, are able to take care of their Family, and they bring in income to their homes, Cole said.
Isela Orona, a Fort Carson Family Child Care provider, leads the children she cares for in a learning activity Sept. 22 in her home in Kiowa Village on Fort Carson.
“It’s such a good program and we’re doing such a good thing for the community. I wish there were more people who would participate in the program.
Isela Orona See Child care on Page 16
“
FeatureFeature
Story and photos by Walt Johnson Mountaineer staff
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) aquatics division held its annual Dog Splash at the Ellis Outdoor Pool Saturday, marking the season’s closing with a number of four-legged Family members and their owners.
The 11th annual event kicked off at 10 a.m. with dogs being let off their leashes as they entered the pool area. If anyone thought that the sight of a pool full of water would detract from the pets’ excitement, that thought quickly vanished. The dogs came together with other dogs and took full advantage of the opportunity. Outside of an occasional disagreement on whose space it was, the dogs relished the chance to chase after each other and drank from the doggie pools.
It didn’t take long for the animals to become familiar with the water, which helped them stay cool on the hot day. The pets enjoyed the pool and the company of their owners, as one after another raced around the pool and swam with joy.
The dogs ranged from large at about 100 pounds to the smallest dog at about 5 pounds, a toy poodle owned by Stella Calderon. While the toy poodle stayed close to Calderon, she said he didn’t have a problem being around the larger pets.
“He’s the only dog at home, so he isn’t used to being around bigger dogs,” Calderon said. “But he has been very good today. I brought him here today because I thought he would really like the pool, and he does.”
Roland Shepherd said he brought his pets to the event for two reasons. He said it gave them a chance to socialize with other pets, and it gave them experience at an activity they don’t normally get to do.
“My bigger dog is having a bit of a time adjusting but doing well, while my smaller dog is just loving it,” Shepherd said.
Misael Urena-Rojas said he loves the water, and he thought his dog would too. The pair were seen leaping into the water, clinging to one another and soaking up every bit of fun they could muster during the event.
“I would be having fun even if he wasn’t here with me, but the fact that he is with me makes it more fun,” Urena-Rojas said. “My dog has (been swimming) in lakes before, but this is the first time he has been in a pool. Like me, he is loving the water, and we are having fun.”
A Soldier watches his favorite four-legged friend
dive into the pool after him during the annual Dog
Splash event Saturday at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.
After being let off their leashes, pets race to play with the other dogs Saturday during the annual Dog Splash event at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.
Misael Urena-Rojas hugs his four-legged friend as they enjoyed the water Saturday at the annual Dog Splash event at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.
A Family member watches her dog jump into the water after throwing a toy during the annual Dog Splash event Saturday at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.
A Family member cools off his pet at the doggie pool during the annual Dog Splash event Saturday at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.
14 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
830 Tenderfoot Hill Road, Suite #320 Colorado Springs, CO 80906
MILITARY DISCOUNT
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS, INC.
Board Certi ed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Active Member American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Breast Augmentation Sientra Gel and Mentor Saline implants Breast Lifts Tummy Tucks Mommy Makeovers
Breast Breast Specializing in
Douglas J. Raskin, M.D., D.M.D.
Board Certi ed by the American Board of Plastic SurgeryBoard Certi ed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
BOARD CERTIFIED Harvard, Stanford and Baylor Trained
CoffeeCoffee Connect
CoffeeCoffee2021CoffeeCoffeeCoffee Connect
Coffee Join the Southeast Express as we discuss issues that affect
Southeast residents with local community leaders.
Preventing Domestic Violence Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Noon – 1 p.m.
Viewed on Zoom, livestream on KOAA, Southeast Express Facebook and My Black Colorado Facebook.
For more information on events visit southeastexpress.org/events
Coffee Connect events will be live broadcasted by KOAA
Cheyenne Shadows pro named Colorado PGA patriot Story and photo by Scott Prater Mountaineer staff
Anyone who has tried to play a round of golf, or even hit a few balls on the driving range, knows — golf is hard.
Paul Surniak’s job is to make it a little easier. He’s been the head teaching professional at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club going on 12 years now. He’s taught first graders how to follow through like Tiger Woods, moms how to escape a sand bunker and wounded Soldiers how to play the game despite their physical limitations.
While he’s earned the admiration of thousands of students throughout the years, the Colorado section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) also took notice recently as it named Surniak the inaugural Colorado PGA Patriot Award winner.
While announcing the
award, Colorado PGA Section president, Jim Hajek, explained that the Patriot Award is presented to the PGA professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men
and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
“Paul has a passion for this,” said Frank Jacobson, chief of Business Programs for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and
Recreation at Fort Carson. “Let’s face it, it’s a great mission. He could be out there (teaching at any other facility). But here, he gets to work with heroes.”
A former professional tour player, Surniak settled in Colorado Springs decades ago. He chose to teach at Cheyenne Shadows partly because of its location — roughly three minutes from his house.
Back in 2008 though, he had no idea how the course, and the Soldiers, would impact his life.
Besides hosting clinics for junior players and military spouses, Surniak also teaches individual lessons. One drives the other, so to speak. Most of his individual students
Paul Surniak, right, head teaching professional at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, shows students proper form for a bunker shot during a Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) clinic at the course Sept. 24. See Golf on Page 18
15Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
presents
As a leader in your fi eld, represent your business as a panelist hosted by the CSBJ For more information, call your CSBJ Account Executive | 719.634.5905
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WEBINAR LUNCH SERIES MANAGING THE LONG-TERM IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON YOUR BUSINESS
Events are FREE to attend | RSVP at CSBJ.com/Events
Past Community Conversations are available at facebook.com/csbusinessjournal.
Four-part series, Noon – 1 p.m. Oct. 8: Real Estate: Still booming, still an issue for those seeking housing in Colorado Springs. And what’s up with the commercial market. What we know now and some prognosticating from our realtors. Sponsored by:
Oct. 15: Financial Advisers: How do you prepare your business for investment? How do you manage your personal assets?
Oct. 22: Nonprofi ts: Nonprofi ts were hit hard during the pandemic. Learn where this industry stands now – and what the future looks like.
Oct. 29: Insurance: From health insurance to property and liability insurance, and everything in between: Learn how what your business insurance needs are and how to prepare for the worst.
Shred it!
Photo by Susan C. Galentine
From left: Cpl. Obed Arias, Spc. Michael Hill and Sgt. 1st Class Charles Woods, with Ready Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, dispose of unclassified documents during the Pollution Prevention Week paper shredding event held Sept. 23 by building 3710 north of Gate 20. The Directorate of Public Works- hosted event drew close to 90 participants, bringing an estimated 14,540 pounds of paper for shredding and subsequent recycling.
16 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
Commentary by Capt. Andy Vaughn Chaplain, Soldier Recovery Unit
One of my favorite childhood memories includes the old station wagon my parents owned, equipped with vinyl seats and a basic radio with one knob for volume and the other knob for
finding radio stations. The vinyl seats notoriously collected heat like a
furnace during the hot summer months providing me a lifetime of learning.
I remember hearing in that car for the very first time, the 1980s hit song
“Living on a Prayer” by the rock band Bon Jovi. Sitting on a
hot car seat listening to a song titled “Living on a Prayer” helped me gain an early
childhood perspective on prayer that eventually came to realization.
Recently, I took an honest look at my personal prayer life and discovered some areas deserving much attention. For starters, my regular time of prayer gave way to interruptions, leaving me with no regular time of prayer. Second, I found myself calling out to God in prayer only after I discovered my inadequacy to take care of the matter at hand that I wanted to maintain control over. I turned to God’s word for much needed guidance.
The Bible provides encouragement to pray in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Important conversations deserve uninterrupted time. Consider the importance of God’s invitation for you to call upon him through prayer. I encourage you to avoid placing God on hold any longer due to interruptions that can wait. Only you know what is interrupting your time alone with God.
Jesus ventured to the mountain alone so he could pray. Think of it this way, God wants you to turn up the volume in your prayer life. Find a
time and place to make this happen. “I love the Lord because he hears my voice
and my pleas for mercy. Because he has inclined his ear to me, therefore I shall call upon him as long as I live,” Psalm 116:1-2.
Walking the pathways of life without a connection to God through prayer is like rejecting the maker’s roadmap designed uniquely for you. Consider for a moment the comforting thought that the God of all creation invites you to pray, and his ear is always inclined to you. The loneliest place on earth is a place without the assurance of God’s nearness. God’s nearness is promised as his listening ear is tuned toward the prayers you whisper from your inner room, shout from the mountain top, or silently speak within the depths of your soul.
Remember this, Bon Jovi’s world-famous hit, “Living on a Prayer,” continues to blast the airwaves around the world, and God’s invitation for you to pray is wide open anytime, anyplace, no matter where you find yourself. Keep tuning in to God through prayer and turn the volume up throughout the course of your living on a prayer journey.
‘Living on a Prayer’
Editor’s note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer. com for the complete list of the chapel briefs and service schedule.
Facebook — Search “4ID and Fort Carson Religious Support Office” for events and schedules: visit https://www.facebook.com/4IDCarsonRSO/ or https://www.facebook.com/Our-Lady-of-Fort- Carson-622517474897811 for livestreaming.
Chapel NeXt — Visit https://www.facebook.com/ chapelnextfortcarson/ for livestream. Visit the Chapel
NeXt Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/ chapelnextfortcarson for details.
Religious Education class — Contact Pat Treacy at 524-2458 or patricia.a.treacy2.civ@mail.mil for details.
Catholic Women of the Chapel — Call Michelle Jones at 352-231-1088 or email mountainPostCWOC@ gmail.com.
Protestant Women of the Chapel — The RSO can be reached at 719-526-5279 or visit https://www.facebook. com/pwocfortcarson.
Native American prayer/spiritual services — The He Ska Akicita (White Mountain Warriors) hosts Inipi (sweat lodge) services at Turkey Creek Ranch, but are suspended until further notice. Contact Michael Hackwith at 285-5240 for more information and protocols. Chaplain sponsor is Capt. Charlene Cheney, 53rd Signal Battalion, who can be reached at charlene.n.cheney.mil@mail.mil.
Knights of Columbus — a Catholic group for men 18 and older, call 526-5769.
Spanish Bible Study — Call Ted Garcia at 719-205-3076.
Chapel briefs Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of community briefs and chapel schedules. Due to the COVID-19 closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of contact for updated information. Many religious support activities have moved to a digital platform.
Many of the parents like the FCC because of the smaller in-home environment and the personal care for their children.
For those who are considering becoming an FFC provider, it can be a rewarding experience.
“It’s a fun good job and very fulfilling,” Orona said. “You’re helping
out a community that you’re a part of. It’s such a good program, and we’re doing such a good thing for the community. I wish there were more people who would participate in the program.”
Soldiers who need child care or Family members who are interested in becoming FCC providers, should contact Parent Central at 526-1101. Soldiers can register for child care at https://www.mcc.com.
There is still a need for child
care providers, Cole said. Soldiers are having to go to off post to look for child care, and it’s normally more expensive.
For Soldiers who use FCC providers, they receive a 15% discount off what the on-post child care centers charge, Cole said.
Orona has cared for about 40 children during her time as an FCC provider at several military installations. She’s heard from some of the parents of those children.
“That means a lot to me to hear from those parents,” she said.
And even after her husband’s retirement from the military next summer, she said she may continue working in the child care career field.
But now she continues to educate and nurture the six children she cares for, which is important to the Soldiers.
“That’s the point of being an FCC provider on post, helping your Soldiers out and the community,” Orona said.
Child care From Page 11
17Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
Claims to the estate Staff Sgt. Paul L. Olmstead — With
deepest regret to the Family of the deceased. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to his estate should call Capt. Adrian Fagan at 801-878-5212.
Of note Make a Difference Day — The
event takes place Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. Make A Difference Day (MADD) is the largest annual National Volunteer Day dedicated to helping others — a celebration of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”. Everyone is welcome to participate to volunteer for this event. On this day, individuals and families, schools and church groups, businesses and other organizations draw upon their skills and resources to contribute where needs exist. Projects include Iron Horse Park and Sports Complex, Fort Carson storm water drains, Fort Carson military
housing and on-post schools. To register, complete the form on the AVC webpage under “2021 Make a Difference Day (MADD)” https:// carson.armymwr.com/programs/ army-volunteer-corps.
Education center — Due to a staffing shortage of Army Education counselors at the Fort Carson Education Center, Soldiers will experience advising delays for Tuition Assistance (TA), Credentialing Assistance (CA), promotion point memos and other education counseling services. Customers should use the College 101/TA briefing, Credentialing Assistance, and GI Bill group briefings as much as possible to answer questions regarding education counseling needs prior to requesting to meet with a counselor to maximize staff efficiency. Currently response time to email and voicemail messages is up to seven business days, and the staff is working hard to assist service members as soon as possible.
Army pre-retirement benefits training — The Army Benefits Center-Civilian (ABC-C) is offering free virtual pre-retirement benefits training. Registration is not required. Multiple sessions are offered in September on FERS and CSRS/FERS Special Retirement Coverage (SRC). During this training, ABC-C will discuss the requirements for retirement eligibility, consequences of making a deposit/redeposit, survivor annuity elections, eligibility for continuing FEHB/FEGLI into retirement and the process for submitting a retirement application. Training dates, times and sessions are listed in Central Time. 1. Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon
CT, CSRS special retirement coverage (SRC)
3. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. CT, FERS special retirement coverage (SRC)
Registration is not required; however, attendees are asked to log in 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the briefing. The training is available at https:// conference.apps.mil/webconf/ RetirementBriefingfy21.
Community briefs Editors note: See www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com for the complete list of community briefs. Due to the COVID-19 closures and cancellations, contact the respective points of contact for updated information and hours of operation.
See Briefs on Page 19
Music FREE CONCERT OCTOBER 20 Harry Mo and the Cru
6-8 p.m. 235 S. Nevada
Presented By
Sponsored By
18 MOUNTAINEER | Oct. 1, 2021
stem from the clinics — players often notice immediate improvement in their performance after their group lesson and then want more instruction.
No doubt, this phenomenon tends to occur at most golf courses. Where Cheyenne Shadows differs is in the make- up of its students — Soldiers, veterans, retirees and their Family members — many of whom come to the game with distinctive and debilitating injuries.
Surniak teaches wounded veterans through several programs, the PGA’s HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere), the Salute Military Golf Association and through partnerships with Evans Army Community Hospital and the Soldier Recovery Unit.
“You can’t teach someone with an amputation to swing like a pro,” he said. “It doesn’t work. So, you’ve got to adapt. When I first got a hold of Brandon Adam, who has no legs and can’t use prosthetics, it was brand new to me. I spent hours kneeling in a chair trying to figure out what he was going through. Given that situation, you learn different things about how the body works. Most instructors have never had to face that before.”
On top of his regular clinic-and-
individual-lesson schedule, Surniak conducts two SMGA and one HOPE clinic each week. Ultimately, that sheer level of experience drew the attention of organizations around the country.
“I’ve been asked what advice I would give to pros who teach players with disabilities, and I say, ‘patience,’” he said. “Sometimes you deal with anger issues; sometimes it’s a traumatic brain injury, other times, it’s family problems or the loss of a loved one. So, patience is vital (to reaching a desired outcome).”
While he teaches half the year in Colorado and the other half — the colder months — in Florida, Surniak has no plans to retire. The simple satisfaction of helping people improve their golf games and their lives, provides plenty of motivation.
“It’s pretty gratifying to see your work pay off,” he said. “Our moms’ clinic started after many of them hung around to watch our junior clinics. From there, the moms got their spouses interested, and pretty soon, the whole family was playing the game together. Especially during the worst of the pandemic, Golf was a big thing for people who needed something fun to do as a Family.”
Surniak will be formally recognized at the Colorado PGA Awards Gala at Colorado Golf Club in Parker Oct. 29.
goalac.org 1-877-776-4625
* Workforce Certifications * FREE College Credits * All-inclusive School Culture * Computer & Internet * E-Sports Program
2021 Leadership Lessons
RSVP at CSBJ.com/Events
4:30-6 p.m. • Ent Center for the Arts (5225 N. Nevada Ave.) • $25/person
LYNNE TELFORD Oct. 7 Lynne Telford joined Care and Share as president and CEO in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. She brought a wealth of expertise in the finance and nonprofit sectors to the role and under her guidance and leadership, the nonprofit has evolved to provide more hunger-relief services and education than ever before. She will discuss how she overcomes leadership challenges during these rapidly changing times and will share emerging trends in the nonprofit sector.
Photo by Scott Prater
Paul Surniak, center, head teaching professional at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, provides tips for students during a clinic at the course’s driving range Sept. 24.
Golf From Page 14
19Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
Details at csbj.com/events
AWARDS CEREMONY Nov. 4, 2021 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ent Center for the Arts Melissa Burkhardt-Shields Shannon Coker Susan DiNapoli Dr. Sandy Ho
Geri Johnson Crystal LaTier Dr. Kenya Lee Mina Liebert
Nilaja Montgomery Tamara Moore Darsey Nicklasson Marjorie Noleen
Joyce Salazar Jennifer Taylor
Casualty Notification/Assistance Officer training — Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Casualty Notification Officer (CNO)/ Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) recertification timeline for CNO/ CAO training is extended from 12 to 24 months. The requirement for in-person training every fourth year is also suspended. In-person CNO/CAO training may be conducted when all COVID-19 health and force protection requirements can be met and followed. The Joint Knowledge Online SIMM 1, SIMM and SIMM 3 Casualty Training is not a substitute for the Army’s in-classroom CNO/CAO initial certification and remains the Army’s CNO/CAO recertification training. For more information, call 526-5613/ 5614 or email usarmy.carson.imcom-central. list.dhr-mpd-casualty@mail.mil.
General announcements Voluntary leave transfer — The
following Fort Carson-serviced employees have been approved to receive donated leave due to an emergency medical condition: • James A. Chapman, Civilian
Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) • Michael K. Coyne, U.S. Army
Installation Management Command, education services
• Denver L. Holder, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
• Daniel G. Sullivan, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security (DPTMS) training division
Any Army appropriated fund civilian employee wishing to donate annual leave to a listed employee, must complete the OPM Form 630a at http:// www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf(underscore) fill/opm630a.pdf. If a non-Army appropriated fund civilian employee from another federal agency (VA, AF, DOD, Interior, etc.) is interested in donating, he must complete the OPM Form 630b at http://www.opm.gov/ Forms/pdf(underscore)fill/opm630b. pdf and provide to his civilian personnel/HR office for annotation. Both forms must then be forwarded to Clinton Moss Jr. of the Fort Carson Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) by email to clinton.moss4. civ@mail.mil with the subject line “VLTP.” Call Moss at 526-3641 for more information. Employees experiencing a medical emergency (personal or Family member) who will exhaust their leave balances quickly
should contact the CPAC Management Employee Relations team.
Do you want access to your medical records? Before making a trip to Evans Army Community Hospital, consider logging into TRICARE online and accessing its “Blue Button” feature. Securely view, download and print medical profiles, lab results, immunizations and vital signs for the patient and family members under the age of 12. To conveniently view medical records, visit https:// www.tricareonline.com. Proceed to “Health Record,” then “Download My Data” to access medical records. The Correspondence (Release of Information) Office in the Patient Administration Division hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Thursday and federal holidays. Call 526-0890 for details.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center at Fort Carson Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Mt. Carmel employment and transition team, in partnership with TAP, offers career services for transitioning Soldiers, Family members and veterans at a new office. The office is located in building 6237, room 115, TAP. Services include no-cost
transition or job seeker assistance and access to paid internships, veteran benefits support, supportive and behavioral health services, financial counseling, support groups, discounted professional clothing and more. Call 526-8758 or visit https:// veteranscenter.org/.
Soldier Readiness Center pharmacy — located in the Mountain Post Soldier Center at 6351 Wetzel Ave., building 1525, room 402, is open for pharmacy services. The pharmacy is open only for deployments Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on the number of personnel scheduled to deploy.
Army Wellness Center classes — Upping your Metabolism is every Monday and Friday at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. Fueling for Health is every third Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. Meals in Minutes is every second and fourth Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. Healthy Sleep Habits is every first and third Thursday at 9:45 a.m. Stress Management is every second and fourth Thursday at 9:45 a.m. Stay Fit, Home and Away is every second Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. The Retire Strong class is currently under construction. Performance Triad, P3 and Tactical Sleep for Sustained Operations classes are by request. Classes are subject to change. Call 526-3887 for more information, reserve a seat or sign up for classes.
Briefs From Page 17
21Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
23Oct. 1, 2021 | MOUNTAINEER
Your Path to Finding a New Home Just Became Easier...
ClassicHomes.com/pathways
All Midtown Homes at Pathways Include: Smart Home Package, Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances, Air Conditioning,
and Landscaping!
6854 Starry Night Ln.
5818 Spring Breeze Dr.
Dublin Blvd.
Woodmen Rd.
P o
w e
M arksh
d .
719-235-5961 Sales Center Located at: 6029 Spring Breeze Dr., 80923 Email: Pathways@ClassicHomes.com
Prices and availability subject to change. Ask about additional incentives, valid when financed with Builder’s Preferred Lender. Package specifications and materials are subject to change based on manufacturer availability. Substitutions at Builder’s discretion will be of equal or better value.
INTRODUCING PATHWAYS, Classic Homes’ newest community featuring Homes with designer curated interiors for a simple and quick new home buying experience.
The Pathways community includes homes from the Urban-Chic Midtown Collection as well as Classic’s brand new 4-Square Collection with modern Farmhouse, Craftsman, and Bungalow inspired designs.
All 4-Square Homes at Pathways include: Smart Home Package, Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances, Air Conditioning,
Privacy Fence and Landscaping!