RSS 2.0 FeedSeptember 2009, Featured Articles, Ft Carson Events and Colorado (Springs) Military Support Groups
40,000 pack downtown (Colorado) Springs to thank the military
Thanking the troops ruled at Saturday’s Red White and Brave Welcome Home Parade in downtown Colorado Springs that drew more than 40,000 supporters and only about a dozen protesters.
40,000 pack downtown Springs to thank the military
It wasn’t “Welcome Home” versus “War No More.”
It was just “Welcome Home.”
Thanking the troops ruled at Saturday’s Red White and Brave Welcome Home Parade in downtown Colorado Springs that drew more than 40,000 supporters and only about a dozen protesters.
“It’s like the rivalry of two football teams, except we have more people on our side,” said retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Kent Crow, a spectator in military uniform who cheered on his active-duty comrades.
The parade had tanks, fire trucks, cheerleaders and marching bands along with costumed characters on stilts and unicycles.
Grandpas, moms, kids and even dogs sported flags. Thousands of people waved banners of support for the soldiers and airmen marching down Tejon Street as a squadron of vintage World War II planes thundered overheard.
The event drew a smaller turnout than the last parade of this magnitude in 2004 to welcome home troops. With the Iraq war still going after six years and the 8-year-old Afghanistan war heating up again, organizers wanted to give the community a chance to thank local troops for their sacrifices. Some Fort Carson soldiers have served in overseas three times.
“It’s a morale booster,” said Teresa Meza, who brought her two children to watch their dad march in the parade with thousands of his Army and Air Force comrades. Army Sgt. Daniel Meza is home between deployments.
“It is very uplifting,” said Chris McBean, whose husband, Staff Sgt. John McBean, is deployed to Afghanistan. “You know you are not alone.”
Ernie, a white French bulldog, paraded along the sidelines with a flag poked in his dog collar.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jill Colbert bedecked the dog to watch her husband, Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Colbert, march down Tejon. “This is amazing. I didn’t think they would do something like this. I was surprised, pleasantly surprised,” she said.
B.J. Cameron was among the seniors who came to show support.
“I’m here just to let the troops know how much we appreciate them, to stand here and say thank you for your sacrifice,” said Cameron, the mother of a 27-year-old disabled Army veteran.
A handful of Coloradans For Peace protesters packing signs on a street corner were upstaged by the mass of sign-waving supporters.
But the protestors’ presence — and the media attention they garnered — bothered retired Army Sgt. Major David Dantzler, who said he got a lump in his throat and misty-eyed from the cheering crowd when he marched in the 2004 parade.
“It’s not about them,” Dantzler said of the protestors. “It’s a proud event, thanking the soldiers and welcoming them home. If protestors don’t want to welcome them home, they can stay home.”
Army veteran Kent Crow said he was spit on when he returned from fighting in the Vietnam War. Saturday, he found himself sharing sidewalk space with protestors as he enjoyed the parade.
“It’s America, they have the right,” Crow said. “I don’t get upset.”
When a man came up behind him and started yelling “peace now, peace now,” a police officer asked the protestor to step back. Crow, focused on the parade, didn’t seem to even notice.
Eric Verlo, holding a large “War No More” banner, didn’t mind the brawny police officer keeping a watchful eye on his group of a dozen Coloradans For Peace protestors who came to “oppose a pro-war parade.”
“We’ve had a lot of hecklers,” Verlo said. “He is protecting us.”
Bob Calvert is the Founder and Host of the TalkingwithHeroes.com Talk Show Program. Supporting our troops all started for Bob when his then 18 year old daughter surprised him by enlisting in the Army. Her then boyfriend and later husband had already enlisted. They served together at Ft Riley. He later was deployed. After he returned from his first deployment he was transferred to Ft Carson where he was again deployed and recently returned after serving 15 months in Mosul, Iraq with the 1-8. Job well done!! A little over three years ago Bob started TalkingwithHeroes talk show. He has been to Iraq three times now embedding with our troops and Iraqis and bringing back to America their mostly untold progress stories. He has taken Talking with Heroes on the road across America interviewing our troops, veterans, military support groups, Gold Star Families, the wounded and a lot more. Go to www.talkingwithheroes.com for more info and to listen and watch programs.
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PHOTOS: U.S. Air Force Central combat camera team Maj. Missy Steckler provides care to a patient during a mission to transport patients to a location that can provide a higher level of care at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Major Steckler is a flight nurse assigned...
Ft Carsons Baker Company Soldiers patrol Korengal Valley
PHOTOS with U.S. Army Spc. Jesus Sanchez, a combat medic with Baker Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and other Ft Carson Soldiers patrolling in the mountains of Afghanistan
Afghanistan National Election Day helicopter patrol
A U.S. Army UH-58 Kiowa helicopter flies above Afghanistan’s Kunar province, providing aerial security during Afghanistan’s second national elections
Living life in the Korengal valley
Nicknamed “The Valley of Death,” Ft Carsons 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Soldiers have called the isolated valley, in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, home, since arriving in June
Ft Carson Soldiers patrol volatile Korengal valley
The Fort Carson, Colo., based 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers have endured some of the toughest fighting in Afghanistan, since arriving in June
Afghan election violence less than expected in Logar province
LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – For only the second time in their history, the people of Afghanistan participated freely in a democratic election process
Korengal Outpost mortar team fire at insurgents
U.S. Army Soldiers with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based at the Korengal valley, fire mortar rounds at insurgent fighting positions in Kunar province, Afghanistan
Paratroopers run for charity in Afghanistan
In a show of 82nd Airborne Division’s pride and generosity, many Paratroopers are running laps around Bagram Air Fields perimeter to raise money for charity.
Iraq 364th Civil Affairs Turns Over Hotel to GOI
BAGHDAD -- Col. Franck T. Trainor, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, Functional Specialty Team chief, signed a memorandum of agreement with Iraq Civil Aviation Authority Assistant Director Gen. Samer Kuba turning over control of the Caravan Hotel at Baghdad International...
Poultry project empowers Panjshir women
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - While it may seem like one small step for the citizens of Panjshir, the Women's Poultry Project is one giant leap for the women who call the valley their home
Three Water Pump Stations Open in Qayarrah
MOSUL, Iraq - U.S. Forces in Ninewa province are working in conjunction with the Government of Iraq and local city councils to renovate water pump stations for several communities south of Mosul, providing water to some of the most remote villages in the area
TF Spartan medics conduct EMT recertification
WARDAK, Afghanistan - It's late at night, as medics from 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, hover over U.S. Army Pfc. Nicholas Henrich's prone body inside the medic station at Forward Operating Base Airborne in Wardack province
Greywolf Brigade Prepares to Take Over Western Ninewah
The senior commander for U.S. forces in Ninewah province and the command sergeant major toured the edge of the province, to get an overview of the region in preparation for assuming responsibility of the area from the Marines in the coming weeks
PHOTOS: Stacks of election materials awaits delivery and More
Ballots, polling kits, containers, tables and chairs were loaded on Afghan National Army Air Corps Mi-17s and other U.S. and international security force aircraft for delivery to remote Afghan locations
Tank - What a Story! To Whoever Gets My Dog
To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner..
Troops: Sexual Assault Has No Place in Military
Soldiers and Airmen Walk to End Sexual Assault 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment by Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 08.18.2009 JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers and Airmen at Joint Base Balad showed their support for victims of sexual assault and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program in the "Intervene! Act!...
Afghans Vote Amid Taliban Threats
Afghans cast ballots in presidential and provincial elections, amid tight security following threats by the Taliban to disrupt the voting. Afghan President Hamid Karzai votes in the capital Kabul, 20 Aug 2009In the capital Kabul, incumbent President Hamid Karzai voted shortly after the...
Coordinated Bombings Kill 95 in Baghdad
Fire fighters respond as smoke billows over Iraqi Foreign Ministry, after massive bomb attack in Baghdad, 19 Aug 2009Multiple explosions in the Iraqi capital have killed 95 people and wounded at least 310 others, in the worst...
Marine Corps BootCamp Documentary called "e; Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click."e;
My name is SSgt. Nichols, Senior Drill Instructor from the Marine Corps BootCamp Documentary called "Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click." This documentary was produced by Canaan Brumley, and has been viewed in many film festivals worldwide. I am proud to introduce my website dedicated to the service men and women in the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as all agencies that support our freedom.
Local businessman in Alingar helps girls school
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - A local businessman and contractor in the Alingar district of Lagham province, Afghanistan, delivered school supplies to the Parwai Girls School, with the help of International Security Assistance Forces, to keep more than 50 children supplied for one year
Iraq: Mission turns to Recovery
CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION SPEICHER, Iraq — Transportation Soldiers at Contingency Operating Location Speicher, Iraq, are performing a mission very different from the one they originally expected. The 70th Transportation Company, a Mannheim, Germany-based company...
Michael Yon Dispatch - Do Americans Care about British Soldiers
"The right people were only an email away: Soldiers Angels. And so within about two minutes, these fingers typed an email with this subject heading: CALLING ALL ANGELS. Soldiers’ Angels Shelle Michaels and MaryAnn Phillips moved into action."
Afghans take the initiative and master construction and farming techniques
International Security Assistance Force service members from the Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team were on hand to honor 66 graduates from carpentry, masonry and welding vocational training programs in Kabul
PHOTOS: Country Music Star Mark Chesnutt Visit Boosts Morale
The singer made several stops throughout Baghdad as part of a program designed to increase the morale of service members currently serving in Iraq
Afghan government, ANSF, and ISAF hold shura in Dawlat Shah
Government officials of Laghman province, with the assistance of the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team and Afghan National Security Forces, met with more than 200 mullahs and village elders, Aug. 15, at the Dawlat Shah District Center to discuss security, development and the upcoming elections. Article by Army 2nd Lt. Liz Silver 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs from Ft Carson
Freedom Award: Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Corporation Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation (NasdaqGS: MSFT) based in Redmond, Washington is a Freedom Award recipient in the Large Business category. Nominated by a technologist in Omaha, Nebraska, Microsoft Corporation’s outstanding support for National Guard and Reserve employees includes initiating a Military Reservist Council responsible for coordinating care packages...
Dr. Phil McGraw, Dennis Miller to Appear At "A Night of Honour" to Benefit Iraq Star Foundation
Sunday, October 4, 2009, Dr. Phil McGraw will host "A Night of Honour," featuring a special performance by comedian and talk show personality Dennis Miller, to benefit the Iraq Star Foundation; it was announced today by Maggie Lockridge, RN the organization's founder and CEO
Touch Down in Texas for Texas National Guard
Biggs Field, El Paso, Texas - Bone-tired, bleary-eyed but jubilant to be one step closer to home, Texas Army National Guard Soldiers deplaned in El Paso Saturday after a year-long deployment in Iraq
VIDEO Colorado National Guard Return
It was a joyous weekend for some members of the Colorado Air National Guard and their families. Hundreds of people came out to the Aurora Sports Complex to welcome home members from Iraq. Watch The Video
Astra Zeneca Gets Top Honors for Troop Support
Pharmaceuticals Company Keeps Military Employees ‘Whole’ By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service - National Guardsmen and reservists know the law secures their civilian jobs if they’re activated, but some deploy knowing their employers will go above and beyond to take care of them while they’re...
STORY RELEASE: SIGAR: America's etes in Afghanistan
An inspection team, charged with providing oversight of funds used for development in Afghanistan, visited the Nijrab valley, Aug. 12, to inspect construction projects and report findings to U.S. Government officials
STORY RELEASE: ISAF and Logar province officials meet to work out election details
Afghanistan-Leaders from the Afghan National Security Forces met with Logar Provincial Governor Attiqullah Lodin, as well as key leaders from Task Force Spartan, and other International Security Assistance Forces at Forward Operating Base Shank, to prepare for Afghanistan's upcoming elections
To create an awareness of the challenges of families/loved ones of deployed military personnel
Operation We Are Here is a grass roots, non-profit organization developed out of a passion to create an awareness of the challenges of families/loved ones of deployed military personnel
Construction in Afghanistan - Photos by Sgt. Teddy Wade
An Afghan construction worker digs a water canal on the side of a road in the Kohistan district of Kapisa province, Afghanistan
MG Caslen: Mosul Attacks = Failed AQ Plan
Mosul Attacks Reflect Al-Qaida's Plan, Commander Says - Recent high-profile attacks against civilians near Mosul, Iraq, reflect al-Qaida in Iraq's continued desire to incite sectarian strife, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said
Iraq: Troops Heading Home to Ft Carson
MOSUL, Iraq - 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division cased its colors in a ceremony, Aug. 11, on Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul in...
Honor and Remember National Flag - for all lives lost in defense of our established freedoms
We ask that you fly the Honor and Remember Flag at your home, church, business and organization or on your car or motorcycle. There are other ways to show support, such as T-shirts, hats, magnets, stickers and more. Also, we have lapel pins, cloth patches and coins. Next to every "support our troops" sticker should be another to honor and remember those who gave their lives
Kuwait Attack Thwarted
WATCH PENTAGON CHANNEL VIDEO: U.S. Central Command has confirmed reports that Kuwaiti Security Forces foiled a planned terrorist attack on Camp Arifjan.
Iraqi Bishop Holds Catholic Mass on Cob Basra
Unlike regular services held for Soldiers here, Bishop Imad Al Banna, a priest and native of Basra, spoke Aramaic, an ancient language spoken in Palestine in the time of Jesus, and still spoken in parts of Iraq.
Back From Iraq...Help Our Heroes
I am looking forward to sharing updates of all the successful missions we've had over the last several months, along with opportunities to help combat Soldiers and Marines in need.
PHOTO RELEASE 2 OF 2: TF Mountain Warrior and ANA Soldiers conduct a joint patrol to a shura
U.S. Army Capt. Shaun Conlin, company commander, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Mountain Warrior, and an Afghan National Army soldier meet with village elders before the start of a Shura, or 'town hall' meeting, near Combat Outpost Honaker Miracle in Konar province, Afghanistan
The world has lost another incredible man
It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Forrest Guth, also portrayed in The Band of Brothers.
News from OperationWeAreHere.Com
Operation We Are Here provides a link between the military community and the civilian world for the purpose of inspiring our neighbors, friends, family and churches to walk alongside us during the deployment of our Soldier
CommuniCause: Announcing the Final Top Ten Charities
It's been a long road, but now that the polls have closed, we're very excited to announce our top CommuniCause charities. Votes were cast for more than 2,000 eligible contestants, and these organizations received the most support from the American public. We would like to salute each charity for the amazing impact that they make each day, as well as their ability to reach the hearts of their supporters and mobilize them to spread awareness. Stay tuned to see who will be selected to win our grand prize later this month!
The Heart of a Hero Beats On
An Army Ranger who had been on his third tour of duty, Kopp was buried Friday at Arlington National Cemetery. Sadly, it's a familiar story: a young man dead before his time, shot by unnamed enemies on the other side of the world. But this time, there was a renewed life, too. Kopp wanted to be an organ donor. And after he died, his heart was transplanted into a family member's friend who had a rare form of congenital heart disease
The most significant day of my life- by MAJ Charles Ziegenfuss
The most significant day in my military career (as well as in my life) was 22 June 2005. This was the day after I died. It was the day that began a long journey to recovery, rehabilitation and reevaluating my role in the Army, as well as discovering enjoyment in things I’d never previously considered. I will discuss the events leading up to and occurring on 21 June 2005, and how the events of that day have changed my life