1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. david hodge

FORT HOOD, Texas – Representatives from the Fort Carson, Colo. Family Housing Office recently traveled to Fort Hood, Texas, June 8 – 11, to facilitate housing requests and answer questions about the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division's upcoming relocation to Colorado, scheduled this summer.

Two ladies from Balfour Beatty Communities, the company in charge of family housing on the "Mountain Post," helped Soldiers locate possible on-post housing or apply for a house in one of Fort Carson's 14 communities.

"We felt it would be easier to go ahead and come down here to answer any questions the Soldiers may have, assist them with the application process and give Soldiers an idea of the housing situation in Fort Carson," said Keisha Young, a leasing specialist with Fort Carson Family Housing.

The leasing specialists issued approximately 31 houses to Soldiers during their first day of operation. They also agree the trip benefited the Soldiers because it alleviated one of the hardships Soldiers face during relocation to another installation.

Mary Hawkins, a leasing specialist from Ferriday, La., said she believes it is imperative for Soldiers to put their name on the housing list as soon as possible to receive their housing, because there are more than 400 names on the list for a two bedroom house.

Spc. Kenneth Larsen, a chemical equipment repairer, assigned to Troop D, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., submitted his housing application May 9, 2009 and was number 292 on the two-bedroom list for on-post housing at Fort Carson.

Larsen said he believes he is lucky because he will reside with his sister, who already lives in Colorado Springs, Colo., until on-post housing is available.

"I am most definitely looking forward to moving to Fort Carson because I am an avid outdoorsman," stated Larsen, who hails from Clarksville, Tenn.

Hawkins, a 14-year resident of Colorado Springs, said the atmosphere at Fort Carson is wonderful and there are many activities for the Soldiers in close proximity.

If a Soldier arrives at Fort Carson and does not yet have on-post housing, they are encouraged to visit the Fort Carson Family Housing Main Office to apply, explained Young, who hails from Fort Stewart, Ga.

The Soldiers will have to secure quarters for themselves, such as a rental house or apartments, until something on post opens up, added Young.

Hawkins and Young said it is important for Soldiers that have not applied for on-post housing to call 719-579-1606 or visit fortcarsonfamilyhousing.com and fill out an online application.

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