‘Roughriders’ set up crash display

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Andrew Porch | Nichole Carpenter, a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, provides statistics on drunken driving and alternate ways to get home after a night of drinking, to soldiers of 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a crash display set up on Fort Carson, Dec. 5, 2012. "I want soldiers to stay safe; they fight everyday for our freedom and we want to make sure they get home safe," said Carpenter. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.)  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

12.06.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Mangled metal that used to be an automobile, gruesome photos and in-depth testimonies grabbed the attention of soldiers from 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a crash display on Fort Carson, Dec. 6.

Local first responders and volunteers of the Front Range community recreated a deadly incident, which claimed the lives of three former ‘Roughriders’ two years ago, in the 2nd BCT area, using actual crash site photos and the vehicle from the accident.
“We want Soldiers to look at the crash display and take it to heart before the next time they get behind the wheel,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Reaume, brigade provost marshal office, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT. “Have a designated driver and use it. Don’t shy away from it; use the tools that are out there for you.”

Approximately 250 soldiers from the “Roughrider” Battalion passed through the four stations around the “accident site” and received classes that highlighted statistics about drunken driving, the consequences of getting behind the wheel with a high blood alcohol content and different ways to get home after a night of drinking.

“I want the soldiers to know they are idolized in the community, and if they make good choices people will see that,” said Nichole Carpenter, a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “I want Soldiers to stay safe; they fight everyday for our freedom and we want to make sure they get home safe.”

Soldiers said they took the information to heart and listened to the classes.

“It’s a reality that as many as one out of three people on the road have some type of intoxication,” said Pfc. Tradis Kamara, human resource specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 204th BSB. “Whether you are drinking or not, something could occur because of someone else’s irresponsibility. No one wakes up and says, ‘Today I want to be pinned between the wheel and the seat in an accident.’”

Participants also said they appreciated the class and thought it would bring soldiers together.

“I think very highly of the command for putting on the class,” Kamara said. “I hope it triggers something in the other soldiers, with the command taking awareness to another level and bringing more camaraderie to the unit.”

• Date Taken: 12.06.2012
• Date Posted: 12.11.2012 12:34
• Story ID: 99085
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US