Photo By Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant | Chief Warrant Officer 3 Saul Mulholland, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4th...... read more read more
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Ivy Division Soldiers took a brief opportunity recently to make a big difference in the life of a young boy who is losing his eyesight.
Carson Raulerson, an 11-year-old from DeLand, Florida, was born with Knobloch syndrome, a rare progressive degenerative disease that causes most people to lose their eyesight before they turn 20. Currently, Carson is severely nearsighted in his right eye and nearly blind in his left. He has undergone surgical procedures to preserve his vision since he was two, however, these procedures prevent him from doing the “normal rough and tough kid stuff” according to his mother, Tara Cervantes.
“We are trying to make as many visual memories while we can, because no matter what happens, he will get to keep those forever,” said Cervantes.
The young Carson is named after Brig. Gen. Kit Carson, a legendary Army scout and frontiersman, from which the Mountain Post derives its name, and a necessary stop along the family’s journey to preserve visual memories for Carson as his eyesight deteriorates.
Carson was accompanied on his journey to the post Aug. 2, 2018, by his big brother, Garrett Raulerson, mother and family friend Ted Snyder, a former 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Soldier who helped to arrange the visit.
Together, the group met with the rear detachment leadership of the 2nd IBCT, Commander Lt. Col. Larry Workman and Command Sgt. Maj. Perlandus Hughes, senior enlisted advisor. The two welcomed the group to the installation and started their day by outfitting the two boys with some Army “swag” to help them experience the day as Soldiers.
Workman shared with Carson how important it is to take care of all American families, and how the 4th Inf. Div. was honored to host his family along their journey.
“Providing for our families is the biggest reason most Soldiers come into the Army,” said Workman. “We defend for all American families and our way of life, and that’s what keeps Soldiers serving past their initial enlistment.”
The next stop on the group’s journey was the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., where Carson was able to explore an M1 Abrams main battle tank and an M2 Bradley fighting vehicle. Carson and his brother learned about the vehicles’ capabilities and weapon systems. The 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., Soldiers explained how their individual roles as crewmembers contributed to the overall operation of a tank or Bradley. At the end of this stop, Carson was presented with a set of spurs and a certificate.
“You receive spurs once you are an experienced cavalry member and pass certain tests. So today, after seeing you spend some time with the Bradley and the tank, I’d say you’ve earned them”, said Capt. Bret Wilbanks, commander, Troop D, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt.
Next on their itinerary was a stop at a 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., hangar, where Carson, via a flight simulator, communicated with a pilot conducting clearance procedures and landing drills. After conducting a touch-and-go drill, the pilot asked Carson how he did.
“I don’t know, I think you better try that again,” joked Carson.
The team from 4th CAB provided Carson and his brother with patches and coins to serve as memorabilia, as well as to communicate the belonging and accomplishment associated with being a member of a military unit.
“(The simulator experience) was probably the one he was most comfortable with because computers and video games have digital screens and are where his visual impairments are least restrictive,” said Cervantes.
Before departing for the day, 4th CAB presented Carson with a pair of pilot wings to pin on his uniform top and thanked him for his hard work.
“It really lifted him up outside of his circumstances and helped him reconnect with himself outside of what’s going on with his eyes, and to understand that he too can do big things if he applies himself,” said Cervantes. “Having the opportunity to meet dedicated people who are committed to the work they get to do every day was such a positive experience for him. It’s for the first time in months I’ve heard him make statements about what he will do in the future. Each one of you who were with us was instrumental in giving back to him, whether you were aware of it or not. As a mother, thank you doesn’t even come close.”
The division also provided Carter with an audio recording of his visit to further aid his memories in the future.
“I’m proud of the treatment my Army Family extended to an old friend who knew nothing about the Army. (Cervantes) now understands why I served for 24 years and understands that the saying, ‘we fight for the men around us, more than a cause,’ is not a cliche,” said Snyder.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.17.2018 08:43 |
| Story ID: | 289219 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Hometown: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 2nd IBCT gives boy memories for a lifetime, by 2LT Angela DiMattia, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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