By Norman Shifflett
Garrison Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Fort Carson and the 4th Infantry Division had a busy year in 2019, which included welcoming thousands of Soldiers home from deployments, receiving a new division commander and recognizing Soldiers for their many achievements.
Deployments and redeployments
Fort Carson saw the redeployments of several units including 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 627th Hospital Center, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 759th Military Police Battalion, 4th Inf. Div. Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion and 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, resulting in over 30 homecoming ceremonies.
The 4th Inf. Div. HHBN, along with more than 50 Soldiers from the Utah Army National Guard, deployed in November and December 2018 as part of the regular rotation of forces to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and redeployed in August.
“I’m extremely proud of the hard work of our Soldiers over the last nine months,” said Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, former commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson (from August 2017 to October, 2019). “Their contributions to ensuring that Afghanistan can never again become a safe haven for terrorists was vital to protecting our national security.”
The 3rd ABCT deployed to Kuwait in February, in support of Operation Spartan Shield, and returned home in November, 2019.
“I am amazed at the accomplishments of the Iron Brigade throughout our nine-month deployment to the Middle East, and I am extremely proud of each and every Soldier,” said Col. Grant S. Fawcett, the brigade commander. “Our Soldiers and leaders continue to prove the 3rd ABCT is the premier combat unit in the U.S. Army today.”
New leadership
The 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson welcomed a new commander in October, 2019,: Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.
“(I’m) incredibly honored and humbled to serve with the Soldiers of this great installation, on this post and in this great military community,” McFarlane said.
In addition to leadership changes, deployments and redeployments, the Mountain Post welcomed distinguished visitors.
VIP visits
Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston, visited Fort Carson in November. During their visit McCarthy and Grinston met with several units and held a town hall to discuss the Army’s focus on readiness, modernization and reform.
“Readiness is something we were challenged with several years ago, because we had a couple of factors that we are not very consistent with; we were challenged with a lot of demand and not enough money to run this. So for the last couple years we have worked very hard to justify our funding,” McCarthy said. “One thing in particular is that we had tremendous leadership across the Army, in particular the noncommissioned officer corps. It’s as much funding as it is hard work, focus and training plans and the execution of those training plans.”
Accomplishments
While there are too many to name, the Soldiers and civilians at the Mountain Post undoubtedly had a full year. Some achievements included:
2nd IBCT Soldier wins title of United States of America’s Ms. Colorado
4th Inf. Div. Soldiers participated in honoring: Bataan Death March, Battle of Suoi Tre, Battle
of Kamdesh
A civilian with 3rd ABCT earned Army Individual Award for Excellence in Safety in the Department of the Army Civilian category
Evans Army Community Hospital and UCHealth Memorial Hospital will work together to treat trauma, complex medical cases and help Fort Carson medical personnel hone skills for future deployments
4th CAB offloaded nearly 1,500 pieces of brigade equipment at the port of Corpus Christi, Texas
Missions in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and Camp Buehring, Kuwait
Fort Carson Directorate of Public Works was busy with early winter weather in October, 2019, that caused hazardous road conditions leading to post closures or delayed reporting for Soldiers and civilians.
New to post
In 2019, Fort Carson welcomed the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC), and the 1st Space Brigade. Both units were located on the Mountain Post this past year.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better reception,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael J. McMurdy, 4th SFAB senior enlisted adviser. “The reason we have a building is because of the support from Maj. Gen. George and his team.”
Lt. Gen. James H. Dickinson, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command expressed praises for the new facility.
“If you knew what our old building looked like by the airport, you would say this is a pretty good step up,” Dickinson said. “But it didn’t come without a lot of work. There was a lot that went into getting this building refurbished into what it is today and we want to thank the Army Reserves, the garrison command team and 4th Infantry Division leadership for their support.”
Each year seems to be more busy than the last. As the Mountain Post enters a new decade, it is sure to see many more activities, as it is constantly making improvements and continues to be the “Best Hometown in the Army – Home of America’s Best.”
| Date Taken: |
01.10.2020 |
| Date Posted: |
01.31.2020 16:29 |
| Story ID: |
361393 |
| Location: |
US |
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