2nd BCT soldiers assist with POW range

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Story by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan

Date: 09.22.2012
Posted: 09.24.2012 18:37
News ID: 95228
Targets

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers with 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, volunteered at the privately owned weapons range held at Range 1, Sept. 22.

The POW range, open to service members and their dependents ages 10 years and above, Department of the Army civilians, retirees and contractors, gives an opportunity to receive coaching from soldiers and to practice shooting their privately owned weapon.

“We have the soldiers from 1-10 Cav., who is the sponsoring unit here today, as the safeties and instructors,” said Jose Colon, range supervisor and organizer of the event. “They are helping individuals who might not be as comfortable with their weapon so they are coaching them and overseeing them to make sure they are being safe.”

Participants were free to shoot their weapons or could request one-on-one coaching from safeties.

“I think I’m with professionals here and am receiving excellent assistance,” said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Janet Weaver. “The soldiers are showing me techniques I didn’t know before.”

The POW range is an event run by U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson Safety Office in conjunction with Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, Directorate of Emergency Services, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and receives support from volunteering soldiers from sponsoring units.

“We are supporting the range doing range safety, putting the targets together, directing traffic and helping out any way we can,” said Sgt. Robert Long, motor transport operator, Troop D, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.

Volunteering soldiers were afforded the opportunity to participate as well.

“It's nice to be able to do my job today and it is another day out for me to have fun and maybe shoot at the very end,” said Spc. Jacob Chege, healthcare specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop.

The POW range is held every third Saturday of the month, January through October.

“We intend to do this monthly and improve,” Weaver said. “I’m grateful for this facility to be able to practice and get better both as sport and personal protection.”

“Bottom line, it’s an opportunity for people to come out, shoot and have a good time,” Colon said. “We provide safeties, free targets and as long as they follow the rules, hey, have fun!”