Carson Honors Fallen

May 30, 2014 — MOUNTAINEER3Event pairs veterans, jobsBy Andrea StoneMountaineer staffWith almost 500 on-the-spot job offers, theMilitary and Veterans Employment Expo, held May22 at the Freedom Financial Services Expo Center,was a success.The event kicked off with an address by KatherineArchuleta, director of the Office of PersonnelManagement.“This (job fair) is amazing, and the participationis incredible,” said Archuleta, who traveled fromWashington to see the expo.The fair was an opportunity for servicemembers, veterans and their spouses to meet with potential employers.About 1,000 people and 200 employers with morethan 167,000 jobs worldwide and 3,800 Coloradojobs participated, said Kristen Coderre, Fort Carsoncoordinator for the MVEE. Some people wereoffered more than one job, so the job-offer rate wasn’t50 percent.“The typical job fair hire-rate is 3-4 percent.Our job fair was more like 30-40 percent, and forus to be in (that) range is phenomenal, and that’sonly with 100 employers responding. We still have100 employers who haven’t come back to us (withfigures),” she said.The feedback Coderre got from employerswas positive.“(One employer) said, ‘I got 10 qualified candidatestoday any other job fair, I might collect 500-600resumes and get one or two people, if that,’” she said.Coderre credits part of the success to the training“In fiscal 2013, the federal governmenthired the highest percentage of veteranssince the mid-1970s. I am proud of thisprogress, but I’m not resting on success.”classes that were offered the week before the fair.The classes focused not only on resume writing, buton industry specific training.“Our Soldiers were well prepared,” Coderre said.Sgt. Nicholas Keim, 3rd Armored BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will begetting out of the Army by the end of the year andsaid he appreciated the opportunities at the job fair.“I’m glad all these people are in one place. Thisis awesome,” he said. “I’m defi nitely learning a lotand networking.”During her address, Archuleta encouraged veteransto consider employment with the federal government.“I’m trying to spread the word because the federalgovernment is open, and we are hiring,” she said.Out of 162,000 federal employees hired in fiscal2013, about 50,000 of them were veterans, Archuleta said.“In fiscal 2013, the federal government hired thehighest percentage of veterans since the mid-1970s,” shesaid. “I am proud of this progress, but I’m not resting onRemember ThoseWho ServedFirst 3,000 LikesDonates 1 Per Like toVeteran’s CharitiesScansuccess. I want the upwardtrend in veterans’ employment to continue not justbecause we honor yourservice, but because it makesgood business sense.”Archuleta encouragedemployers to considerhiring veterans, as well.“They bring an in— Katherine Archuletacredible skill and experience level,” she said.Spc. Graham Wilson,4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Inf. Div., had never been to a job fairbefore, but said he was hopeful about his prospects.“It’s an interesting experience,” he said. “I camein right when they opened up, so I’ve been walkingaround, seeing what’s around, talking to people,being really selective,” he said.This is the second year Fort Carson has participated in the event, and there were lessons learnedthat will be applied next year.“A year ago when we did this, the (VeteransOpportunity to Work) Act was not a mandatoryrequirement. Now every single Soldier separating getsa three-hour resume class,” Coderre said. “They’re allgetting this core training we’ll still offer maybeone or two iterations of a basic resume or advancedresume class, but change our view a little bit —salary negotiations, dress for success — so they’restill getting that extra training that they typicallywon’t get inside the gate.”Interactive, Educational Fun All Summer Long!10 Weeks - 5 ThemesTues. - sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.OCEANSJune 10-14 and June 17-21ASTRONOMYJune 24-28 and July 1-3*MARS, ROVERS AND ROBOTSJuly 8-12ROCKETRYJuly 22-26 and July 29-August 2andJuly 15-19TASTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY August 5-9 and August 12-16T FORPERFEC ANDYFAMIL POGR U !GSOUTIN*(Closed July 4 and July 5)ToLearn more, visit:www.SpaceFoundation.org/summer-fun4425 Arrowswest Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907 1.719.576.8000 or 1.800.691.4000 1 OFF AdmissionOne coupon per person. Good Through August 16, 2014 Code: MILSOD14COSMNG 042014 FINAL.indd 14/29/14 4:33 PM

4MOUNTAINEER — May 30, 2014MemorialFrom page 1That care and compassion was felt bythe Nunez-Rodriguez Family.“They’re really happy that (Fort Carson)is doing this,” Foster said. “It’s been reallyhonoring for them.”The names etched on stone are a reminderfor those who follow, LaCamera said.“Each name is a reminder for all of us,and for all those who will come after us,that the price of freedom is high,” he said.“While this is a time to mourn andremember, it is also a time to reflect on thehappy memories we share with our Familiesand our brothers and sisters in arms. We mustalways keep such memories close,” he said.“Our hearts go out to every Family who haslost a loved one, and we are forever indebtedto your sacrifice.”The names of the following eight activeduty Soldiers and one activated NationalGuard Soldier have been added to the other378 servicemember names already engravedon the memorial at Kit Carson Park.They are:Staff Sgt. Joe Nunez-Rodriguez, 32ndTransportation Company, 68th CombatSustainment Support Battalion, 43rdSustainment BrigadeSpc. Ember Alt, 32nd Trans., 68th CSSB,43rd SBSpc. Robert Ellis, 32nd Trans., 68thCSSB, 43rd SBSgt. William Moody, 32nd Trans., 68thCSSB, 43rd SBStaff Sgt. Joshua Bowden, 748th OrdnanceCompany, 242nd Explosive OrdnanceDisposal Battalion, 71st Ordnance Group(Explosive Ordnance Disposal)Staff Sgt. Liam Nevins, Company B,5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group(Airborne)Staff Sgt. Patrick Quinn, Company C,3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group(Airborne)Spc. Trinidad Santiago, Battery A, 4thBattalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment,1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivisionSpc. Charles McClure, Battery A, 4thBn., 42nd FA, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div.Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joe StoneSoldiers, representing the nine names added to the memorial, salute during theMountain Post Warrior Memorial Ceremony, Monday. Each Soldier approachedthe memorial wreath, one at a time, to honor a member of his unit.EthosFrom page 2WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/4THIDSoldiers so that you can take care of anyof their issues and the Army doesn’t losea good Soldier and person.The Warrior Ethos is the mostimportant aspect of a Soldier’s life. If youlive your life by the ethos, and can applythem to your leadership, then you — as aSoldier and a leader — can take care ofyourself and your Soldiers and set themup for success. I challenge you to take agood look at yourself and see if you areapplying the Warrior Ethos to your life.I will always place the mission first, Iwill never accept defeat, I will never quit,I will never leave a fallen comrade —I will live by the Warrior e.net/the4idDoing something fun on post?Submit a photo for the Photo of the Day onhttp://www.fortcarsonmountaineer.com.Send your submissions toeditor@fortcarsonmountaineer.cominclude a caption describing the photoand who took the picture.BmoorCSMNG-Rates14 Layout 1 2/21/14 11:15 AM Page 1SPRINGGETAWAYSSTART AT 210 PER NIGHTTHROUGHMAY 18TH!lesar y sur lusReebok Rapid ResponseACU Boots broadmoor.com855.868.2384114 eGot Pain?You have achoice, wecan help.7995ll st 634-9828(719) 444.0381 www.spectrumrehab.net

May 30, 2014 — MOUNTAINEER5Soldier student loan relief availableBy Andrea StoneMountaineer staffFor Soldiers who are struggling with student loandebt, there may be relief available.May 13, the U.S. Department of Justice announcedan enforcement action against Sallie Mae,the largest servicer of federal and privatestudent loans, according to a statement onthe Consumer Financial Protection Bureauwebsite. Sallie Mae was found to be violatingthe legal rights of servicemembers.Soldiers on Fort Carson who believethey may have been taken advantage of cancontact counselors at Financial Readiness,Army Community Service, at 526-4590, fora counseling appointment regarding studentloan relief.“The Consumer Financial ProtectionBoard went to bat specifically for our Soldiers,and the Soldiers have several options,” saidMary Braxton, Financial Readiness Programmanager.Soldiers serving on active duty areeligible to have their interest rates loweredto 6 percent on all student loans taken outbefore their active-duty service.“If a servicemember has an interest rate6 percent or more, then they can submit arequest up to 180 days after leaving activeduty to lower the interest-rate of their studentloan,” she said.In addition, there are other programsavailable that Soldiers may qualify for, such as publicservice loan forgiveness, income-based repayment andinterest rate reductions during deployments.“If (Soldiers) have questions about their studentloans, I’d ask that they come here and talk to one ofour financial counselors and let us work with them totry to get them some relief,” Braxton said.The mistreatment of servicemembers has beena concern for Holly Petraeus, Consumer FinancialProtection Bureau assistant director, Office ofServicemember Affairs.“I have been concerned for some time about theway that military personnel are treated by theirstudent loan servicers,” she said in a statementon the website, http://www.consumerfinance.gov. “The men and women serving this countryshould receive quality customer service andthe legal protections afforded to them. Instead,Sallie Mae gave servicemembers the runaroundand denied them the interest-rate reductionrequired by law.”Not only has there been an issue withinterest rates, but lenders have sometimes beenunwilling to work with servicemembers to setup payment plans, Braxton said.“Even if they’re in default, we still wantthem to come forward and see how we canhelp them see if they qualify for somethingthey might not be aware of,” she said.Regardless of what program they qualifyfor, dealing with student loan debt is critical.“It’s very, very important that studentloan debt is rectified because if it’s indefault, it can mess up a servicemember’scareer,” Braxton said. “Keep in mind, this is notgoing to go away. This is federal money,and any time you’re dealing with the federalgovernment, you can rest assured that they’regoing to get their money.”

6MOUNTAINEER — May 30, 2014Carson honorsfallen heroSpc. Daniela RojasMay 10, 1994 – May 3, 2014Spc. Daniela Rojas was born May 10, 1994,in Los Angeles. She graduated from TheodoreRoosevelt High School in 2012 and enlisted inthe Army in October that year.After attending Advanced Individual Trainingat Fort Lee, Va., she reported to Fort Carson,where she was assigned as a supply specialist forHeadquarters and Headquarters Company, 2ndBattalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th InfantryBrigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Shedeployed to Afghanistan in support of OperationEnduring Freedom in March and was attachedto Company F, 704th Brigade Support Battalion,4th IBCT, 4th Inf. Div.Rojas’ awards and decorations include the ArmyCommendation Medal, GoodConduct Medal, NationalDefense Service Medal,Afghanistan CampaignMedal with campaign star,Global War on TerrorismService Medal, Army ServiceRibbon and the NATO Medal.She is survived by herfather, Lidio Rojas; mother,Guiller mia Contreras;brothers, David and LidioJr.; and sisters, Bianca, Janetand Joana.The helmet, boots and rifle of Spc. Daniela Rojas sit ondisplay following a memorial ceremony held in Rojas’honor May 21, at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel.The firing detail fires volleys during the May 21memorial ceremony for Spc. Daniela Rojas, 2ndBattalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th InfantryBrigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.Pre-Approve thePerfect HomeWinningSmilesforEveryoneExperienced, Caring and GentleMortgageLoansApply online orcontact one ofour experiencedmortgage loanofficers today!When we realized we needed a bigger home, westarted by getting pre-approved.Our local lender helped us understand our options,so we could shop with confidence.Our new home is just what we wanted. And, thepeople we know and trust at Ent helped us everyPersonal Dentistry witha Soft Touch for Children,Parents & Grandparents.P R O V ID E R F O R A C T IV EM IL IT A R Y D E P E N D E N T Sstep ofthe way.(719) 574-1100 or 800-525-9623Ent.com/MortgageStandard credit qualifications apply. Loans subject to final credit approval.Financing available on homes throughout Colorado. Ent Federal Credit Union, 2014Equal Housing Lender Federally insured by NCUA Equal Opportunity LenderEnt is a registered trademarkof Ent Federal Credit Union.597-9737www.powersdental g rou p.comCaring For SmilesSince 1974Cosmetic DentistryBonding & VeneersRoot Canal TherapyChildrens DentistryCrowns & BridgesOrthodonticsTeeth WhiteningOral SurgeryDenturesImplantsWisdom TeethWhite FillingsPorcelain LaminatesGum CareS A M E DA Y E M E RG E N C Y C A RE

May 30, 2014 — MOUNTAINEER4th Inf. Div., 43rd SB host observanceStory and photos byStaff Sgt. Alexis Ramos43rd Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs OfficeThere are many cultures, religions and ethnicitiesthat form the bonds of the United States of America andthe U.S. Army. Recognizing those differences withinthe ranks, the 4th Infantry Division Equal Opportunityteam and the 43rd Sustainment Brigade hosted anobservance in celebration of Asian American PacificIslander Heritage Month at the Elkhorn ConferenceCenter, May 19.The event honored the many contributions that theAsian-American and the Pacific Islander cultures havemade to the U.S. with two guest speakers, performances,an awards ceremony and food sampling.The fi rst guest speaker, Judge Kerry S. Hada,Second Judicial District, Denver County, talked abouthis friends in World War II, the struggles he facedduring his upbringing and the changes he has seen.“I am so pleased to see such a diverse audiencehere today,” said Hada. “When I came in the service,there were African-Americans and Caucasians, butnot a whole lot of Asians.”Hada shared stories about his childhood and howhe picked melons with his grandmother when he wasyoung. Picking melons was too hard of a life, he saidjokingly, so he became a judge. He said he held manyjobs before becoming a judge, and he was always theonly Asian where he worked. Even now, Hada is theonly Asian judge in Colorado.“The world has come such a long way fromthose days. When I was in the military, there were nofemales at any place — Annapolis, West Point, AirForce Academy,” said Hada. “I’ve been privileged nowto appoint some people to committees that were AirForce Academy graduates and Air Force Academyinstructors. So the world has come a long way, but westill need to go a ways further.”Staff Sgt. Jen Lee, Soldier-athlete, World ClassAthlete Program and 2014 Winter Paralympic Gamesgold medalist, opened with a stereotypical joke to breakthe ice with the audience.“When my first sergeant asked me to do this, I saidI would be honored. Joking with him, (I said) it’s kindof hard to miss a 6-foot-2 (inch) Asian,” Lee said asthe attendees laughed.Lee discussed how his Family wanted him tobecome a lawyer or doctor, but he wanted to servehis country. He continued talking about his athleticsleading up to the 2009 motorcycle accident that lefthim an amputee.“Everything changed. My life changed forever,”said Lee. “Not only was I conscious when I was hit,but I knew I was going to lose my leg.“I had a decision to make either accept who I’mgoing to be for the rest of my life or sit there and layin a hospital and feel sorry for myselfand blame the world,” he said.Lee explained how the woundedwarriors at Fort Sam Houston, Texas,motivated him and how his rehabilitation led him to discover sledhockey and, eventually, the WCAP,culminating in a spot as a goalie forUSA’s Paralympic sled hockey team— Staff Sgt. Jen Leethat won a gold medal in 2014.“I’m just happy that I’m able“I had a decision to make either acceptwho I’m going to be for the rest of my lifeor sit there and lay in a hospital and feelsorry for myself and blame the world.”7Members of Pacific Pride & Island Hearts, a nonprofitorganization from Colorado Springs, performed rhythmic dancesfor attendees during an Asian American and Pacific Islanderheritage observance held at the Elkhorn Center, May 19.Staff Sgt. Jen Lee, Soldier-athlete, World Class AthleteProgram and 2014 Winter Paralympic Games gold medalist,speaks to Soldiers about how a turn of events led him toWCAP, during an Asian American Pacific Islander HeritageMonth observance at the Elkhorn Conference Center, May 19.to continue to serve my country and represent mycountry in a different way,” said Lee.Attendees were then entertained with ethnic andrhythmic dancing courtesy of Pacific Pride & IslandHearts, a nonprofit organization from Colorado Springs.Col. Heidi Hoyle, special assistant to the 4thInfantry Division commanding general, closed theevent: “Thank you to all our guests, thank you forsharing your culture with all of us.”

8MOUNTAINEER — May 30, 2014Obama vows vets will get care they earnedBy Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON — The UnitedStates will ensure that veterans will getthe care they earned while in service to“Every chance weget to make abetter life forourselves andour families ispossible becausegenerationsof patriotsfoughtto keepAmericaa land ofopportunity,whereanyone can make itif they try.”the nation, President Barack Obama saidMay 24 during his weekly address.The president also asked Americansto remember the service and sacrifice oftheir fellow citizens.The nation’s history “shines withpatriots who answered the call to serve,”Obama said.“They put their lives on the line todefend the country they loved. And inthe end, many gave that ‘last fullmeasure of devotion’ so that our nationwould endure.”Every time an American casts avote or speaks without fear, he shouldremember those who died to ensure thoserights, the president said.“Every chance we get to make abetter life for ourselves and our familiesis possible because generations ofpatriots fought to keep America a landof opportunity, where anyone — ofany race, any religion, from anybackground — can make it if theytry,” he said.The United States began with adesire for freedom, and Americanservicemembers have protected thatfreedom since the Revolutionary War,Obama said.“I hope all Americans will take amoment this weekend to think of thosewho have died in service to our nation,”the president said.“Say a prayer in their memories andfor their Families,” he said. “Lay a flowerwhere they’ve come to rest. Reach outto servicemembers, military Familiesor veterans in your community, orFamilies who have lost loved ones, andlet them know that their service andsacrifice will never be forgotten.”But beyond Memorial Day,America must honor and uphold thesacred trust it has with veterans,the president said.“In recent weeks, we’ve seen againhow much more our nation has to do tomake sure all our veterans get the carethey deserve,” he said. “As commanderin chief, I believe that taking care of ourveterans and their Families is a sacredobligation. It’s been one of the causes ofmy presidency.”With the war in Iraq behind Americaand actions in Afghanistan windingdown, “we have to work even harder asa nation to make sure all our veterans getthe benefits and opportunities they’veearned,” Obama said. “They’ve donetheir duty, and they ask nothing morethan that this country does ours — nowand for decades to come.”Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez— PresidentBarack ObamaPresident Barack Obama visitstroops on Bagram Airfield,Afghanistan, May 26. Obamathanked the Soldiers, Sailors,Airmen and Marines for theirservice. After his speech, heshook hands with everymember present.High Definition Lens CollectionLarge Selection of Designer EyewearMy one reason?To show Icare about mycommunity.E X TheA M S Best C O InN T SightA C T S Since G L A 1978S S E SYou only need one reasonto donate plasma.25% MILITARYDISCOUNTon all goods andservices*Find out how becoming a plasma donor can make a difference for patients andhelp you earn extra money.New donors earn up to 100 this week.Donate today at:Talecris Plasma Resources2505 East Pikes Peak Ave., Ste 180Colorado Springs(719) 635-5926Voted # 1 Eye Care in Colorado SpringsT he I ndependent & T he G az ettewww.abbaeyecare.comgrifolsplasma.comPers on p ic tured is notan ac tual s old ier.4430 N. Nevada Ave.Southwest Corner of Garden of the Gods & Nevada635-20206220 Woodmen Rd1813 North Circle Drive634-2020632-2020SE Corner o

Live by Warrior Ethos Commentary by Spc. Trevor M. Ball Warrior Leadership Course graduate The Warrior Ethos is just a part of a creed that I had to learn when I joined the military, but, once I began to progress in my career, I realized the Warrior Ethos was so much more. I will always place the mission fi rst, I will never