FORT CARSON, Colo. - Mountain Post Soldiers, Airmen, Family members, veterans and Department of Defense civilians gathered on Founder's Field before a four-mile installation run Nov. 5 to pay tribute to America's military in honor of Veteran's Day.
The Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Maj. Gen. David Perkins and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey led the "Mountain Post Team" during the run to reinforce the "One Team-One Fight" model and build post cohesion and esprit de corps.
"We are here to celebrate and honor millions of veterans across our country," said Perkins. "This includes the Soldiers out here today with us - the free world owes you and other veterans a debt of gratitude."
Perkins said it was a perfect Colorado morning to bring Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson together for physical training, while saluting the veterans who served, will serve and continue to serve the nation and its interest.
Col. Mark McKearn, the acting commandant for the U.S. Military Academy, joined the command group during the run and led Soldiers in cheers of "Go Army - Beat Air Force" at the final formation at Ironhorse Park.
"This is an opportunity for all of the units of Fort Carson to come together, build the team, build camaraderie, and live the division Mission, Soldier, Family, Team concept," said Dailey. "We are also running to motivate the West Point graduates and cadets here for the Nov. 7 'Go Army, Beat Air Force' Game at the Air Force Academy."
Approximately 9,000 Soldiers, Airmen, leaders and civilians from U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson; Medical Department Activity; Dental Activity; U.S. Air Force 13th Air Support Operation Group; 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal); 52nd Engineer Battalion; 759th Military Police Company; and 43rd Sustainment Brigade participated in the run.
The 4th Inf. Div. Headquarters; the Division Special Troops Battalion; two brigade combat teams, and two brigade rear detachments completed the Mountain Post Team, placing approximately 9,000 Soldiers, Family members, veterans, and civilians on a four-mile course at the center of Fort Carson.
The "Ivy" Division's 4th BCT is currently deployed to Afghanistan for a 12-month mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and the 3rd BCT is deployed to National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
Pvt. Jeremy Ray Bailey, a power generation equipment repairer assigned to Headquarters Support Company, DSTB, 4th Inf. Div., said that the run was good for morale and inspired him as a Soldier to remember the veterans who have served.
"It is humbling to think about the sacrifices made by the men and women in our military's uniforms and our country's history," said Bailey, a native of Chico, Calif. "To be able to run with many of them in this run is a terrific experience."
Perkins led the runners to the final formation at Ironhorse Park where he rallied motivated Soldiers, Airmen and civilians, addressing the significance of the special event.
"We are paying tribute to our veterans and the hundreds of thousands of servicemembers who have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we hold dear," concluded Perkins. "Thank you for what you do every day and thank you for wearing the uniform in service to our nation."
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