TRINIDAD, Colo. -- The air was cold but spirits were warm when Soldiers from 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, met with Trinidad city council members to strengthen the relationship between Fort Carson and Southern Colorado at Trinidad city hall, Feb. 20.
"Warhorse" Brigade is conducting a month-long field exercise at nearby Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site and meeting with local councilmen is one of many engagements planned.
"Councilmen and other elected officials in Trinidad have a desire for increased partnership and to really know what Fort Carson does and how they can assist in our mission," said Lt. Col. Joseph Mouer, commander, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT. "It's invaluable for the American community to see their Soldiers and to see their investment dollars going into their military."
A common point throughout the discussions was the amount of patriotism in the local area.
"Trinidad and Las Animas County are very patriotic," said retired Marine Col. Louis Simpleman, city council member. "We have more than 1,700 veterans just within the county and it's more than 10 percent of our population. They support all of the military."
The council members told Soldiers why they thought it was important for them to give back.
"People understand the need to train our Soldiers," said Simpleman. "We owe them that much, to give them opportunity when they go to war to come back alive."
Mouer spoke with Simpleman about the importance of Trinidad and Fort Carson's future efforts. "He's very interested in gaining further insight on that progress and where Trinidad can help Fort Carson with its readiness and training," said Mouer.
With increased visits, both parties hope to further build the good neighbor initiative.
"I think these are the kind of opportunities that are important," said Mouer.
Through mid-March, the "Warhorse" Brigade plans to engage the local population by visiting schools and hosting a community day that includes a viewing of training and static displays.
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