Latest local news, weather and high school sports from Colorado Springs - Powered by KXRM FOX 21

Sgt. Devin Jones, from Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is a MEDIC with “Ugly Platoon” 554th MP. On 3 Oct 09, his platoon was tasked to provide security of the Saracha bridge construction project IOT deny INS activity in and around the construction site. Throughout the night, the temporary bridge began to wash out as water began to flow over the top of the road.

Spc. Noah Hudgins, from Headquarters Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, displayed outstanding initiative when, after completing his guard-duty shift, he took it upon himself to repair a dead-lined MRAP. He demonstrated tremendous technical skill fabricating a bracket for the MRAPs air conditioner compressor which had broken during the previous mission. He worked nonstop for four hours to ensure the MRAP was mission capable and back in the fight for follow-on missions.

Sgt. Michael D. Hudgins, from Headquarters Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, displayed outstanding abilities as the Squad leader of the Battalion Commanders PSD. His dedication to mission and tactical knowledge resulted in CTSC-A members commenting that his mission brief was the best they’ve ever received.

Task Force Chosin had the honor of being visited by the Honorary Colonel of the 32nd Infantry Regiment, Colonel Robert E. Golosov, USA Retired. He served in combat during the Korean Conflict with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, then known as the “Buccaneers”. Over half a century later, he again joins the Chosin Battalion on the field of battle, interacting with the Soldiers of Task Force Chosin.

SSgt. Carl H. Faulk, from Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, is being nominated for Warrior of the Day for his actions as his Platoons Humanitarian Aid representative. Aside from his daily missions as a Squad Leader, he also organizes and coordinates HA drops within his Platoons AO. He is responsible for the delivery of HA to over 500 families along the Pech River Valley in six different villages. Aside from just packaging and delivering the HA, he also communicates with the ANSF to ensure their presence during the drops to bolster the peoples confidence in GiROA.

On 15 July 2009, Sgt. Jeremy M. Cook, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his platoon came under a complex enemy attack. Cook, while taking heavy enemy fire in the middle of the enemy kill zone, exposed himself to save his soldier from falling boulders caused by RPG rounds and continued to suppress the enemy with heavy fire. 

Spc. Andrew Clinton is an LLVI operator for Bravo Company, 4BSTB, 4ID. He is currently working as a member of Team Nightstalker, 3-61 CAV at OP Mace; working around the clock with one interpreter providing indications and warnings of AAF disposition in AO Destroyer. He has provided location data during the past week during multiple AAF engagements on OP Mace allowing CF to effectively engage the enemy with counter fire missions.

Cpl. Supko, Cpl. Suarez, Nadia (interpreter), Spc. Otieno and Cpt. Bennett, at the Sarkani District Center, 19 Oct 2009. The CFET attended a women’s shura to discuss education, health care, and job possibilities with the 14 women representing the district. The women expressed interest in sewing and agriculture projects, and voiced their desire for teachers to help them learn to read and write. They continue to struggle feeding their families, as 80 percent of the members are widows. The CFET distributed rice, flour and radios to the women and will continue efforts to promote women’s issues in Kunar Province. 

On 24 July 2009, while involved in combat operations in the remote Nuristan village of Barg-e Matal, SPC Calzadilla’s 24-man platoon was ambushed at close range by more than 35 Taliban fighters. The point man was hit in the initial volley, and Calzadilla selflessly left his position to run 30 meters under heavy enemy fire to single-handedly pull the point man back behind cover. He then ran back across open ground to his original position to get the platoon medic and escort him up to assess the casualty. After the point man was determined to be KIA, Calzadilla helped assault the nearest enemy position and recovered a PKM, two AK-47s, and two RPGs.

1st Lt. Eric Bruns, serves as the Fires Support Officer for Charlie Company 2-12TH Infantry Regiment, COP Honaker Miracle. On 20 August 2009, 1LT Bruns demonstrated his capabilities of handling multiple fire support assets including mortars, CCA and attack aviation aircraft. On election day, 1LT Bruns was responsible for handling multiple aircraft and fire missions firing several thousand rounds in support of the Afghanistan Elections.

Sgt. John S. Barrera, from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “Valor” device as his platoon was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force in the town of Jalaleh on MSR California. Barrera, while exposing himself to direct enemy fire, engaged the enemy forces with fierce determination until he was struck by enemy rounds that penetrated his helmet. Disregarding his wounds, Barrera continued to engage the enemy to allow his soldiers to recover downed vehicles.

On 3 Oct 2009, 3rd PLT Attack Company Air Assaulted to OP Fritsche in support of operations at COP Keating. While moving to COP Keating, Barnes, a M240B Gunner, had one AAF jump out of the bushes approximately 15 meters from his position with an AK-47, 3 RPG’s and hand grenades. Barnes quickly drew his 9mm and engaged the enemy killing him and saving his fellow squad members from the attack. 

Pfc. Justo Baltasar, From Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry Regiment, distinguished himself continuously since his arrival in Theatre. PFC Baltasar was assigned to Sniper Team 2, Operation Bacha Strga, in conjunction with ODA 0114, and The French Commando's from FOB Torra, during periods 3, 4 September 2009. As the SAW Gunner, Baltasar took a position to hold off a vast number of enemy fighters, despite being surrounded, outnumbered and taking heavy direct and indirect fire. Balasar's consistent, well timed offensive and defensive automatic fire enabled his team to ex-fill without having any soldier from his platoon injured. 

My Mom, Charlotte Ruth Clark Summers, in 1943, saw an ad in a newspaper about our country needing women to temporarily take the jobs of our men who were going into the Armed Services. She applied, and was sent to Aircraft Mechanics School, in Denver. She was then sent back to Colorado Springs, to Peterson Field AFB. She worked on the propellers of all types of military aircraft. She even worked on the propellers of the "Enola Gay" prior to its Japan mission flight. At the end of the War, she was sent back home, with her country's greatful thanks.

My son is a hero, because he too, put everything else on hold in his life, just to serve his country in any way possible. Although still very young he has endured things unimagable by the average non-military person. He protects and serves this country, so the citizens of these United States can relax, feel comfortable, and go on with everyday life. This Marine is very loyal to the cause, and appreciates what it means for us as a nation to feel safe.

Spc. Kyle Norris is a Human Intelligence Collector for Bravo Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. Currently working with 2-12 INF at FOB Blessing, Norris implemented and completed the screening process of local employees and is responsible for HUMINT Collection in Chapa Dara District, Konar Province. In addition, Norris has doubled the amount of sources since arriving at FOB Blessing, effectively driving and shaping future operations through his efforts. 

Yes, my father Col. James Brown (Ret.) is still alive today and he has the most fighting spirit I have ever seen. This picture was taken during one of his 35 WW11 missions on the B17 Bombers. He also fought in the Korean War and Vietnam. He has many stories to tell of his WW11 missions.

My husband has served the military since he was 18 years old. He has deployed three times, about to be four. He works on track vehicles and others, and keeping them up and running can be a big feat! He has had two shoulder surgeries and now has movement back like never before, thanks to a great surgeon named Dr. Javernick! So, my husband keeps on keepin on, So proud to be an American Soldier, and we are proud to be serving with him as a military family!

Al Uhalt, Jr. began civilian flight training on 3 June 1947. Earned his Private License on 6/3/1948. Earned his Commercial and Flight Instructor licenses before entering the Air Force in March 1952. Graduated Air Force Pilot Training March 1953 with honors. Assigned to all-weather fighter interceptors at Portland, Oregon then to Iceland Air Defense Forces at Keflavik, Iceland. Entered USAF Test Pilot School in 1958 and Space Pilot School in 1962. Flight tested numerous aircraft as a Test Pilot for 11 years including hot & cold weather testing of the F-4 Phantom at Fairbanks, AK and Yuma, AZ. Flew 258 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom in Viet Nam from 1966-67. Awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 17 Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. Assigned to Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, then the National War College in Washington, D.C. followed by assignment to the Air Defense Command staff.

Cpl. Kyle W. Powell, 21, of Colorado Springs, was killed in action near Fallujah, Iraq, while on patrol with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, on Nov. 4, 2006. Kyle was born December 14, 1984, at Fort Carson Army Hospital. He was active in Boy Scout Troop 1, becoming an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School and joined the Marines after graduation, attending boot camp in San Diego in the fall of 2003 followed by Combat Engineering School at Camp Lejeune, NC, and upon completion of training, returned to Camp Pendleton.

Octavio Servin has been deployed and done two tours in Iraq. He has been in the Army for six years now and loves serving his country.

Adrian is a great and brave friend of mine. He has served four tours of duty, seen more distruction then most. He has received the Purple Heart and still thinks he doesn't deserve it. His life has changed forever due to his experiences and the road ahead will be a hard one...For that he is my hero!!! 

My grandfather served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. He died when my mother was young, so I am unsure of exactly when and how long but I know that he was a Master Sgt. when he retired from the U.S.A.F. He served during wartime and was deployed.

He's our family hero we are all praying he comes back OK and gets to meet his new baby boy and see his family. We love him very much.

David has been in the Army before the war broke out in Iraq. And has been overseas three times. My son is now in the Army Reserves and just recently returned home.

Why my dad, Matthew Dilcher, is a hero to me is because of all sort of things. First he is so kind to me, and respectful to what I do and say. He is fun to play with because he traps me and I have to get out. He's funny every day and thats nice to hear his jokes. He helps me stay scary for Halloween.

On 13 July 2009, Spc. Kevin D. Lamb, from Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his platoon came under an enemy ambush.

On 19 August 2009, Pfc, Arturo Salgado Jr, from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious actions as his combat logistics patrol came under direct enemy fire.

On 17 July 2009, Pfc. Christopher S. Johnson, from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his platoon came under an enemy ambush.

On 17 July 2009, Pfc. Pablo J. Herrera, from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his Platoon came under enemy fire.

On 30 July 2009, 1st lt. Christopher Capasso, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his platoon came under direct enemy fire from all directions.

On 13 August 2009, Sgt.FC John C. Altenes, from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious actions as his combat logistics patrol came under direct enemy fire.

On 14 July 2009, Spv. Allan N. Condit, from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his patrol came under a complex enemy attack.

On 19 August 2009, Cpl. Andrew C. Baker, from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious actions as his combat logistics patrol came under direct enemy fire.

On 17 July 2009, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Henriques R. Ventura, from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his platoon came under a complex enemy attack.

On 15 July 2009, Sgt. Byron O. Krepcho, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions while his squad was attacked by an enemy ambush.

On 15 July 2009, Spc. Anthony M. Elenburg, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions while his fire team was attacked by an enemy ambush.

On 8 July 2009, Cpl. Shawn D. Smith, from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious actions while his combat logistics patrol came under direct enemy fire.

On 16 July 2009, Pfc. Eric M. Finniginam, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions while his fighting position was attacked with enemy RPG rounds.

My husband and I met over four years ago and we have been through two long deployments and are getting ready for our third in March. I made his dream come true on May 5, 2009 with the birth of our baby girl. No matter how many miles we are apart he always finds time to make me feel special.

On 17 July 2009, SSgt. Christopher W. Dalluge, from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device while while his convoy logistics patrol came under direct enemy fire with AK-47 and RPG rounds

On 17 July 2009, Spc. Gregory J. Gorski, from Alpha Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions while his platoon, who was conducting a mounted patrol, came under a complex enemy attack.

On 5 October 2009, Spc. Kevin Wood was a passenger in the back of a MRAP traveling along route Rhode Island when the element came under heavy attack from AAF in the vicinity of Tantil village. One truck collided with SPC Wood’s vehicle and was disabled leaving the truck drivers caught in the open with no cover to protect themselves.

SSgt. Paul Miller, from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, serves with great distinction as a mortar section leader. He is overall amenable for his sections quick and accurate 80MM and 120MM mortar systems for COP Honaker Miracle.

In August of 2009, Cpl. Brittnee Supko, from Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, earned both a Purple Heart and an ARCOM “V” for actions taken on patrol in Konar Province, Afghanistan. She is the first Chosin female to earn either of these awards.

Pfc. Matthew Birr was injured on 9 August 2009 on FOB Fortress during a combined direct and indirect fire attack. PFC Birr had a 7.62mm round pass through his brain and is recovering at a Minnesota VA Hospital. 

My husband, Sgt Mathew Hagen, is not only my best friend, he is my hero. In December, we will have been married for seven years and together we have a rambunctious, yet healthy 6-year-old boy. Although, he has always been there for me, it was not until this past year that I realized just how much I love and value him. He was deployed with his unit in May of 2008 to Iraq and we struggled with not seeing him every day.

PS2 Lucas R. Parish joined the U.S. Navy in 2004 after attending college. He is a native of Greeley. He is now on inactive status after serving five years. His first assignment was at PSD Bethesda, MD, and he has served overseas in Japan.

Specialist (SPC) Sean Heffron, from Alpha Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, was chosen to assist in the demolition of two COPs and three OPs in the Nuristan Province. SPC Heffron’s knowledge of demolitions and UXOs were a great asset to the Demo team as it conducted backhaul and destruction operations. SPC Heffron was sent on a mission to destroy one of the OPs overlooking COP Lowell and he also played an important part in the backhaul and destruction of COP Keating.

Cpl. Christopher P. Weaver, from Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, has personally coordinated the movement of over 1.5 million gallons of fuel in the month of September 2009. He played a crucial role in the replenishment of the fuel to Task Force Destroyer when the entire Task Force was going black and almost out of fuel.

My son, LCpl. Courtney R. Burris, is a hero, simply because he chose to serve our country as a proud marine. With many opportunities in store for his young life, preserving our rights, as citizens of these United States, came first by serving his country.

My hero is my husband. He joined the army in Sept. 2008, he just deployed to Afghanistan in May for a year tour. He joined to provide for his wife and two children and he enjoys fighting for his country!

Air Force TSGt. Zachary A. Parish is now one of three instructors at the F.E. Warren Airman Leadership School and teaches Senior Airmen how to become effective supervisors before transitioning to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He is proud to serve the USA, and his family is proud of him, as well.

Pfc. William Havle has had his share of difficulties while in the service after his wife left him, taking his two children away, across state lines. He has since gained full custody. From then on, Havle has worked to balance being a single father and a committed member of the military, caring for his children when they were sick, yet reporting for duty, even after sleepless nights.

SSgt. John E. Jett is on his final tour in Camp Ramadi. Family message is, "We love you and miss you."

Spc. Daniel Byington trained Soldiers and NCOs throughout the Roughneck and Ugly platoons in order for them to safely and efficiently familiarize on the new weapon platforms. Due to his knowledge and professionalism, the two platoons are now more lethal and effective to better protect and defend the local Afghanistan populace.

First Lieutenant (1LT) William A. Fio Rito, from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions while his platoon reacted as the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to relieve a fellow platoon.

Private First Class (PFC) Julio C. Gonzalez, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions while his squad was attacked by an enemy ambush.

Specialist (SPC) Joshua J. Christensen, from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions while his convoy was attacked by a complex enemy ambush.

Private First Class (PFC) Guadalupe A. Cardenas, from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his platoon was ambushed by enemy fire.

Captain (CPT) Edward M. Gutierrez, from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his Combat Logistics Patrol came under enemy fire.

Sergeant (SGT) James K. Price, from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, earned the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for valorous actions as his platoon came under a complex enemy attack.

Specialist (SPC) Scott R. French, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device while conducting an air assault mission with his squad and exposing himself to direct enemy fire.

Private (PV2) Andrew J. Lansing, from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device while conducting a mounted patrol with his platoon who came under an enemy ambush.

Specialist (SPC) Brian W. Johnson, from Alpha Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device while exposing himself to direct enemy fire during a mounted patrol with his platoon.

SSG Coll has served for the past 14 years.