FORT CARSON, Colo. — Cpl. Tyler Tate, a wheeled vehicle mechanic on special duty with the 4th Infantry Division Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, shoots a rifle during the Hesse Cup portion of the Regional Cavalry Competition April 24 at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, San Angelo, Texas. The Hesse Cup was the final event of the competition, in which mostly level three riders competed in every category they’d participated in, the past few days, but this time in one culminating event. Even though they were only a level two team, Tate and his horse, Master Sgt. Junior, were selected as the only Fort Carson team competing in the Cup. (Photo by Sgt. Kelsey Simmons)

FORT CARSON, Colo. — One thing that sets the Mountain Post apart from other installations is its dedication to its surrounding communities.

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson connect to the community through the historical tradition of military pageantry and ceremony by the 4th Inf. Div. Band and Mounted Color Guard.

Activated in 1943, the 4th Inf. Div. Band has instilled esprit de corps into Soldiers and community members everywhere.

“I think the best job in the Army is being in an Army band,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mike Becker, bandmaster of the 4th Inf. Div. Band. “Our goal has been to rebuild the connections in our community that we’ve had to put on hold because of the pandemic. Now that it’s much safer to meet in groups and go out in public, we have been excited to share the gift of music with our local community.”

The 4th Inf. Div. Mounted Color Guard is one of only a handful of cavalry units across the nation.

Originating in 1963, the unit formed as a 32-man horse platoon. It was disbanded 15 years later but reestablished as the eight-person Mounted Color Guard known today.

FORT CARSON, Colo. — San Angelo community members interact with competing riders and their horses during the Regional Cavalry Competition April 24, 2022, at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, San Angelo, Texas. At the end of the competition, riders from Fort Irwin and Fort Carson gave group demonstrations of their riding abilities to the Fort Concho audience and showed what cavalry units are known for. (Photo by Sgt. Kelsey Simmons)

“We are the face of Fort Carson and the Army,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Couturier-Gregor, a cavalry scout from Lewiston, Maine, on special duty with the 4th Inf. Div. Mounted Color Guard. “It’s always a great thing for the public to see a different side of what the military does. We build relationships and contacts with the local community, which helps for future events.”

The MCG and Army Band uphold the traditions of many armed forces events by participating in parades, rodeos, ceremonies and other public events.

The impact the band and the MCG have on the public is mutually beneficial for both the Fort Carson and surrounding communities. The Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Organization show their gratitude to the Mountain Post throughout the year, including during Armed Forces Week.

This year for Armed Forces Week, Monday-Thursday, the CSCEDO hosted events such as an upcoming joint concert performed by the 4th Inf. Div. Band and the U.S. Air Force Academy Band on Monday at the Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center.

The CSCEDO hosted the Armed Forces Week Outstanding Enlisted Awards Ceremony & Luncheon on Thursday. The event allowed the community to express its gratitude to the military for their dedication and service to the nation. During the luncheon, the community honored three outstanding service members chosen by the committee.

According to Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, both the installation and its surrounding community, make the Mountain Post home and one of the Army’s most vital power projection platforms.

“Working in concert with one another, our people, units, Families, installation and community demonstrate the proven resolve of the storied Ivy Division and the resolve of our nation,” Hodne said. “Our collective resolve to be ‘Mountain Post Ready,’ combined with your unwavering support, the commitment of our friends and good neighbors in the front range community cannot help but ensure victory.”

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