FT Carson Visit

I had an opportunity to visit Fort Carson, Colorado last week where I spent time with Soldiers of HHC, 4th STB, 4th BCT including a meeting with AskTOP Subject Matter Expert SFC Mackie Ocampo. I also visited the 60th Ordnance Company.

I served as platoon sergeant and later first sergeant at the 60th while we were stationed in Friedberg Germany operating the second largest ammunition storage site outside the United States. I left the 60th Ordnance Company in October of 1995 as 1SG. At that time, the Soldiers and Leaders of the unit presented me with a unit guidon. I hung the guidon proudly in all of my offices throughout the remainder of my career.

Mark presents a guidon to 60th ORD command team

Space for my I Love Me Wall has dwindled since I retired. The 60th has always held a special place in my heart. It didn’t feel right to pack the guidon away in a box, so I decided to give it back to the unit for ceremonial use.

When I walked into the unit, I saw the unit motto “Wolf Pack” on the wall. That brought back memories… I encouraged the unit to choose a motto as none existed at the time within the 60th and overwhelmingly they chose “Wolf Pack”. Funny how tradition carries on.

I spent some time with a group of Soldiers at the 60th. This gave me an opportunity to interact with a great group of Soldiers and leaders. As I stared into their faces I saw the next group of leaders that will lead the military of the future. Who knows, they may very well be some of the next great American civilian, political, and business leaders. After all, the military grows the best leaders this nation has to offer as they are tested morally and physically. They must have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right no matter how tough things get. More importantly we grow leaders that we will entrust with our country’s most precious resource–the sons and daughters of this great nation. They will be the ones to lead, grow, and mentor our children as they tackle our nation’s future strategic and tactical challenges across the globe.

I would like to give a special thanks to 1SG Seip and CPT Parris of the 60th Ordnance Company for allowing me the opportunity to spend some time with their Soldiers. Also, a special thanks to the leaders of the 4th STB, LTC Craft and CSM O’neal as well as SFC Mackie Ocampo and SFC Holland for their professionalism and kindness.