6/6/2011 6:24:07 PM
Ted Malone
Administrator
Posts: 1242
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All;
As you know, we do a fair number of both Welcome Home and Send Off missions for Ft. Carson soldiers that are either deploying or returning from deployment. Lately, given several conditions that are out of our control and given that we are currently light on Ride Captains in the Springs that can make all of these missions, we've had some situations where missions have come up where no Ride Captain or Temporary Ride Captain (TRC) is available. Given the sensitive nature of the missions (Troop movements are classified - and the troops themselves are in "lockdown" prior to boarding the aircraft or immediately after leaving the aircraft) it's important that everyone who attends these missions understand the rules and regulations that pertain to us.
Facility Access
The facility that is used for these missions is known as the Military Terminal - A/DACG. (We just call it the A-Dak) This facility is off limits to all non-mission-essential personnel. (In other words, even if you have a Military ID you cannot access the facility unless you have a reason to be there) By special arrangement with the US Army 4th ID Garrison Command, the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders (as well as the USO, Blue Star Mothers and Home Front Cares) have access to the facility. In order to gain access, you must be on the "Base Access List" that we maintain here: http://forums.coloradopgr.org/DoDForm.aspx (You only have to fill out this form once). Because the Colorado PGR Leadership (and specifically myself as well as our Military Liason Kay Julian) are "on the hook" for anything that happens during a PGR mission, it is critical that the rules of the facility are followed at all times and with no exceptions. In the event that no Ride Captain is available for a mission, and no Temporary Ride Captain has been assigned, we are NOT TO ENTER the facility, even if you've been there hundreds of times and understand the rules. We have worked extremely hard to gain the trust of the Garrison command and the folks that run the A/DACG, and it wouldn't take much for us to lose access (Anyone who's been doing these missions for awhile remembers a couple of years ago when an incident removed us for awhile -- I still haven't gotten the taste of crow out of my mouth from that incident). If you see a mission posted where no Ride Captain has responded that they will be there, feel free to contact me and I will do my best to assign a TRC and give them the information that they need.
Rules of the Military Terminal
During Welcome Home missions, soldiers that are leaving the aircraft and marching to the "Chaulks" are to be considered "Locked Down" and "Sanitary", what this means is that NO PHYSICAL CONTACT is allowed. Everyone who has ever heard me brief this part of the mission understands what this means (We cannot offer to shake their hands, but if they offer, we are not going to refuse). For Send Off missions, the same holds true for soldiers getting off the buses and heading into the terminal building.
While in the building, the ONLY locations that PGR members are allowed to go are the "PGR Lounge" (Break Room) and the restrooms. In the event you want to take a smoke break, you are allowed to go outside the building either in the front or rear, but are NOT to enter any of the holding areas for the troops or any of the offices located inside (This includes the office where the support staff are working - you are allowed to interact with soldiers who may be taking a smoke break as well, but pay attention to their body language. They may not want you to approach and we need to respect that). There are vending machines located in the foyer of Chaulk B, but you are NOT ALLOWED to enter that area unless accompanied by a Ride Captain.
When the troops are lining up, it is very important that we do not disturb either the troops or their leadership. This is a very stressful time for both the troops and their NCOs, and it's a very busy time for the folks that are working to process them as quickly as they can. Once the soldiers are through the doors, we are not to talk to them or make contact in any way. Also realize that there will be a lot of yelling and other "stuff" going on. This is the Military, and how they treat their members is their business, not ours.
When in the break room, there is coffee available, but it is NOT FREE. If you plan on drinking coffee, please put a donation in the can. If you cannot afford to make a donation to the fund, DO NOT drink the coffee. Also remember that the troops are responsible for keeping the area clean, so if you make a mess, CLEAN IT UP.
Mission Conduct
Our primary mission during Welcome Home and Send Off missions is to show support for the troops. We do this by being present, saying thank you, and clapping as they move through our lines. Discussions of politics and policy are not appropriate for these missions outside of the staging area or break room.
Welcome Home Escorts
Occasionally, during Welcome Home missions we are allowed to escort the buses from the A/DACG to Ft. Carson as part of the official police-led escort. Remember that this is a priviledge and not a right, and we will not know if it is possible until just minutes before the buses depart. More often than not we are asked to make our way to Ft. Carson for the official ceremony independent of the buses. It is up to the Ride Captain in charge of the mission to make the determination if we will be part of the escort or not. if it does work out that we are part of the escort, it is VERY IMPORTANT that we DO NOT FOLLOW the buses into the parking lot behind the Special Events Center. We are to find parking along the side or the front of the facility. Remember that this ceremony is for the troops and their families, it is not about us.
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss.
Thanks.
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Ted "Gopher" Malone
Assistant State Captain - Southern Colorado
http://www.coloradopgr.org
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