Apr 17 2010
Carson commanders working to land aviation brigade
A top Fort Carson official said Wednesday the post is working to persuade the Army to establish a combat aviation brigade here that would draw another 2,000 soldiers and approximately 100 helicopters.
The effort to will be among the topics under discussion Friday at a public forum in Colorado Springs.
“We certainly want a combat aviation brigade coming to Fort Carson, and I believe that we’re in consideration for it,” said Fort Carson garrison commander Col. Robert McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said he didn’t know when a decision would be made, but added that commanders were doing “everything we can” to persuade the Department of the Army that Fort Carson is a good option for the brigade.
He said more details would be provided at a community forum hosted by the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments that will focus on how growth at Fort Carson will affect the Pikes Peak Region.
The Fort Carson Community Forum will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the Doubletree Hotel-World Arena, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. On-site registration for the free event begins at 2 p.m.
McLaughlin and Fort Carson deputy commander Brig. Gen. James Pasquarette will be part of a panel discussion to address findings of the PPACG’s Fort Carson Regional Growth Plan, which seeks to anticipate the effects of the post’s growth to help manage resources and effectively coordinate regional services.
Community members will be given the opportunity to comment.
LANCE BENZEL
THE GAZETTE