Fort Carson offers a glimpse of the Springs' Military Economic Might.

• Author: Greco, Gino
• Position: VIEWS from colorado springs - Column

A key part of the Colorado Experience program was an excursion to one of the top military facilities that call the Colorado Springs home. As CEO of the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter, this piece was particularly of interest to me, especially since the American Red Cross has deep roots in service to the armed forces.

A native of Pueblo, I have never had the opportunity to visit and experience Fort Carson. Driving onto the base, I was immediately struck by the sense of community. Absent the fence and the gated entrance we entered through, we could have been pulling into a city suburb. There were homes, an elementary school and a church/chapel.

As we continued through the streets to the location for our briefing, we observed businesses, a movie theater, local banks and stores. But a quick glimpse of soldiers training in a field, helicopters and Iiumvees left no doubt that we were on 175,000 training-acres focused on ensuring America's sons and daughters were prepared for combat. Col. Robert McLoughlin acknowledged that 10 years of war have been taxing on U.S. soldiers and their families and that it was his responsibility to take care of those soldiers and their families. 1 was quite surprised by his articulation that, as garrison commander, he was strongly aware that Fort Carson's...