FORT CARSON, Colo.—Reaching to adjust the straps on his rucksack, the Soldier’s attention is drawn to the tree line. A single, small tent rests between the trees and beside it, the white smoke of a camp fire drifts up and around the weathered hands of a homeless man. Looking to the Soldier the homeless man quickly grabs something from his tent.
As the man unfolds the object he has retrieved, 13 red and white stripes and 50 bright stars are visible. He carefully hangs the U.S. flag from a tree branch next to his tent, then stands back and snaps a sharp salute to the Soldier, who returns the salute and continues his foot march.
Nearly 300 Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division marched in “Operation: Happy Christmas” to bring camping supplies and warm weather gear to the homeless of Colorado Springs Dec. 18.
The idea for the operation originated with the 1st BCT Chaplain Maj. Charlie Lee, said Staff Sgt. Darrell Cortez, chaplain assistant, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
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