Colorado State University – Pueblo hosts 300+ soldiers returning from Iraq  
 
Pueblo- The campus of Colorado State University-Pueblo will be the first stop this week on a homecoming tour for more than 300 United States soldiers returning from a tour of duty in Iraq.
According to Army reports, these infantry soldiers had the highest casualty rate in Iraq and will be anxious to receive a two-day pass and then to report to Ft. Carson for orders to see their families and to learn of their new assignments. The soldiers will receive a 30-day pass following their seven-day stays on campus before being reassigned either to Fort Carson, a different post, or back to Iraq.
 
CSU-Pueblo was selected in part because Fort Carson employee Tanya Bealmer is an alumnus (2003, MBA) of the University and recommended the University’s facilities. Due to ongoing renovation projects, there were not enough barracks at Fort Carson to house the returning soldiers. In addition, most hotels in Colorado Springs and Pueblo were booked due to many summer events.
 
The soldiers will be utilizing a variety of University facilities, including the Belmont Residence Halls, the University Cafeteria, athletic venues, and the Underground in the Occhiato University Center. The visiting soldiers must abide by all policies of the University residence halls (see attached), including bans on smoking and alcohol. The soldiers also will be seeking entertainment and worship options throughout the community and will be utilizing a variety of community transportation services.
 
“We encourage the Pueblo community to welcome back these soldiers and thank them with traditional Pueblo hospitality,” said Cora Zaletel, CSU-Pueblo Executive Director of External Affairs. “The University is privileged and honored to be among the first to greet these soldiers and to provide them with a restful transition upon their return to America.”
 
The first group of approximately 124 soldiers, members of the 2 Battallion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment & 2d Forward Support Battalion (2FSB) will arrive at approximately
1:30 a.m. on Tuesday (July 26) complete with an escort by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Department.
 
Additional soldiers will arrive on the following dates:
July 26: Approximately 113 2d Battalion /17th Field Artillery Regiment & 1st Battalion/ 506 Infantry Regiment (1/506 IN) around 10 p.m.

July 27: Approximately 50 2d Battalion /17th Field Artillery Regiment around 1 p.m.

Individuals or organizations interested in providing services to the soldiers may contact Claudia Stubenrouch, CSU-Pueblo Director of Conference Services, by calling 549-2944 or e-mailing Claudia.stubenrouch@colostate-pueblo.edu

  
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.