The following is an article written by a colleague at Sustainable Fort Carson. The story is about one of the programs at Fort Carson directed at decreased dependence on the automobile. Enjoy!
Sustainable Fort Carson Launches ‘Give A Buddy A Ride’ Rideshare Program
by Anneliesa Barta
Tallerdy has been continuing the give a Soldier a ride tradition for years.
His name is Robert Tallerdy but everyone calls him “Sergeant Bob”. He was stationed at Fort Carson from 1970–1971 and now volunteers at the United Service Organization three days a week.
But that’s not all he does. In addition to being a passionate Patriot Guard rider, Tallerdy loves to volunteer his time giving Soldiers he meets a ride. Sometimes he picks up a Soldier who needs to get from the post exchange to the barracks. Other times he drives by the bus station or airport looking for those who would otherwise have to wait hours to complete the final leg of their journey home.
“I’m all for the Soldiers and I want them to know it,” he said. “I feel good when I give a Soldier a ride. I don’t want money, not even for gas. I give my cell phone to Soldiers who I meet so they can call me anytime. They know that they can count on me to help with their transportation needs and whatever else I can do to make their lives easier.”
Tallerdy has been continuing a long tradition whereby Soldiers, private citizens and military retirees help Soldiers in need of a ride to get to their destinations. Specialist Anthony Neil of Alpha Company 1-12 remembers when he was PFC with no car. “It was a cold snowy day and I had a long walk to the PX to get my taxes done. A fellow Soldier pulled up next to me and offered to take me where I needed to go. It turned out that we were in the same company.” Specialist Neil returns the favor whenever he sees a Soldier walking in inclement weather or far from main post areas. “People are very grateful for the ride. I feel good to help someone out, save them time and money. There’s a feeling of camaraderie, and that is what the Army is all about.”
By introducing the “Give a Buddy a Ride” program, Sustainable Fort Carson continues this Army tradition, but with a more formal and modern twist. Soldiers, civilians, family members or whomever needs a ride indicate so by standing at one of the designated stops marked by signage provided by the Directorate of Public Works. In this way, drivers in the area who are willing and able to give a buddy a ride to their desired destination can make arrangements on the spot. Specialist Neil said “I was excited to see the “Give a Buddy a Ride” program unveiled – it makes rideshare easier which means more people will benefit. “
Look for “Give a Buddy a Ride” stops at the following locations:
Near Gate 4:
- O’Connell Boulevard eastbound between Specker Avenue and Magrath Avenue (near building 1042)
- O’Connell Boulevard westbound, east of Magrath Avenue (near building 8037)
- Barkley Avenue southbound, just inside Gate 4
Central cantonment:
- Specker Avenue northbound, north of Nelson Boulevard
- Flint Street eastbound, east of Chiles Avenue (near building 1510)
- Flint Street eastbound, east of Wetzel Street (near building 1526)
- Main PX (former bus stop near building 6110)
“Banana Belt”:
- Magrath Avenue northbound, north of Titus Boulevard (near building 2692)
- Barkley Avenue southbound, south of Titus Boulevard (near building 2350)
Elsewhere:
- Woodfill Road west of Sheridan Avenue, in the parking lot of Housing Office (building 7301)
- Cochrane Circle eastbound, west of Sutherland Drive
- Airfield Road westbound (near dining facility, building 9612)
The “Give a Buddy a Ride” program is entirely voluntary. When stopping to give an individual a ride at one of the pickup sites, use caution to avoid impeding traffic.
Like Tallerdy and Specialist Neil, individuals can continue this tradition of giving a Soldier a ride.
For more information about Sustainable Fort Carson, Follow this link.
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