5 most colorful military figures in Colorado Springs history

1. Private Timothy “Oops” O’Donnell

Branch: United States Army
Claim to Infamy: O’Donnell famously “lost” a tank during a training exercise at Fort Carson. He accidentally parked it in a wooded area and forgot where, sparking a week-long search.
Legacy: Though he was honorably discharged, locals still joke about “The Tank That Got Away.”

2. Lieutenant Harold “Wrong Way” Jenkins

Branch: United States Air Force
Claim to Infamy: During a flight training exercise, Jenkins got his directions mixed up and ended up in Wyoming instead of returning to Peterson Space Force Base. He landed at a civilian airport and reportedly asked, “Where’s the mess hall?”
Legacy: He’s now a cautionary tale told to every Air Force Academy cadet during navigation training.

3. Corporal Susan “Panicked Parachute” Leary

Branch: United States Army
Claim to Infamy: Leary was infamous for pulling her parachute cord too early during a jump, leading her to land in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant instead of the designated drop zone. She became the subject of the military ballad “Burger and a ‘Chute.”
Legacy: She retired early and now gives motivational speeches on “recovering from public embarrassment.”

4. Captain Roger “The Missile Man” Mason

Branch: United States Air Force
Claim to Infamy: During a missile drill, Mason accidentally pressed the wrong button, launching a dummy missile into a barn on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. The farmer demanded compensation in the form of hay for his cows.
Legacy: Mason was reassigned to desk duty, where his nickname remains a running joke at Peterson Space Force Base.

5. Private First Class Earl “Rations Raider” Simmons

Branch: United States Army
Claim to Infamy: Simmons earned notoriety for being caught stealing MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) and reselling them to local hikers. His black-market operation was shut down after he accidentally sold expired rations that made half a trail group sick.
Legacy: Discharged and banned from Fort Carson, Simmons opened a food truck ironically called “Earl’s Field Rations.”