By Cpt. Blain Holmes
1-221 CAV IO/PAO
Camp
Atterbury, IN- Troopers of the 1st Squadron 221st Cavalry
stood tall and proud in the Camp Atterbury sunshine as they prepared to be
"inducted" into the order of the combat spur for service during Operation
Enduring Freedom 09-10. The "Wildhorse"
Squadron recently returned from a 9 month deployment in which it acted as the
Security Force for the 11 United States led Provincial Reconstruction Teams
while simultaneously conducting counterinsurgency operations as the battlespace
owner in Laghman Province.
Squadron Commander LTC John Cunningham said of the deployment; "Troopers
faced life or death situations on a daily basis over there and although we had
many injuries, somehow we managed to bring them all back. Words can't express how proud I am of
their performance and this is a great way to cap it all off."
The
Blackhorse Association played a key role by providing the initial money for the
purchase of the Spurs as well as collecting all of the donations received. In addition, Blackhorse Association
members donated generously toward the fundraising effort, which allowed every
trooper to receive their combat spurs.
Squadron Executive Officer LTC Kurt Neddenriep said "We would not have
been able to make this possible without the outstanding support we received
from the Blackhorse Association and their generous members. And, the Blackhorse
Store (Barb and Don Brown) miraculously had them produced, shipped and
delivered on time. We are truly grateful."
All
of the approximately 750 Troopers who deployed with the Squadron are eligible
to wear the combat spur. It is a
tradition that dates back to medieval times when it was used to induce nights
into a fraternity of warriors usually based on a deed conducted on the
battlefield or during a tournament.
It later evolved to the early U.S. Cavalry when newly arrived Troopers
were not allowed to wear spurs until they proved their ability to perform with
both horse and weapon. Today spurs
are awarded two ways: The first
when completing a series of complicated tasks that proves the Troopers mettle
known as a "Spur ride", and the second while serving with a cavalry unit during
combat operations. The Trooper is
normally awarded silver spurs for the "Spur ride", and gold spurs, such as
those awarded to the "Wildhorse Troopers", for the latter.
Thanks Blackhorse.
Wildhorse! And Blackhorse Forever!
_______________________________________________________________________
2-2-2-2 Spurs
The 1st Squadron 221st
Cavalry is the only combat arms unit in the Nevada Army National Guard and also
proudly serves as the reconnaissance squadron for the storied 11th
Cavalry Regiment headquartered at Fort Irwin, CA. Troopers will return home to their families next week and
begin leave before returning to drill status later in the summer.
Caption 1- BG Fank P. Gonzales, the Commander of
the Nevada Army National Guard, addresses the troops in formation at Camp
Atterbury, IN as they prepare to receive their combat spurs (Courtesy LTC John
S. Cunningham).
Caption 2- 1st Squadron 221st
Cavalry CSM James Richardson receives his combat spurs from the Squadron
Commander, LTC John S. Cunningham (Courtesy LTC John S. Cunningham).
Caption 3- BG Frank P. Gonzales, the Commander
of the Nevada Army National Guard, congratulates the Troopers of the Wildhorse
Squadron on receiving their combat spurs (Courtesy LTC John S. Cunningham).