Photo By Spc. Qualan M. Jefferson | Lt. Col. William T. Rachal and the guest applaud as the three newest inductees into...... read more read more
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By Spc. Qualan M. Jefferson
2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment Unit Public Affairs Representative
SHREVEPORT, La. - The 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment held their 2nd Annual Cavalry Ball at Harrah's Louisiana Downs Red River Room on Saturday, June 7. The Cavalry Ball is a yearly event that allows the troopers and commanders to come together in a formal setting and engage in age-old cavalry traditions.
Also in attendance was Col. Jonathan Ball, commander of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Following the posting of the colors by the squadron color guard, led by Sgt. 1st Class Tim D. McKnight of Shreveport, the Punch Master 1st Lt. Tommy A. Wynn also of Shreveport took the podium and began the "Grog" ceremony.
Each troop within the squadron added their ingredient which is called a "charge to the horse trough," during the ceremony. Once the mixture was complete and stirred with a shovel, the grog was served.
The Grog Ceremony is a cavalry tradition where alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, are served to those in attendance as troopers mount chairs and propose various toasts to those associated with the unit.
It wouldn't be a Cavalry function without the wear of the black felt hat referred to as the Stetson and the Spurs. The spurs may be gold, to signify combat or silver for successful completion of the Spur Ride, the troopers of the squadron came out in mass numbers. The Spur Ride is an annual event usually held at Annual Training to test cavalrymen's endurance and common skills tasks.
After dinner was served, Craig C. Spohn, the guest speaker from the Cyber Innovation Center spoke to the troopers and guests about promoting research, education and technological innovations. Following Spohn, several awards were given to various troopers within the squadron. The ceremonial induction into the Order of St. George was one of the most garnered awards that were given that night.
In 1986 the United States Armor Association began an awards program to honor the very best of America's tankers and troopers. The Armor Association's charter is to preserve and foster the spirit, traditions, and the solidarity of the Cavalry and Armor in the United States, thus adopting the Order of St. George Award from Russian military history.
Those inducted were Capt. Cameron L. Magee, Capt. Jonathan Lloyd and 1st Sgt. David A. Bovard, all having been affiliated or actively associated with the 2/108th of the 256th IBCT.
The Order of Saint Joan D'Arc was awarded to Mrs. Crystal Bovard, wife of 1st Sgt. David A. Bovard to honor her for voluntarily making significant contributions to the morale, welfare and spirit of armor and cavalry units.
Special guest, John A. Prime of the Shreveport Times was recognized and awarded a 2/108th Horseshoe Plaque for his efforts in helping get the good news of the squadron out the public.
Non-Commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year, Sgt. Josh B. Cheney and Cpl. Michael Mayence, both of Shreveport received real cavalrymen sabers for their achievements in the brigade competition.
The night ended with closing remarks from Lt. Col. William T. Rachal, commander of the 2/108th Cav. and music for guests to dance and enjoy.
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2008 12:55 |
| Story ID: | 21062 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 664 |
| Downloads: | 317 |
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