Photo By Spc. Ryan Elliott | Comman Sgt. Maj. Victor Martinez, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, displays his Setson in...... read more read more
By Multi-National Division – North Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq - There are few signs more synonyms with the historic United States Army Cavalry than the Stetson. The common thread running through time and weaving together people such as Custer and Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders to the men and women serving in the United States Army Cavalry today is the proud tradition of donning the Stetson.
"The Stetson represents a cavalry unit, it serves as a point of pride for soldiers, it distinguishes them from Soldiers in other units," said Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Martinez, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
In the summer months of 1862, John B. Stetson, a pioneer traveling in America's western frontier, began experimenting using hair and hides from small game to create a wide-brimmed hat.
After a few failed attempts he finally created a functional prototype that looked similar to the modern Stetson.
He'd hoped that the Stetson would provide protection from the wind and rain as well as provide shade as he worked outside.
Sensing the demand for his new invention, John Stetson went into the business of producing and selling his hats.
The Stetson experienced great commercial success and was adopted by the United States Army Cavalry in the mid 19th Century for its rugged versatility.
While the Army's demand for the Stetson was originally for the practical role, it played in the field it has become mostly ceremonial, said Martinez.
"Soldiers in cavalry units such as the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment wear their Stetsons in formal settings and regimental ceremonies, it's a great tradition," Martinez went on to say.
While some United States Army Cavalry units require you to have earned your spurs before wearing the Stetson. The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment allows all Soldiers assigned to the unit to wear the Stetson on formal occasions.
"Any 2nd SCR Soldier, or Soldier attached to 2nd SCR, is allowed to wear the Stetson provided they purchase one," said Martinez.
"Wearing the Stetson shows that you have pride in your unit and its long proud history, it's a symbol and trademark of the United States Cavalry," said Martinez.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2008 05:42 |
| Story ID: | 24408 |
| Location: | BAQUBAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,332 |
| Downloads: | 77 |
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