Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | Pfc. Travis Hughes (middle) kneels to receive combat spurs during a ceremony at Camp...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD — For cavalry troops, earning the coveted gold spurs, denoting combat service, is a pinnacle in their deployment.
West Virginia National Guard troopers presented the golden spurs for wartime service to Soldiers of Troop C, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat at Camp Stryker, Nov. 7.
The spurs, a legacy that dates back to knighthood, symbolizing entry into the ranks and fraternity of mounted warriors.
"It's a way to bring morale up towards the end," said Squadron Command Sgt. Maj. James Allen, of Paden City, W. Va. "We did the Non-commissioned Officers Induction Ceremony mid-way through the tour and we will have award ceremonies at the end. It's a constant positive spin for Soldiers to be recognized for what they are doing."
Historically, aspiring squires performed a mission on the battlefield to "win the spurs." The spurs were buckled on during a mass or ceremony symbolizing that the man had become a knight. Thereafter, only the spurs signified knighthood, not the sword or armor.
The U.S. military continued the tradition, inducting cavalry scouts into the "Order of the Spur." After troopers receive their spurs they are to be worn at all cavalry functions as directed by the commander.
Troops knelt on a red and white, the unit's colors, box as Allen and Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Robbie Scarberry, of Milton, W.Va., pushed combat spurs down on the heel of their boots.
Troop Commander, Capt. Thomas Mills, of Winfield, W. Va., and 1st Sgt. Wanzer Reynolds, of Beckley, W. Va., gave troopers framed certificates and thanked them for accomplished cavalry trooper traits; cunning skills and defeating the enemy.
No one knows exactly when the U.S Cavalry began ceremonies awarding spurs for outstanding performance, but the ritual has now become an enduring practice of pride, honor and accomplishment for troops receiving spurs in Iraq for combat.
"I wasn't aware of its legacy before coming to this unit," said Spc. Jared Towner, of Parkersburg, W. Va., here on his third deployment. "The cavalry history is very interesting; it's embedded in U.S. history. It ranks up there with the history of the airborne esprit de corps."
Many Soldiers were proud to uphold the legacy of the spur. Spc. Brandon Ellison, of Green Briar, W. Va., said that he was anxious and proud to receive his spurs. Pfc. Travis Hughes, of Huntington, W. Va., said that he learned of its history when he was at Fort Knox, Ky., and it felt good to receive the spurs.
"Technically, the last time we were an armor unit so we didn't receive spurs for combat," said Staff Sgt. Paul Meadows, of Summerville, W. Va. "I was proud to receive them this time because it symbolizes the whole cavalry spur tradition."
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2009 05:01 |
| Story ID: | 41292 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 12,374 |
| Downloads: | 12,191 |
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