Photo By Sgt. Ryan Hageali | U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Bryanna Kessler, the information planner for Marine...... read more read more
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Riding horses in front of hundreds of cheering people in the United States as part of the prestigious Mounted Color Guard with the United States Marine Corps was a regular routine for her. She never would have guessed that her first time holding the U.S. flag would be thousands of miles away from home. U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Bryanna M. Kessler, a lifelong horse enthusiast, represented Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 23 in an Australian rodeo on April 29, 2023. MRF-D 23 is focused on increasing interoperability with allies and partners in the region to promote a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Hailing from a family of cowgirls and cowboys in Kelso, Wash., Kessler's introduction to horseback riding was through her uncle at the age of two. This early experience on a horse ignited a lifelong passion within her. Eventually, she began taking riding lessons with her grandmother and later ventured into the competitive arena once she was old enough.
“Growing up, a lot of my family members had horses and competed in various disciplines,” said Kessler. “I traveled with my aunt and uncle on the Pinto horse circuit. My grandmother was a three-day eventer who was selected to the U.S. team for the Pan-American games. I competed in middle school and part of high school after my parents surprised me with my own horse for my 13th birthday.”
In addition to her love of horses, Kessler also felt a calling to serve in the military. She was undecided on the branch she wanted to join until she set her sights on the Marine Corps and enlisted on Nov. 16, 2009.
“My grandfather was in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and my stepdad was in the U.S. Army in Vietnam,” said Kessler. “Growing up, those were the two men I looked up to the most. I always knew I wanted to be in the military but I did not know it was the Marine Corps I was looking for.”
During her initial assignment at Camp Pendleton, Calif, Kessler remained connected to her passion for horses by volunteering at Stepp Stables during her off-hours. It was there that she became acquainted with a couple who allowed her to ride their horse in exchange for caring for it, ultimately bringing her two passions together
"When my sergeant asked me where I disappeared to every weekend," Kessler recalled, "I explained that I was taking care of a horse. He then asked if I had ever heard of the Mounted Color Guard. For two years, I tried to join the team. Finally, I got an interview and received orders to ride horses for the Marine Corps."
As an official member of the Mounted Color Guard, Kessler was able to combine her two greatest passions: horses and military service. As part of a four-horseman team, the Guard who practiced in Barstow Calif. attended events across the country, presenting the flag to large crowds. Kessler relished the opportunity to travel and participate in these high-profile events.
"During my time on the team, we traveled across the U.S. and presented the American and Marine Corps flags at some of the largest events in the country," Kessler recalled. "Although I never carried a flag myself because I was always the most junior member. I found the experience of presenting the flags during the National Anthem played incredibly powerful. It's one of those moments that makes you truly proud to be an American."
Kessler decided to change career paths and become an officer through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). Upon commissioning, she was stationed with Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and later transferred to 1st Marine Regiment. In February 2023, Kessler deployed with MRF-D 23.
“MRF-D is not your typical deployment,” said Kessler. “Growing up watching the rodeo it was always cool to see the riders who came over from other countries and competed. We have Australians riding on our pro rodeo circuit. I saw the opportunity to ride with the Australian equestrians and learn how they do things. To me, I was excited about the opportunity to be immersed in Australian culture and see how they do things there.”
Kessler got in contact with Annabelle Kieth who let Kessler ride on her property to practice for the rodeo. Russell Simpson who put the rodeo together also provided Kessler to practice on his land.
“The people here have been so welcoming and hospitable,” said Kessler. “Once I got in contact with the woman who became my first friend here she introduced me to her friends and they have not been able to get rid of me.”
Kessler's close bonds with her Australian friends symbolize the long-standing friendship between the military forces of the United States and Australia. For more than a century, the two nations have shared this bond. Kessler's skill and talent were evident as she placed first in the open barrel race hosted by the Australasian Team Roping Association on April 28, 2023, one day before the rodeo.
On April 29, 2023, Kessler had the opportunity to carry the United States flag in front of a crowd in Australia. Accompanying her was the Australian flag, symbolizing the close relationship between the two nations. This was a first for Kessler, and she was honored to represent her country on this special occasion.
“It is really hard to explain how it feels to carry the [United States] flag into an Australian arena,” said Kessler. “It is really cool that our friends and partners are giving me the opportunity to carry our flag next to their flag in a sport that means so much to Australians and Americans.”
Kessler's participation in the Australian rodeo embodies MRF-Ds mission of partnership. Her initiative represents the significance of the relationship between the United States and Australia, and why this relationship will continue to prosper. By fostering strong bonds with the Australian community through shared interests and experiences, Kessler highlights the importance of cooperation and collaboration between nations.
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.23.2023 16:30 |
| Story ID: | 449583 |
| Location: | DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AU |
| Web Views: | 208 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A New Frontier: Marine represents U.S. in Australian rodeo., by Sgt Ryan Hageali, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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