Louisiana's Cavalry Squadron holds Stable Call in Iraq

Photo By Angela Fry | Louisiana National Guard Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Shreveport, La., salute the U.S. flag and the raising of the squadron colors, "Blood over Surrender," at a Stable Call held on Contingency Operating Base Adder in Iraq. The squadron is currently deployed with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to assist in setting the conditions for the responsible drawdown of U.S. Troops and equipment in Iraq.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

05.15.2010

Story by 1st Lt. Angela Fry 

256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana Army National Guard

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – The Louisiana National Guard's 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Shreveport, La., held its first Stable Call while deployed in support support of Operation Iraqi Freedom X, on Contingency Operating Base Adder, May 15.

Various Soldiers and accomplishments were recognized by the squadron's command during the event, which provided the opportunity to build camaraderie amongst the deployed Troopers.

"You have done an awesome job," said Squadron Commander Lt. Col. William Rachal of Breaux Bridge, La., to the Soldiers of Louisiana's Cavalry Squadron. "In less than two months we have completed 111 missions, driven more than 200 thousand miles and escorted more than 8 million gallons of fuel."

"That's enough fuel to idle 4,700 Bradley fighting vehicles for nine hours each…or 12 M1 Abrams," joked Rachal in reference to the unit's mechanized history.

Rachal continued by thanking his Troopers for the dedication they have shown by providing security for more than 4,000 trucks in convoy missions to assist in delivering supplies to various military installations within the squadron's areas of responsibility in Iraq.

The tradition of the cavalry Stable Call dates back to the days of the mounted U.S. Cavalry, according to 1st Sgt. Donnie Robinson of Natchitoches, La., A Troop first sergeant.

"Stable Call was sounded twice-a-day," Robinson explained. "It was actually a bugle call used to assemble Troopers to the stables in order to provide care to their mounts. Since the mount was obviously their main source of transportation, much care and attention had to be given to ensure proper health."

Today's cavalry, despite no longer on horseback, still recognizes the traditions of their forefathers and uses the event to allow the unit's leadership to provide valuable cavalry history lessons for the Troops.

"Stable Calls, then and now, are meant to include all Troopers, both commissioned and non-commissioned officers," Robinson continued. "The Stable Call also invites the wear of the 'Stetson' and spurs, a time-honored event in celebration of accomplishment and remembrance of the Troopers of the past."

Sgt. 1st Class Earl McGee of Alexandria, La., an A Troop platoon sergeant, chose the topic of famous horses in cavalry history to quiz the Troopers.

"What is the one piece of equipment that makes a Soldier a cavalryman," questioned McGee. A Soldier from the back of the formation answered, "It's his horse, Sergeant McGee."

McGee went on to explain that it is his mount that separates a cavalryman from an infantryman. "Whether it's his steed, a tank, a humvee or an MRAP, that mode of transportation separates us from the infantry and we have to make sure we take care of that mount," the two-time OIF Veteran stated in honor of past Stable Calls.

Along with Soldier recognition, the raising of the unit's colors "Blood over Surrender," history lessons, and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, the squadron's senior enlisted advisor took the opportunity to re-enlist into the Louisiana National Guard while deployed in support of his country.

Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Vanzant of Campti, La., a 23-year Veteran, took the oath of re-enlistment for an additional year to serve with the squadron.

The 2-108th is currently deployed with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to assist in setting the conditions for the responsible drawdown of U.S. Troops and equipment in Iraq. Louisiana's Tiger Brigade is scheduled to return home some time at the end of the year.

The squadron currently provides command and control for A Troop, headquartered in Natchitoches, La.; B Troop and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, both from Shreveport, La.; C Troop, in Coushatta, La.; A Company, 199th Brigade Support Battalion, headquartered in Colfax, La.; and B Company, 199th, headquartered in Alexandria, La.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2010
• Date Posted: 06.02.2010 06:21
• Story ID: 50697
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ