Photo By Spc. Shea Butler | Master Sgt. Kevin Milligan, a native of Union City, Tenn., and commandant for the1st...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Shea Butler
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – "Trigger," the 1st Cavalry Division's mascot, got to stretch his legs for the first time in a long time Nov. 14, once removed from his shipping container.
Trigger is a life-sized horse, complete with circa 1800s saddle, stirrups and bridle. He gets stuck in shipping containers when the Cav deploys. It's a good thing he's made out of plastic, or the stench would have been overwhelming upon arrival here in Baghdad.
Unveiling Trigger is a big event in for the division headquarters, yet it's nothing new for Master Sgt. Kevin Milligan, the division's commandant. This is Milligan's third deployment with Trigger.
Trigger was purchased in 1989 by the division as a morale booster and mascot. He got his name from the division's honor guard, which Milligan oversees as the commandant.
Back in 1990, Trigger and Milligan set off to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield. Trigger was only two, and Milligan, a Union City, Tenn., native, was a new member of the honor guard.
"I unveiled Trigger on his very first deployment and he has deployed with Cav ever since then," Milligan said. He said the stallion replica reminds today's Cav troopers of their proud lineage.
"Trigger represents the Cav's past present and future," Milligan noted. "He represents freedom -- which is what all fallen Soldiers from past and present fought for. He represents all Soldiers who have ridden in a saddle for Cav."
Milligan said Trigger is also a bit of a celebrity.
"No matter where Trigger is, he brings smiles to people's faces. People are constantly trying to put their kids on Trigger and take pictures with him," said Milligan, a 20-year Army veteran with 11 years with the First Team.
"I wish I could bring him to meetings, it would make people smile, and it would make things go smoother," he added.
Trigger might not be able to make it to meetings, but he will stand tall inside the division's main headquarters building during the duration of the deployment here. Milligan said the horse stands for tradition, something for which the First Team prides itself.
"My advice to the generations to come is (to) keep the legacy, the legacy of freedom alive," Milligan said.
A life-sized plastic horse sitting inside the First Team headquarters is continuing the legacy. Trigger has deployed right along side his battle buddies, again.
Giddy-up!
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2006 15:00 |
| Story ID: | 8325 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 439 |
| Downloads: | 107 |
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