By 1st Lt. Austin K. Hall
2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Combat veterans from the 2-1 Cavalry Association who served in the “Blackhawk” Squadron during the Vietnam War visited the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, headquarters at Fort Carson Aug. 26, 2016.
Present-day Blackhawk Soldiers showed their veteran counterparts a display of current Army weapon systems and Stryker Combat Vehicles in today’s arsenal.
The 2-1 Cavalry Association president said that all of the Vietnam War veterans were impressed with the current Soldiers.
“I believe the current troopers are much better trained and better prepared than we Vietnam troopers ever were,” said Tom Fey. “I’ve been treated like a VIP at all times, and for a trooper, it has been amazing.”
The veterans were treated to a static display of current military equipment.
“The display allowed our snipers to demonstrate our current capabilities as well as learn from the wealth of knowledge the veterans have and how much has changed from previous years,” said Sgt. Dallas Reynolds, sniper, 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg. “It was an amazing learning experience and made my day to see a smile on every veteran’s face as (he) handled the rifles we now carry.”
The following morning, the association gathered at the Hotel Elegante in Colorado Springs to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War and those who have passed since the association’s first reunion.
“It was a tremendous honor to speak at the 2-1 Cav. Association memorial ceremony,” said Capt. Mark Deluca, chaplain, 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg. “The veterans who gathered together to remember their fallen brethren, both during their time at war and since then, were an incredible example of respect, honor and the kind of lasting fraternal ties that bind units together, not just as a fighting force but as a group of people supporting each other through life,” said Deluca.
“I watched as elderly men leaned on walkers and canes to place a flower on the memorial wreath, then straightened to render their sharpest salute to the fallen. Several widows of departed cavalrymen shared an embrace of mutual support as the collective group silently extended its love and support. It was a sacred moment to remember what they had lost, but also to celebrate what all of us as a nation have gained through their sacrifices. I’m extremely grateful to have taken part in the proceedings,” he said.
The evening ended with the Blackhawk Veterans Reunion Banquet where current and former troopers enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, sharing memories and traditions. The Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard posted the colors for the event.
During the banquet, combat veterans, both past and present, received two awards while spouses also received an award.
The Order of St. George – Gold, a medallion, is the top award given to members of the U.S. Army’s mounted force by the United States Armor Association. Cavalry Golden Combat Spurs were awarded by the Order of the Spur, which is a U.S. Army Cavalry Association group. This tradition dates back to the late 1700s when the first cavalry units were created. Spouses were awarded the Order of St. Joan D’Arc, which is an honor conferred to those who have voluntarily made contributions of significance to the morale, welfare and spirit of the cavalry units in the U.S. Army.