“This was a wonderful way for the Soldiers of (3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg.) to enjoy a day in the woods and on the rock.”
— 1st Lt. Chad Libby
By 1st Lt. Kareem Abiose
Multi-National Battle Group-East (KFOR)
Lt. Col. Donald T. Braman, commander of the 3-61 CAV (left), 1st Chad R. Libby (middle), and Sgt. 1st Class Cecil E. Sherwood soak in the view inside a cave on Via Ferrata Berim in Kosovo on May 19.
ZUBIN POTOK, Kosovo — Leaders with 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, climbed a mountain in Kosovo named Via Ferrata Berim to build esprit de corps May 19, 2018.
The 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg., is currently deployed to Kosovo on a nine-month peacekeeping and security mission. The regiment is the main maneuver element for Kosovo Force’s (KFOR) Multi-National Battle Group–East.
The purpose of the climb was to get out and enjoy what Kosovo has to offer, interact with one another and have lunch in nature with the intent of taking the experience back to their troops and allow junior Soldiers the opportunity to experience the same.
ZUBIN POTOK, Kosovo — Soldiers with 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, climb Via Ferrata Berim Mountain May 19, 2018, in Kosovo. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kareem Abiose)
1st Lt. Chad Libby, executive officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd IBCT, organized the rock-climbing event with Dragisa Mijacic, the owner and visionary of an outdoor recreation company called Outdoor In.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with the professionalism and hospitality Dragisa and his team provided,” Libby said. “This was a wonderful way for the Soldiers of (3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg.) to enjoy a day in the woods and on the rock. Through resiliency, leaders were able to face their fears head on.”
Soldiers were divided into two groups of 15 and each group had a guide. Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Donald T. Braman, 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg., 2nd IBCT, and Squadron Command Sgt. Maj. Jasan Weaver, 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg., 2nd IBCT, led from the front with the first group. At the halfway point, they waited for the second group in a cave and soaked in the beautiful view.
A few Soldiers, including Sgt. Maj. Thomas L. Ray, had never climbed a mountain before.
ZUBIN POTOK, Kosovo — Maj. Isaac S. Howard, executive officer, 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, listens to the troops discuss rock climbing in Kosovo May 19, 2018. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kareem Abiose)
“I will definitely take my Family to Iron Horse Gym on Fort Carson so they can experience the indoor climbing course,” he said.
Sgt. 1st Class Cecil E. Sherwood, first sergeant, Forward Command Post, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd IBCT, assisted the tour guides in ensuring Soldiers’ gear was serviceable and worn properly.
“I have been climbing for eight years now,” Sherwood said. “I found that it is a great activity to do with my Family. It brings us together and gives us the opportunity to enjoy, not only each other, but the company of others. This event was an excellent way for the leaders of (3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Reg.) to enjoy Kosovo’s beauty and build resiliency inside oneself.”
When both groups returned to the camp, the chef grilled some meat and cut tomatoes and bread for everyone to enjoy.
“You are the first KFOR Soldiers to climb in Zubin Potok,” said Dragisha. “Working with you was a pleasure and an honor. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
All leaders on the climb said they were motivated to plan future trips to Via Ferrata Berim with their Soldiers.
ZUBIN POTOK, Kosovo — Soldiers with 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, climb up Via Ferrata Berim Mountain in Kosovo May 19, 2018. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kareem Abiose)
ZUBIN POTOK, Kosovo — Lt. Col. Donald T. Braman, commander, 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was the first up Via Ferrata Berim Mountain May 19, 2018, in Kosovo. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kareem Abiose)
ZUBIN POTOK, Kosovo — Soldiers with 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, take in the view atop Via Ferrata Berim Mountain May 19, 2018, in Kosovo. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kareem Abiose)