'Pale' Riders celebrate 159th birthday

One of 1st Infantry Division's oldest cavalry units celebrated its birthday the only way its troopers could March 28 on Fort Riley with cake, camaderie, history lessons and joint events with the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard.

The 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, history dates back to the mid 1850s, when the 4th United States Cavalry Regiment was established as part of the mounted Army.

The unit originally flagged as the 1st Battalion, 34th Armor was constituted Aug. 28, 1941, as Company A, 34th Armored Regiment, 5th Armored Division and activated Oct. 1, 1941, at Fort Knox, Ky.

The Soldiers of the squadron kicked off their birthday celebration out on the Konza Prairie for a three-mile run.

As the last Soldiers reached the top of the hill and the sun began to crest the horizon, the sun's warm rays shined upon them as they enjoyed the fantastic views of the valley.

At that moment, Lt. Col. David Defelice Jr., 4th Sqdn, 4th Cav. Regt., 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., commander, told the Soldiers about the history of the Konza Prairie and how it was a symbol of the regiment assembling on the parade field after religious services on Sunday to go on a run at Bear Butte, S.D.

"For us, the Konza Prairie is very important, because of its strong ties to Fort Riley," Defelice said. "The cavalrymen would return after their spring and summer campaigns out in the west and their horses needed a place to graze the during the winter months."

He said the land was purchased by Charles Dewey in 1876 and during World War I the land was leased to the 9th Cav. Regt. at Fort Riley to be used to grazes their horses and mules.

The Soldiers later got another history lessons and they assembled on Cavalry Parade field, and Defelice explained the history of the field's name.

"This historic field is the first place anyone visiting Fort Riley would stop when they entered the post," Defelice said. "The first people that step on this field were cavalrymen."

While at the parade field, Defelice promoted 2nd Lt. Benjamin Kertzman, platoon leader with Troop A, to the rank of first lieutenant and 1st Lt. Luis Ortiz, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, fire support officer, to the rank of captain.

Before a crowd of families and members of the squadron's partner community, Council Grove, the oldest and youngest troopers cut two birthdays cakes using a traditional 1901 regimental saber.

"It was an honor to be able to spend time with the Soldiers that serve our nation on their 159th birthday," Council Grove Mayor Steve Shepard said.

The squadron also hosted a scavenger hunt at Fort Riley's 1st Inf. Div., and Cavalry museums, exposing the Soldiers to the unit's history.

"I am so proud to be able to bring my kids work with me," Sgt Carlos Lopez, cavalry scout, Troop C, said. "I am filled with so much pride as I learned about the history of the cav."

Robert Smith, museum director Fort Riley, said when Soldiers understood the unit's history and traditions, they could appreciate all those who came before them and it led to espirit de corps.

"The scavenger hunt allowed Soldiers a glimpse into the squadron's history," Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Frankenberg, senior noncommissioned officer, 4th Sqdn, 4th Cav. Regt., said. "Anytime you can incorporate fun with learning Soldiers will love it."

As evening approached, the Soldiers and their families met at the Commanding General's Mounted Color stables for a barbeque dinner, wagon rides and cavalry demonstration by the mounted color guard.

"This is an absolutely great organization and I am proud and honor to be here with you guys," Defelice said.

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�'Pale�' Riders celebrate 159th birthday