FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 15, 2015) -- Spouses of 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," kicked off their first battalion-level Dragon Spouse Day on Oct. 7 at Fort Drum.
Participants built new friendships and strengthened existing relationships while attending three interactive stations that included a physical fitness competition, skeet shoot and paintball course.
"This event helps give Dragon spouses an idea of what their Soldiers do on a regular basis," explained 1st Lt. Andrew Domsic, infantry officer. "It strengthens the bonds between our Soldiers, their spouses and our unit."
New to Fort Drum, Jules Sheehan, spouse of Capt. Michael Sheehan, logistics officer with 2-14 Infantry, saw the event as an opportunity to meet friends in an environment that allowed participants to be themselves.
"It gets you in the moment with the other spouses," Sheehan said. "(The event is) so raw, and it forces you to be yourself in that moment. There is no better way to get to know someone and build a new relationship."
Sheehan explained that the teamwork and physical demands of the fitness competition were both humbling and eye-opening.
The simulated casualty sled pull in particular alerted her to the difficulties her husband and other service members must overcome.
"It was a reality check," she said. "The sled pull here is with a simulated casualty. But there are guys overseas fighting and doing this in real life. It makes me proud to be his wife, proud to be an Army wife, and it makes me feel honored."
The event concluded when the 14 attendees were awarded certificates of participation during a ceremony that welcomed them into the Golden Dragon Family.
"I think that Families are the backbone of any unit," Michael Sheehan explained. "If your Families are not doing well, your guys won't do well, and that will affect the unit's overall performance."
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