Fort Huachuca, Az. - The Fort Huachuca United States Army Garrison hosted the B Troop, 4th Cavalry (Memorial) Riding School Graduation Ceremony, May 17, on Brown Parade Field to honor the newest graduates.
The B Troop Cavalry Riding School graduates were: Staff Sgt. Mark Conde, Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems student; Vincent Wong, electronics engineer, U.S. Army Information Engineering Command; and Kate Via, Class A professional, Ladies Professional Golf Association. The Ladies Auxiliary Side Saddle Riding School graduate was Margaret Mills, U.S. Army retired.
Guest speaker Col. Dan McFarland, commander, U.S. Army Garrison, said, "Troopers, you look fantastic today … you represent the greatness of this post, and our Army and all that we do. It takes special commitment and dedication to be a B Troop trooper. Your willingness to take on this special duty embodies the Army values of Loyalty, Duty and Selfless Service."
Each graduate completed four months of B Troop Cavalry School training dedicated to bareback riding, horse care and maintenance, mounted pistol carry and fire, sidesaddle and ceremonial riding, the cavalry history and organization, and successfully passed a written and riding test.
In honor of B Troop's history, the new troopers conducted their first open field charge led by B Troop Commander Troy Wilcox. Each B Troop Cavalry Riding School graduate received a set of brass spurs, and the Ladies Auxiliary Side Saddle Riding School graduate received a riding crop with her initials engraved.
B Troop, 4th Cavalry (Memorial) relies solely on volunteers to continue on its legacy. It is made up of active duty, reserve and retired military, Department of Defense civilians and military dependants, 18 and older. The Ladies Auxiliary supports B Troop by wearing authentic period clothing, riding sidesaddle in parades, and often helping care for the horses.
McFarland said, "The unit has grown smaller, and we desperately need volunteers with daring, dash and discipline to step forward and commit to being a standard-bearer for this rich, Army tradition. … Help us keep this proud heritage alive."
B Troop, 4th Regiment, U.S. Cavalry (Memorial) is accepting applications for the next Cavalry Riding School which begins on July 9 and continues through October. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Social Sharing