McGregor Range, N.M. -- More than 200 military Family members participated in "Dagger Day" at McGregor Range here Aug. 2.
The day's events provided an opportunity to capture what it is like to be a Soldier in the 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West.
"Dagger Day is pretty good for the Families because we are out here, and we work a lot, but it's also good to bring the Families out and show them what we do," said Sgt. 1st Class Elias Medina, trainer/mentor with 2nd Battalion, 363rd Combat Service/Combat Service Support, Task Force Black Scorpion, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West. "It makes them more comfortable at home to know that we are training safely and we are going to come home to them at the end of the day."
Six stations were set up in various locations throughout McGregor Range and groups of Families and "Dagger" Soldiers were transported by bus to each location. Family members participated in activities ranging from combatives to driving a vehicle-mounted mine detector through a computerized simulator. Families got to see what the 5th Armored Brigade does for training and how they defend the nation.
Demarkus Reed, son of Staff Sgt. Chateau Reed with 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warhawg, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, wore his father's Army combat helmet and body armor while strapped into the rollover simulator. After a couple of 90 degree turns, Demarkus Reed stepped out of the simulator filled with an adrenaline rush.
"It was pretty cool, I felt like I was in some music video or something," said Demarkus. "I feel honor that [my dad] does this. I would do it someday. I am proud of my dad."
Families also took the time to see, not only what trains Soldiers, but what sustains them as well.
"At the end of the day, we want to make sure the families have a good time, especially the kids. They will get to eat in the greatest dining facility in the world. It gives them a chance to eat some good Army chow," said, Command Sgt. Maj. Neil S. McKinley, Dagger Brigade command sergeant major.
McKinley is referring to the newly built dining facility that began operating merely a week before Dagger Day, right near the McGregor Range Headquarters. Dagger families and Soldiers enjoyed a free meal paid by the brigade's Family Readiness Group.
The Dagger Brigade also has something new that the Soldiers and their Families got to experience, and that was the pride and enthusiasm of their new 5th Armored Brigade commander, Col. Raul E. Gonzalez. At the end of Dagger Day, Gonzalez expressed his pride in his brigade.
"I came to the realization today that I am one of the most fortunate commanders ever to have the honor and privilege to be a part of 5th Armored Brigade. All Soldiers and Civilians at the different stations were absolutely fantastic," said Gonzalez. "They were well prepared, energetic and able to connect with the 5th Armor Brigade Families in a spectacular way. I could not be more proud to be part of such a great organization. "
"I have been at McGregor Range for three years, doing the rollover equipment for one year," said Medina. "Every single day, I train Soldiers going overseas. It is a very rewarding job, because the Soldiers are very enthusiastic, they are willing to learn, and whatever we teach them they soak it in and they apply it overseas."
The 5th Armored Brigade provides realistic "theater immersion" training to joint warfighters from all branches of the military service, from active, Reserve and National Guard components. The entire brigade mission is to train service members for combat in Afghanistan or for operations in other contingencies such as Haiti, Guantanamo Bay and protection of the National Capital Region.
"In the midst of all the challenges our Army and our country face in this day and age, I was encouraged by the Dagger Brigade's demonstrated love for one another and commitment to the extended 5th Armored Brigade Family," said Gonzalez.
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