CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - The 1st Cavalry Division boasts 87 years of proud history and lineage, which includes wearing the traditional Stetson hat during ceremonious events.
Specialist Rose Picard, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div., proudly greeted visitors at the entrance of the Contigency Operating Base Adder Dining Facility, wearing her 'Cav Hat' to celebrate the 27th BSB's birthday Sep. 21.
"I feel like we have such a good bond, our battalion does," said Picard, as she greeted people entering the DFAC. "We all work together well; we push each other, and encourage each other to do the best and be the best we can be."
Just a few feet behind the battalion's food service specialist, her fellow Rough Rider Soldiers were viewing motivational videos and sipping on punch, as they celebrated 87 years of history.
At the time of activation in 1921, the 27th BSB was originally the 27th Ordnance Company. The battalion was established shortly after the birth of the 1st Cav. Div., which makes it one of the original battalions within America's First Team.
"It goes without saying, Cav pride spreads like wildfire," said the 27th BSB Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Lockamy. "When we reflagged to 1st Cav., the Soldiers took onto the traditions and the great history. I'm so proud of them."
Lockamy explained how the Rough Rider Soldiers know and understand their history, which was apparent during the birthday celebration.
Along with being one of the first battalions assigned to the 1st Cav., the unit has fought in five different wars, which includes their current deployment in southern Iraq with the 4th Brigade Combat Team Long Knives to help prevent weapons smuggling across the Iraq - Iran border.
Picard, from Carson City, Nev., said it was a privilege to be the first person to greet Soldiers as they entered the DFAC to celebrate the battalion's birthday. The 27th BSB commander said Picard was the perfect choice for the job.
"I think she's a good example of how Soldiers embrace the past and their predecessors to draw strength from them," said 27th BSB commander, Lt. Col. Mark Simerly. He said he saw her sitting at the head counters table wearing her Stetson and showing everyone that in everything you do, you do it with pride.
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