To the Troopers, Veterans, Families, Good Neighbors and Friends of the 1st Cavalry Division:
September is here, marking the official arrival of autumn. For many, that means a new school year and football season, but at the "Great Place" and everywhere around the world our Troopers are deployed, it also means another birthday for America's First Team!
The 1st Cavalry Division turns 93 on September 13, adding one more tremendous year of honorable service to the history of this proud and storied organization. In the last nine decades, since the Division's 1st Cavalry Troopers rode their mounts across the sands near Fort Bliss, Texas in 1921, our Troopers have worn and continue to wear our distinct patch with incredible pride.
It is a profound honor to command this great division at such an important time, with our Troopers deployed around the world, from Afghanistan to Korea, and preparing to support our NATO partners in Europe, by demonstrating America's commitment and resolve through two significant exercises in Operations Atlantic Resolve and Combined Resolve III. The fact that Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division are undertaking so many critical missions at this time in our nation's history, speaks volumes of the remarkable professionalism and abilities of our Cavalry Troopers and we could not be prouder of the work everyone is doing.
As we celebrate 93 years of Cavalry excellence, I would like to take this moment in our history to reflect on the many thousands of First Team Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice, who lost their lives in the noble pursuit of maintaining our Army's strength as they stood ready to answer our Nation's call.
We are a team of teams, comprised of men and women from a rich and diverse society, but we are all united by the uniform we wear, the values we strive to uphold and the patch we display on our shoulders. Like the previous generations of 1st Cavalry Division veterans who built the foundation of this magnificent unit, we are adding to the honor and sterling reputation of America's First Team.
Former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and 1st Cavalry Division Commanding General, General Peter Chiarelli, once proclaimed: "Wearing this First Team patch changes us all, to some extent. It makes us walk a little prouder and talk a little louder, because of the pride we feel for our unit. Wearing the largest patch in the Army inventory also brings with it a responsibility to be the best." I see that same spirit shown in our Troopers every day and I am honored to be serving with them.
Happy 93rd Birthday to the 1st Cavalry Division!
We thank you for your honored service and contributions, past and present. First Team! Live the Legend!
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