FORT HOOD, Texas - Almost 100 family members and friends with the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment "Dark Horse," and 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment "Headhunters," 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Black Jack," 1st Cavalry Division took part in a day of exhibition, information and fun during a Dark Horse Family Gunnery Day here Sept. 27.
This is Black Jack's second major gunnery event since scout crews with 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and 5th Cavalry Regiment qualified crews from Sept. 21-25.
Exhibitions during the family day included a live-fire range, which Dark Horse used as an opportunity for their scouts to pre-certify as truck crews for gunnery tables I - VI, said Lt. Col. Ralph Overland, Dark Horse commander.
Other events included static displays of Humvees and a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, hands-on displays of the Javelin weapons system and a Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System, and spending time with the Soldiers.
"Families have a chance to see what their Soldiers do," said Overland, a native of Phoenix, "instead of them having to hear stories of the field from the Soldier."
Children getting to interact with their parent while in the Soldier's work environment enhances the pride the children have for their parent, added Overland.
"You can see (excitement) on the children's faces," said Overland. "(The children) are proud of their Soldiers and what they do."
Dark Horse scout Sgt. Nick McMillan's wife, Aly McMillan, said it is important for children to understand what their parents do.
"Our daughter, Kenley, loves seeing (Nick)," said Aly said. "(Kenley) enjoys seeing what her father does, and that is important."
Another importance of the family day is helping clear up any confusion as to why Soldiers' training takes a long time.
"Everything regarding training is more complicated than we as spouses understand," said Aly. "Even a weeklong range is very complex and takes a lot of time to prepare for."
Understanding these complexities brings together families and fortifies relationships, said Aly.
"It's nice getting to know the families," said Aly. "(Family day) has definitely been a bonding experience and a beneficial outlet for forming friendships."
Overland expressed his desire for the families to bond and be a support for each other.
"As we prepare for future training events and deployments, the families will need to continue to thrive," said Overland. "That is when the support from other spouses will be even more beneficial."
The support for family day is already a sign of success, said Overland.
"My Soldiers and I are very appreciative for the turnout today," added Overland. "We are grateful for the sacrifices each family member makes while the Soldiers are training or deployed."
With such success, Overland said his battalion has already scheduled a second family gunnery day in October.
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