FORT HOOD TEXAS-- The 1st Cavalry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, subordinate brigade commanders, and Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division gathered on Fort Hood's Cooper Field Dec. 12 to case the division's colors in preparation for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
This is the third deployment for "America's First Team" since the beginning of the "War on Terror" in 2003. During the Cav's first deployment, the division witnessed national elections in 2005, served as an intricate part of the successful 'Surge' during its second deployment; and the training and operational control of coalition and Iraqi forces within the region in 2006.
"Every time the "First Team" has charged into battle, when the smoke cleared and the fighting was done the Cav. was left standing tall; in victory," said Fort Hood and III Corps Commander, Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch.
"This deployment falls under a crucial period of time, as decisions will be made that shape the future of not only the Middle East but also the world, and all of you will be an integral part of that. I can't think of better team to send forward during these times than the "First team". You are all highly trained, and completely prepared for the tasks that our nation [has called] you to do," Lynch added.
The casing of the colors is an Army tradition that symbolizes the movement of the division to a new theater of operation. Surrounded by pomp and circumstance, the tradition and legacy of the 1st Cavalry Division was on display for all those in attendance. 1st Cavalry Soldiers, past and present, gathered to honor the division colors and the Soldiers who face this current deployment.
"Even in the bright sunshine of Central Texas, the stars have come out this morning; we have all heard the list of distinguished and honorable guests that are present here today. However no stars are shining more brightly than the greatest stars there are and those are our troopers and their families," said Bolger.
Bolger and Lynch both touted the men and women who wear the 1st Cavalry Division patch and reminded them of the importance of their mission in the Iraq theater of operations. They also praised the unwavering support of the Families who must support their Soldiers and shoulder the burden of another deployment.
"You can see the enthusiasm of the troopers on the field, and more than that the great support we have here in the stands," Bolger said.
With the division standing tall on the field and their colors cased, the Fort Hood commander would echo the sentiments of all those in attendance who are anxiously awaiting the end of this most recent 1st Cavalry Division deployment.
"All of us prefer an un-casing ceremony over casing ceremonies. We understand the emotion of casing the colors and candidly, it brings a tear to my eye to see these colors cased," Lynch said. "All of you are what makes this nation strong, as you stand on the verge of deployment... let me say how proud I am of all of you."
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