FORT RILEY, Kansas - "Quarterhorse" Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, celebrated the birthday of the 4th Cav. Regt. during a ceremony on Fort Riley, Kansas March 24.
The regiment was first activated on March 26, 1855, after Congress recognized the need for mounted regiments in the U.S. Army.
The Quarterhorse Soldiers stood in formation as the narrator discussed the history of the regiment, which was followed by a moment of silence, the playing of taps and the singing of the regimental, 1st Inf. Div. and Army songs.
During the ceremony, "We discussed the history of the regiment and we (read out) the names of every single one of our Medal of Honor recipients," said Maj. David R. Lombardo, the squadron's executive officer. "We were able to make a connection between the old and current Soldiers out there so they can understand it and grasp onto the history that they are a part of."
Among the attendees was Bill Shea, a veteran of the regiment who served as the commander of Troop A right after returning from Vietnam. Growing up in Denver, Shea joined the Army when he was 17 and served 6 years enlisted and 14 years as an officer.
"I thought the ceremony was super," Shea said. "I hope that we are going to have more of these types of events in the future."
For Shea, seeing a new generation of Soldiers take up the reins as Quarterhorse Soldiers helped to reinforce his commitment to the regiment.
"They stand with a long line that stretches back to the horse cavalry days and they're all a part of that big family," he said. "Things have really changed over the years, but there's still a relationship there that we're 4th Cavalry troopers and that's important."
Following the ceremony, Lombardo and Shea used a military sabre to cut the regimental birthday cake before distributing a piece to each of the attendees.
While enjoying their cake, the Quarterhorse Soldiers took the time to get to know Shea. Even one of the youngest Soldiers said he understood the importance of reflecting on the lineage of the regiment.
"It's important to understand the history and to understand how I walk the steps that other heroes have walked on in order to better understand what they went through and the path they were on so I can help to do a better job and go even further," said Pvt. Andrew Baker, an infantryman with the squadron.
Shea believes that the Soldiers of today are carrying on the traditions he valued during his time in uniform and are helping to build a stronger Army.
"I think they're fantastic," Shea said of the Quarterhorse Soldiers. "We've never had any Army that was better trained, better equipped and better prepared to fight than we have today. It just keeps getting better and better."
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