Desert Rogues Family, friends see life as a Soldier during Rogue Rumble

By Spc. Dustin Gautney, 2nd HBCT Public AffairsJune 25, 2009

Tug of War
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Flag Football
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Rogue Rumble
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Combatives
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FORT STEWART, Ga.- Family and friends of 1st Battalion, 64th Artillery were invited to join the Desert Rogues during a two-day event, June 19-20 designed to build camaraderie among the Soldiers through squad and company competitions. Spouses and friend witness ed hands-on what their Soldier does for a living as well as experience signature Soldier skills such as marksmanship and Combat Life Saving skills.

For the first day of the two-day event, Soldiers participated in various competitions ranging from grappling, basketball, flag football and even a talent competition called Rogue Idol. Once the various competitions ended, all of the companies within the battalion squared off in a tug-of-war tournament as friends and Family cheered on.

The second day of the Rogue Rumble is what made this Family day so unique to the Soldiers and spouses of 1/64th Artillery, said Lt. Col Ross Coffman, commander, 1/64th FA.

"Spouses, friends and children over 18 were invited to come participate in a squad competition that included small arms, medical training, and an obstacle course," said Lt. Col. Coffman, along with daughter Katelyn, 4, who attended the festivities.

The Family competition started with Family Members first being acquainted to the weapon systems in the Electronic Skills Trainer before firing the weapons at Small Arms Range Delta. The Family members were split into three squads and each individual score was tallied for their squad, said Lt. Col. Coffman.

"I think it has been great for the Spouses to come out and get introduced to the weapons and get a chance to actually get their hands on and fire; it has all been great fun," said Kristen Pearl.

Spouses also participated in a trauma medical lane where they were instructed on how to assess and treat various combat and medical injuries.

"In the medical lane spouses and Family were able to work as a team to treat all kinds on injuries ranging from hurt feeling, tummy aches, and booboos," said Lt. Col. Coffman.

During the medical lane spouses and Family were given a taste of stress on the battlefield with the antics of Soldiers shouting at the Families all with some comic flair from select Soldiers.

"We wanted to make it somewhat realistic for the Families but still have fun while we were doing it; so I was voted to be the funniest Soldier to bring some comedy to the lane," said Spc. Alex Burner, 1/64 Armor.