Gila Battalion hosts spur ride for spouses

By Sgt. Trenton LoweryJune 2, 2021

1st Lt. Amanda Atkinson from 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, instructs a spouse how to clear a weapons malfunction on an M4 Carbine on May 27, 2021, at Small Arms Range Charlie, Fort Stewart,...
1st Lt. Amanda Atkinson from 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, instructs a spouse how to clear a weapons malfunction on an M4 Carbine on May 27, 2021, at Small Arms Range Charlie, Fort Stewart, Georgia. The event allowed spouses an opportunity to experience a day in the life of their Soldier. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Trenton Lowery) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers’ spouses from 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, had an opportunity to participate in a battalion Spouse Spur Ride on May 27, 2021, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The event allowed spouses an opportunity to experience a day in the life of their Soldier.

The event started with spouses participating in an Army Combat Fitness Test, a two-mile ruck and a qualification on the M4 Carbine. The Spur Ride not only pushed the spouses to their physical limits but helped build unit camaraderie. Additionally, by overcoming challenges similar to the one their Soldiers face often, the spouses gained a new appreciation for their Soldiers.

Spouses of 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct a portion of the Army Combat Fitness Test for the Spouse Spur Ride on May 27, 2021, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The event allowed spouses an...
Spouses of 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct a portion of the Army Combat Fitness Test for the Spouse Spur Ride on May 27, 2021, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The event allowed spouses an opportunity to experience a day in the life of their Soldier. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Trenton Lowery) VIEW ORIGINAL

“The Spouse Spur Ride was a fun team-building event and gave us a taste of what our Soldiers go through,” said Heather Looney, spouse of Lt. Col. Brian Looney, 9th BEB commander.

Lt. Col. Looney believed the event brought the spouses closer together causing stronger bonds and friendships. Those participating admitted that they did not exactly know what to expect at first but were able to enjoy completing the events with their Soldiers.

Spouses of 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct a portion of the Army Combat Fitness Test for the Spouse Spur Ride on May 27, 2021, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The event allowed spouses an...
Spouses of 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct a portion of the Army Combat Fitness Test for the Spouse Spur Ride on May 27, 2021, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The event allowed spouses an opportunity to experience a day in the life of their Soldier. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Trenton Lowery) VIEW ORIGINAL

“I think the Spouse Spur Ride is a great way to give the spouses an inside look at the tasks we do regularly in the Army. It allowed wives and husbands to bond with their Soldier and better understand the military occupation,” said 1st Lt. Amanda Atkinson.