Spouses Earn Their Spurs

Spouses of Troopers from the 1st Cavalry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion earned their Spurs after completing several challenges during a spur ride on Oct. 5.

Spouses took a break from their usual lives. They engaged in several events, such as a competitive, modified ACFT within their three platoons. They learned warrior tasks and battle drills such as grenade throwing, weapon familiarization, and casualty care.

"The spouses are motivated, and they're having a great time getting in the mud," said Command Sgt. Maj. Esteban Alvarado Jr., the senior enlisted advisor for HHBN. "It's not just the Soldier that serves. We want our family members to know they serve alongside us just like their spouses serve our nation."

Participants were cheered on by spur holders, their Troopers, and their children as they made their way around the various stations. Marching in formation and carrying their platoon mascots, spouses could build camaraderie with each other and build a better understanding of Army life.

"Being able to be in my spouse's shoes, even though I'm prior service, that Army has changed a lot since I got out," said Brianna Tremlett, a spouse who participated in the spur ride. "I got to meet different spouses that I hadn't met before, so creating that connection while my spouse is gone will make this an easier process for us."

Most events during the spur ride were a group effort, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation to achieve their goals as a single unit. Overcoming hurdles during the obstacle course, spur candidates to work together. They cheered each other on as their spur holders and spouses looked on with pride.

The spur ride is a tradition of cavalry units, dating back to when Troopers were expected to care for and handle the horses they rode into battle. Spouses were coached by experienced spur holders, such as Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Sablan, the maintenance control sergeant for HHBN and a spur holder since 2012.

"Whenever a spur ride comes up, I try to participate and participate as much as I can to continue the tradition," said Sablan. "I think the most important part of the spur ride is learning the traditions of the cavalry and the division and bringing these families together in our unit."

Candidates were given their spurs at a ceremony held on Cooper Field, attended by the battalion leadership and Command Sgt. Maj. LeVares J. Jackson Sr., the senior enlisted advisor for the 1st Cavalry Division. Several spouses can hold the distinction of being spur holders before their Troopers as they look forward to the battalion spur ride in December.