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Spurs for Spouses

By Staff Sgt Garrett RalstonApril 25, 2012

Spurs for Spouses
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas -- Kellie Newell, spouse of Spc. Adam Newell, receives instruction on obtaining proper sight alignment on an M-4 rifle during a Spouse's Spur Ride held by the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Apr. 20. The regiment held the event to bring spouses... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Spurs for Spouses
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas -- Morghan Benner, 4, and mother, Emilee Benner, prepare to engage simulated targets at the Close Combat Tactical Trainer Complex during a spouse's Spur Ride held by the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Apr. 20. The Spur Ride included a small la... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Spurs for Spouses
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas -- Maj. Jason C. Gallardo, chief of operations for the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, talks to a group of spouses prior to beginning an assault course as part of a spouse's Spur Ride Apr. 20. A traditional cavalry Spur Ride is designed to tes... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Being the spouse of a uniformed servicemember often means relying upon secondhand information

While there are museums and Family readiness groups that can help inform Families, the Spouse's Spur Ride, a unique cavalry tradition, brings Families inside the realm of their Soldier's everyday activities in an attempt to get a glimpse into daily military duties.

A spouse's spur ride was held Apr. 20 by the 3rd Cavalry Regiment to give Family members the chance to spend an entire day participating in some of the training their Troopers regularly conduct.

"These spur rides are an excellent opportunity for Families in the regiment to come together, establish new friendships and get a closer look at what their Soldier does on a daily basis," said Maj. Jason C. Gallardo, chief of operations for the regiment. "The specific events were chosen to challenge those of all skill levels, and are designed to be fun and entertaining for all involved."

The regiment established teams based on their individual squadrons and turned them loose on the Close Combat Tactical Trainer Course, where they engaged simulated targets with a laser-equipped M-16 rifle, located points during a small land navigation exercise and executed electronic battle drills in a tank simulator.

"I haven't done anything like this before so this event is really exciting," said Tabitha Hawk, spouse of a Soldier in the regiment's 3rd "Thunder" squadron. "The humvee simulator was kind of scary but totally fun."

The second day of the ride culminated in a special obstacle course where teams traversed a 500-meter lane throwing water balloons at enemy silhouettes, crawling under strips of fabric that represented barbed wire and racing back to the finish line while taking turns riding a stretcher.

"I think the spouses really appreciate this opportunity, and they like to get out here and play Army too," said Kimberly L. Akuna, wife of Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick K. Akuna, the senior enlisted leader of the regiment. "They get a chance to network and build their respective teams, but most importantly they are having fun."

The event finished with a barbeque and ceremony where participants were given certificates and spurs to mark their successful completion of the event.

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