FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Many military Family Members may wonder what their Soldier does at work on a daily basis. Spouses and children of Task Force Six Shooters -- Soldiers assigned to 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI) -- experienced a day in the life of their air cavalry trooper Oct. 13 at Fort Drum.
The event began with a Kids Spur Ride, which allowed children to run relay races with body armor, sit inside and learn about helicopters and ground vehicles, and try on night vision goggles.
An old cavalry tradition, the Spur Ride is a rite of passage that builds camaraderie and esprit de corps, exhibits proficiency in the tasks accomplished and displays the commitment and dedication Soldiers have to the cavalry team. The Kids Spur Ride was designed to test the children in their stamina and military knowledge, but most importantly, to have a good time.
"This event is unique in that it shows our Families exactly what we do in combat," said Lt. Col. Erick Sweet, TF Six Shooters commander. "Many kids and spouses will move around the world with their Soldier but never see them shoot from a helicopter or conduct (forward arming and refueling point) operations."
In the afternoon, the children, along with their Soldiers, moved to a helicopter gunnery range to see firsthand the reconnaissance, lift and attack capabilities of the squadron's different aircraft, children were encouraged to climb in static displays of the OH-58D Kiowa, UH-60M Black Hawk and the AH-64D Apache helicopters, and pilots were available to answer any questions.
"It's one thing to tell your children what role these amazing aircraft play in the Army and another to be able to show them," said Andrea Shaffner, a TF Six Shooters spouse. "As a civilian we can only imagine what the roles of the Army aircraft are by what is displayed on television. Thanks to Family Gunnery Day, it was brought to life."
The squadron provided a barbecue picnic where Families could eat with their Soldiers. To complete the day of cavalry fun, squadron pilots conducted a live-fire demonstration, shooting live rounds down range to display the capabilities of their aircraft.
(Gerohimos is a member of 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Six Shooters.)
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