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Capt. Timothy P. Mahoney
6th Sqdrn., 8th Cav. Regt., 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
FORT STEWART, Ga. – Once a year Soldiers from the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, participate in a week focused on building unit cohesion and learning about the illustrious past of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. The beginning of “Mustang Week 2013” began with an event known as “Cav Stakes.”
Throughout “Cav Stakes”, Mustang Soldiers were expected to navigate 14 stations where their technical skills were put to the test. Tasks ranged from weapons familiarization, vehicle recovery and employment of hand grenades to treating a casualty. Each event offered Soldiers the opportunity to refine their skill sets prior to the upcoming deployment.
“We focused on mission-essential skill sets,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason McCullough, Troop B platoon sergeant. “Our Soldiers have proved to be proficient in each of these tasks, to a point where it is almost second nature. These events create a competitive motivation, which only increases the value of training.”
A stress shoot was also incorporated into the event. Upon arriving at the rifle range, each Soldier was required to sprint 400 meters before firing 25 rounds at a 5-inch target 25 meters away. “It sounds easy, we normally shoot at a much further distance,” stated Sgt. Donald Mims, a Troop B section sergeant. “Coming straight from a dead sprint to shooting at a small target made for a challenging range. It is nothing we haven’t seen or couldn’t handle though.”
“Cav Stakes” is the first of four events during “Mustang Week.” The following three days will offer Mustang spouses the opportunity to participate in a Spouse Spur Ride. Soldiers will also compete in a sports-centered organizational day, and senior leaders will participate in a “Staff Ride”, highlighting the Cavalry’s role throughout U.S. history.
Capt. Timothy P. Mahoney
6th Sqdrn., 8th Cav. Regt., 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
FORT STEWART, Ga. – Officers with the “Mustang” Squadron attended Dari language training courses over the past five weeks on Fort Stewart, Ga.
The courses, occurring three days a week, focused on mastering the basics of the language, to include learning common phrases and greetings to writing familiarization.
“Mustang” leaders applied their skills, Sept. 10, during a simulated key leader engagement with an Afghan elder who spoke Dari. The language training instructor, Tareq Seddiqi, posed as the elder in the scenario.
“This engagement allows the officers to realize how important it is to understand the basics of the local language,” said Seddiqi. “It enables relationships to be built, in turn providing vital intelligence these Soldiers will need in a deployed environment.
“I can tell you they have come a long way understanding both the culture and language,” Seddiqi continued. “As their teacher, it is rewarding to see their progress.”
ENS Lauren Karlewicz
6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th IBCT
FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment celebrated their regiment’s 146th birthday, July 27, on Fort Stewart, Ga.
The unit, with 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, marked the day by highlighting the regiment’s illustrious past, presenting awards and a cutting a regimental birthday cake.
The 8th Cavalry Regiment was founded in 1866 with the mission of controlling various Native American tribes and bands in Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas during the Indian Wars between 1867 and 1888.
Throughout history the regiment has accomplished many more missions, including completing a 2,600-mile march—the longest march ever taken by a cavalry unit—in 1888; defending the Philippine Islands from guerrilla warfare in the early 1900s; combating Japanese troops in Australia during World War II; participating in numerous campaigns in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars; and conducting multiple operations in the Middle East.
Several Soldiers and a family member were recognized for their contributions to their unit and to the regiment.
Those inducted into the Order of St. George with the Black Medallion were Capt. Richard Ehereman, Capt. Timothy Mahoney, Capt. Bryan Dipalermo and 1st Lt. Jacob Garrett. Capt. Craig Brewer and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Bozeman were inducted into the Order of St. George with the Bronze Medallion.
The prestigious Order of St. George. The Order of St. George is an award honoring St. George, whose name is linked to famous battles and mounted warriors throughout the past. Soldiers inducted into the Order of St. George receive the award for providing a long and honorable service to armor and cavalry fields.
Family member Lahlah Brewer received the second award, the Order of St. Joan d’Arc. The award honors Joan of Arc, who overcame incredible obstacles and led the French army to many victories against the English in the Hundred Years’ War. The award is given to women who voluntarily contribute significantly to the morale, spirit, and welfare of armor or cavalry units and communities.
The time-honored cavalry traditions gave the Soldiers of 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav. Regt. a chance to reflect on the accomplishments of past “Mustangs” and inspired them to uphold the regiment’s values of honor and courage into future missions.
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