2-6 CAV Celebrates 146th Birthday

By Spc. Bryanna Poulin

1st Lt. Carlos Dinkins holds down Spc. Salvador Delarosa both with 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, during a wrestling match at FOB Warrior. Delarosa gives the OK sign as Dinkins tries to apply a submission hold. The match was an event to celebrate the 146th birthday party for the regiment. Photo by Spc. Bryanna Poulin

While one unit provides ground defense, the other keeps a watchful eye on the ground forces. So, it only seemed appropriate that these two units joined together in celebrating the 146th birthday bash.

On May 4, Soldiers from 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID, "Broncos" attended the 146th birthday celebration for 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade "Lightning Horse".

"It's a great honor to be able to share this celebration with the bronco brigade," said Lt. Col. James Barker, 2-6 Cavalry squadron commander. "While conducting reconnaissance and security for 3rd IBCT, Lightning Horse Soldiers serve the regiment with honor and distinction."

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, celebrated its 146th birthday at Forward Operating Base Warrior, May 4. Soldiers were treated with birthday cake and grilled food as part of the festivities. Photo by Spc. Bryanna Poulin

The birthday celebration kicked off with an awards ceremony where cavalry Soldiers received Air, Army commendation and Army Achievement Medals for tasks such as destruction of enemy devices and outstanding dedication to duties.

After the awards ceremony, Barker presented a brief history of Lightning Horses 146 year's accomplishments.

"Constituted May 4, 1861 and organized at Camp Scott, Penn., as Company B, 6th Cavalry ... the same day Abraham Lincoln gave his inaugural address to the nation" Barker said. "The squadron kicked off the Civil War by opening fire with 50 cannons at Ft. Sumter as part of the Union's first action in the Peninsular Campaign, earning 16 battle streamers for its distinguished service and gallantry."

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade relax and watch novice fighters during the birthday celebration at FOB Warrior. The birthday marked 146 years for the regiment. Photo by Spc. Bryanna Poulin

Following the war, the regiment participated in 10 Indian campaigns, and was responsible for the surrender of the famous Apache chief Geronimo, Barker continued.

Storming alongside Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" during the capture of Santiago, the Squadron also saw action in the Spanish-American War.

On Oct. 20, 1943, the squad was designated the 28th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron as part of Patton's "Household Cavalry," and earned the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions at the Harlange Pocket.

The squadron later returned from Europe in 1957, Barker continued, and was stationed at Fort Meade, Md., and Fort Knox, Ky., until 1986.

Amateur fighters from the United States Air force and 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade box each other during the regiments' 146th birthday celebration at Forward Operating Base Warrior May 4. (Photo by Spc. Bryanna Poulin)

Soon after, on July 16, 1986, the squad was activated to become part of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, and was the third unit to receive the AH-64 Apache.

As pressure increased in the Middle East following the August 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the Squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield. During combat operations in Operation Desert Storm, the unit flew several combat missions destroying over 200 armored vehicles and earning the Valorous Unit Citation.

Col. A.T Ball, commander for the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, speaks to Soldiers during the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th CAB birthday party which took place at Forward Operating Base Warrior, May 4. (Photo by Spc. Bryanna Poulin)

As part of Operation Allied Force, the call to duty came again in April 1999, when the unit deployed to Albania and prepared to conduct combat operations; winning submission of Serbian forces, the regiment later redeployed in July 1999 to continue serving as V Corps tip of spear.

Prior to deploying to Iraq, the regiment was transferred from 11th Aviation Regiment to the 25th CAB on June 6, 2006, Barker concluded.

Following the Lightning Horses history, Soldiers were entertained with wrestling tournaments and amateur boxing matches where novice fighters competed against one another in the spirit of the birthday celebration.

With sweat dripping off faces and adrenaline rushing, the festivities were wrapped up with a cake cutting ceremony and with a meal of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, which brought a close to the birthday party.