Highlights from The Great Place
By Tex Appeal with contributions from Staff Sgt. Edwin J. Pierce, Division West Public Affairs, Master Sgt. Miriam Espinoza, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs, and Sgt. Melissa Lessard, III Corps Public Affairs
Division West welcomes new commander
Leaders and soldiers from across Fort Hood and First Army gathered at Cameron Field to bid farewell to Maj. Gen. Richard Johnson and welcome Brig. Gen. Joseph Edwards II during a change-of-command ceremony in December. First Army manages the reality of constant change in assigned soldiers from top to bottom of its formation, while never slowing or stopping its operations. The command leadership is made up of all components of the Army with personnel constantly rotating responsibilities year long.
Bomb squad trains realistically
In December, the 797th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Company, 71st Explosive Ordinance Disposal Group, participated in their specialized physical training event with Maj. Gen Michael Keating, deputy commander of support (U.K.) for III Corps and Fort Hood.
The exercise circuit includes soldiers running with while wearing 80-pound bomb suits. They worked as a four-person team. One soldier ran with the bomb suit, while the others ran with mock explosive devices, a total of two miles during the event.
Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams respond to local threats in and around the installation. When deployed, they are responsible for freedom of maneuver, such as removing explosive hazards that may impede U.S. forces.
Soldiers who are a part of the EOD program are technical and tactical experts in explosive devices. They prepare and use advanced robotics, dispose of hazardous objects, and perform missions in support of Army units.
1st Cavalry Horse Cavalry Detachment returns to Rose Parade
After the 2021 cancellation due to COVID-19, only its fourth cancellation since it began in 1890, the Rose Parade returned for New Year’s Day 2022 and the 1st Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment participated in the historic event. Maj. Gen. John Richardson IV and Command Sgt. Maj. Shade Munday, division command team, also made an appearance this year for the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
The parade passes along a 5 1/2-mile route, and it is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition for millions of Americans. Nearly half a million people line the streets to see more than 40 floats decorated with millions of fresh flowers, bands and equestrian units. Millions more watch the parade via live broadcast from the comfort of their homes.
While on temporary duty in California, the Horse Cavalry Detachment also took part of the 30th annual Equestfest in Los Angeles, where the detachment performed their mounted demonstration.
The unit started preparing for this event, the biggest of year, six months in advance. The three-day, nearly 1,400-mile trip from Fort Hood to Pasadena requires a significant amount of detailed of planning to ensure horses and personnel arrive safely to their final destination. A total of 21 soldiers, two veterinarians and a civilian trainer traveled to Pasadena alongside 13 horses and two mules.
The detachment has been invited to the parade since 1996, and this year they were the only active-duty Army unit invited to the parade.