Fabulous Army Life

The 1st Cavalry Division hosted an "Off-Site" in San Antonio, Texas, where leaders from the division gathered, taking training classes, participating in team-building activities, and enjoying a time of planning for the future.  It was a very fun time and left us all very motivated! On a Photo Scavenger Hunt on the Riverwalk! Coach John Arbaugh, Head Coach of the Baltimore Ravens, talked with us about leadership ... and created a few Raven fans in the process. The hat is a silly prize for winning the Scavenger Hunt! Getting to Know the Ladies in our Brigade Hubby and me hangin' out with Coach Arbaugh (and the rest of the division ...) 1st Cavalry Division Leadership in San Antonio, Texas Our Brigade Leadership

I posted yesterday about the amazing traditions in the 1st Cavalry Division and the Change of Command Ceremony last Friday.  Today, I'll post a peek into the reception afterwards, which was equally impressive. There is a semi-permanent tent outside the division headquarters that is used during "Welcome Home" ceremonies; this is where the reception was held after the change of command.  Each battalion set up a 'static display' of their colors, flags, and other paraphanelia to showcase their unit.  They all looked amazing.  There were seven tables lined up against one wall, each with a unit cake.  The receiving line area had the division colors and even had a red carpet!  The first order of events was the receiving line.  The brigade commander, all battalion commanders, new CSMs, and their respective spouses all lined up to greet everyone as they entered the tent.  This was my first time to be in an Army receiving line and I didn't relish the idea...

Last Friday, my Family and I participated in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division change of command on Fort Hood, Texas.  Hubby became the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment and joined a wonderful group of "Red Dragon" Soldiers and Families.  It's a dream come true for us ... one of those things you hope in the back of your mind you'll get to do one day, but know realistically that the chances are slim you'll get to do it. When I first saw his name on 'the list' that the Army publishes, I was elated for him.  No one knows more than I do his passion for the Army and for the Soldiers in it.  He is a wonderful leader and cares so much.  We both knew that this would be the adventure of a lifetime.  We explained this new job to our two boys (ages ten and six) as best we could and they kept saying, "We'll have 500 new friends on Friday!" as their summary of the discussion.  =) The ceremony was amazing,...