By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
3/7 Cav holds color casing ceremony
Casing1
Lieutenant Colonel Lance C. Varney and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Mingle carefully case the colors of 3/7 Cav. Regt., 2BCT, 3rd ID, Aug. 14, at Fort Stewart, Ga. - photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron R. Knowles

Fort Stewart, Ga.

-

The morning of Aug. 14, most Fort Stewart Soldiers were carrying on with daily activities as if it was a normal Marne work day. Soldiers all over post were preparing. Whether they were preparing for missions or for training, it was not the case for all Soldiers on Fort Stewart.

The Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, would not be participating in any of these activities. Standing tall on Cottrell Field were the Saber Soldiers. In crisp, clean uniforms and in tight, squared formations, they stood ready.

They were ready to begin a ceremony that holds a strong sense of tradition in the Army, and to set another milestone of their units history.

Tuesday morning, the Soldiers of 3/7 Cav. Regt. cased their colors in preparation for deployment.

This important ceremony is held before a unit departs for deployment. It symbolizes a unit ceasing operations at a specific location. When the 3/7 Cav. Regt. begins operations in Afghanistan, the colors will be uncased until operations in theater are finished.

Colonel Douglas C. Cardinale, the commander of the 2BCT was the keynote speaker of the ceremony.

[The] 3/7 Cav. [Regt.] is the finest cavalry squadron in the United States Army, Col. Cardinale said. The troopers and leaders of 3/7 Cav. are highly capable and ready to carry on this squadrons tradition of proudly standing ready at yet another call to defend freedom and our Nations way of life.

During the ceremony, Col. Cardinale specifically thanked Maj. Gen. Robert Abe Abrams, 3rd ID commander, for all of his support and assistance during the preparations for the deployment.

We couldnt be more proud of Saber Squadron, and their ability to adapt and prepare for this mission, Col. Cardinale said.

[The] 3/7 Cav. is ready. Its leadership is strong and detailed, Col. Cardinale said. Its troopers are trained and disciplined and its Family Members are poised to support."

To the Families of 3/7 Cav., we value your sacrifice as well, Col. Cardinale said, Youve proven to be strong and resilient. Please continue to support your troopers while they accomplish the mission down range. Stay connected. This time will pass quickly.

Lieutenant Colonel Lance C. Varney, commander of the 3/7 Cav. Regt., also spoke highly of the support of the Families of his troopers.

I would like to recognize our most valued supporters: our Families, Lt. Col. Varney said. The late nights, hectic schedules, training exercises and last minute changes. You provide the strength that will sustain us over the next nine months. Thank you all very much for what you have done and the sacrifices that you will continue to make.

Lieutenant Colonel Varney followed by dedicated a round of applause to all of the Families of his troopers.

Saber Squadron, you are ready, Col. Cardinale said. You are trained. Keep the right mental attitude. Stay fit. Keep your weapons clean and ready. Never forget that you are a Spartan. I expect you to uphold the highest standards. Stay disciplined. Its the key to your success.

As the Soldiers of the 3/7 Cav. Regt. left the field that morning, they were one step closer to not only starting, but also finishing the mission that lie ahead.

I know the Saber Squadron will make us proud, Col. Cardinale said.

Sign up for our e-newsletters