Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080513-05
May 13, 2008

1-6 CAV celebrates unit heritage with competition, barbecue in Iraq
By Spc. Jason Jordan, 1-10th Mtn. Div., PAO Multi-National Division – North

KIRKUK, Iraq – In May of 1861, a small unit known as 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry, Company A, was organized in Pittsburg, Pa., during the Civil War. The unit served in 16 campaigns during that war, engaging in frequent bitter and bloody battles, which included Antitietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness Campaign and Appomattox.
 
Today, they are known as the 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, serving under the 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colo., and although much has changed, the unit has always remained ready to fight.
 
Soldiers from 1-6 Cav. celebrated their unit history May 4 with an organizational day filled with barbecues, games and sporting competitions at Forward Operating Base Warrior where the unit is serving alongside the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in Kirkuk.
 
“While in a combat zone, a day such as this one serves as more than just a unit birthday and a way to celebrate our history,” said Capt. Chad Hodkins, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, who organized the event. “Here, it also becomes a day of rest and relaxation; a way to ease the stresses of combat.”
 
Vying for the Commander’s Cup trophy, the Soldiers divided into teams and competed in tournaments of volleyball and softball. Soldiers were also given a chance to display individual skills in events like horseshoes and the quarterback challenge.
 
In order to promote friendly competition, the Commander’s Cup is the only award given at the end of the day; requiring the Soldiers to give their best efforts in hopes of taking home the prize.
 
Although the Commander’s Cup is a coveted prize among the troops, many of the Soldiers would agree the trophy is not what drives them to win, but the bragging rights of being the top team.
 
“Bragging rights is a popular term among us Soldiers. We enjoy boasting our skills and challenging each other to see if we have what it takes to beat the other,” said Spc. Aaron Mikolajek, Troop E. “We enjoy friendly competition, but we won’t play dirty or hurt each other. Friendship always comes first,” he added.
 
Ultimately, the Soldiers were given a chance to unwind and build friendships through teamwork and fellowship, while honoring the rich history of their unit.
 
“We tell the Soldiers of our unit’s history, but it’s the break in monotony that they welcome most,” said 1st Sgt. Noah Tincher, first sergeant of HHT. “The war is still going on, and we have to remain prepared to fight, but everyone needs a break now and then to help stay focused and vigilant until we’re home again.”
 

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