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Cavalry soldiers, spouses earn spurs
WEB Spouse spur ride
3-7 Cavalry spouses move a truck tire Saturday as part of the squadrons spouses spur ride on Fort Stewart. - photo by Sgt. Dustin Gautney/2nd HBCT Public Affairs

Soldiers from the 144 Cavalry, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division attempted tests of physical and mental endurance Saturday for the prize of standing out among their peers and earning their “silver spurs.” The recognition is awarded to troops who complete a grueling 36-hour event known as the spur ride.
While many soldiers possess golden spurs, which are awarded for being part of a cavalry unit during a deployment, the honor of wearing silver spurs is one of high esteem, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Mingle of the 3-7 Cavalry, 2nd HBCT.
“Earning silver spurs sets you apart from other soldiers, much like the Stetson. The silver spurs is part of the tradition that defines the cavalry soldier,” Mingle said.
While earning the spurs may set soldiers apart from those who have not earned them, Mingle said the spur ride event is more about work as a team than an individual.
“A lot of what these soldiers went through to earn their spurs is based on a team event. Whether it is the multiple lanes that the soldiers had to accomplish as a squad or the obstacle course, it was all done as a team,” Mingle said.
The command sergeant said Saturday’s spur ride was the first the 3-7 Cavalry has put on since 2006.
Lt. Col. Lance Varney, commander of the 3-7 Cavalry, said he didn’t fully understand what earning silver spurs means to a soldier until he completed
the rite of passage.
“I definitely underestimated what it is to earn the silver spurs. Not only is it a grueling event, but the camaraderie, tradition and history behind the entire event truly embodies all that the Cavalry stands, for and I am truly proud to be part of that,” Varney said.
At the conclusion of the 36-hour event, the spouses of the 3-7 Cavalry also were able to earn their spurs alongside their soldiers.
“We really wanted to have a day to show our appreciation to the spouses of the squadron and let them earn their own version of the silver spurs, a necklace charm, and let them have an understanding of what their spouses went through over the last 36-hours,” Varney said.
During the spouses’ spur ride, squadron spouses participated in numerous events, much like their soldiers.
“While we scaled the events back for the spouses, they still were able to do things like the obstacle course, grenade throw, casualty evacuation — just like their spouses did to earn their spurs. The whole event has been really fun for all of the squadron family,” Varney said.
Candy Hankins, wife of 3-7 Cavalry Sgt. First Class Roger Hankins, agreed the event was great opportunity.
“I kind of wanted to see what it was all about, so it was a great idea. All together, it was pretty challenging but really fun, too,” Hankins said.

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Exchange Service salutes Vietnam vets with custom truck design
Army and Air Force Exchange Service redesigned logo 2011

To thank Vietnam veterans for their sacrifices, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is debuting a new truck design, part of the Department of Defense retailer’s efforts alongside the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to honor veterans during the 50th anniversary of the war.

“The Exchange is privileged to have the opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans through our fleet,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era. “These trucks will serve as rolling billboards, expressing gratitude for all who served during this era.”

The truck design features the silhouette of a lone service member set against the background of a faded horizon with a call to “thank a Vietnam veteran for service to our nation.” The single military member represents the warfighters who served during this time.

Three trucks in the fleet feature the commemorative design and will deliver merchandise to Exchange stores from the organization’s distribution centers in the continental United States.

The West Coast Distribution Center at Sharpe Army Depot in California; Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.; and the Waco Distribution Center in Texas will each have a truck in service on their standard delivery routes, serving the whole country.

Air Force veteran Pat Thompson served in Vietnam before coming to the Exchange as a truck driver and mechanic. In his 18 years with the Exchange, he has deployed four times to support the troops. The new design means a lot to him.

“They remember,” said Thompson, who is based at the Exchange’s Waco Distribution Center. “We want to be remembered.”

The trucks also highlight the veteran online shopping benefit, which launched in November. The lifelong online military exchange benefit authorizes all who served honorably to enjoy tax-free shopping and exclusive military pricing at ShopMyExchange.com.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The U.S. began commemoration of the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice in conjunction with the commemoration.

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