CAMP CASEY, South Korea -- Bags are being packed and minds are starting to think
of home. The end is near and they are on the last stretch, but the mission is
ongoing and the training does not stop. The unit completed mission after mission
and can proudly reflect on what they did at the end of their nine-month rotation
in Korea.
Command Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Gonzalez, the 2-6th Cav. Regt.
command sergeant major, talked about the accomplishments and plans for his unit
at the end of their deployment.
"While we were here we really wanted
everyone to have a chance to see the different historical sites," Gonzalez said.
"We wanted 100 percent of our Soldiers to see the DMZ."
He said he was
glad that they were able to schedule a lot of events for the Soldiers to get out
and see Korea. He then went into some of the missions the squadron were able to
complete.
A few weeks after arriving in Korea the unit had to drive over
500 miles to the west in support of the ROK Navy. They took 52 vehicles on the
convoy and only one broke down.
"I was extremely proud of our maintenance
team for that accomplishment," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez also participated
in the squadrons 'Spur Ride' which is a cavalry tradition used for Soldiers to
earn their spurs. It had several events to include water, survival, physical and
medical training to name a few.
"I was out there like any other trooper,"
Gonzalez said. "I am proud to say that every Soldier who started
finished."
The squadron had a strong influence in the volunteering
community around Camp Humphreys. Gonzalez said they volunteered at orphanages,
elderly homes and at the Fitness Annex.
"It was good for not only the
Korean people, but also for our troopers," Gonzalez said. "The MWR was so
appreciative of our help that they are going to be having a barbecue cook-out
for us."
The command sergeant major had some advice for the unit that
will replace his squadron. It was to stay focused to fight tonight, there are
rules for a reason and to learn the Korean and U.S. history that is here. You
have to go out and find it just like the 2-6th Cav. Regt. did.
He ended
with saying he was proud of the many things they accomplished here and how he
couldn't have asked for better Soldiers to do it with as they look forward to
heading home.