Hundreds of family, friends, and fellow veterans gathered to send-off 113 troops of the Iowa Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment at an afternoon parade-field ceremony Wed., May 28, on Camp Dodge, Iowa. After speeches, music, jokes, farewells, and tears, members of Alpha and Bravo Troops, 113th Cav. Reg. mounted-up on commercial buses and rode out of Johnston, Iowa on streets lined with flag-waving patriots and well-wishers.
The event was part of 24 such ceremonies to be conducted statewide this week, as approximately 3,300 citizen-soldiers of Iowa's 2nd Brigade Combat Team (B.C.T.), 34th Infantry "Red Bull" Division (2-34th BCT) move first to conduct three weeks of simulated combat training at Joint Readiness Training Center (J.R.T.C.), Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana. The JRTC rotation is a large-scale, multi-echelon "test" that serves as a capstone for 5 years of individual soldier and organizational training.
Following the JRTC rotation, approximately 1,800 Iowa soldiers will then deploy in late June directly to various Middle East locations, there to perform missions under Operation Inherent Resolve (O.I.R.). That deployment will include members of the 113th Cav. Reg., whose specific mission seems not yet publicly announced. The remainder of the brigade soldiers will return to Iowa, to continue regular drills, training, and maintenance operations throughout 2025-2026.
Wednesday's two-company formation took place on a lush hilltop parade field constructed on the former site of the historic Camp Dodge outdoor swimming pool, once one of the world's largest. To augment the low bleachers set to each side of the pool's still-visible walls, attendees brought folding lawn chairs and umbrellas, the latter as protection from gray clouds that occasionally threatened a sunny afternoon.
If not for the weighty purpose of the day, the vibe could've been that of a band concert, or youthful soccer game. The weather rock was occasionally damp. Temperatures were in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, partly sunny, with a light breeze that occasionally moved some dark clouds, and lifted the American flags held by approximately 20 members of the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle club who served as escorts.
Spirits were high as soldiers began to arrive with their families even before 1 p.m. Wednesday—"thirteen-hundred hours," in military-speak. Any soldier knows the drill: "If you're on time, you're late." Soldiers were to report on site by not later than 1400. The event would start at 1500—not a minute sooner.
In history, whether on horses or helicopters or wheeled vehicles, cavalry are often employed as fast-moving scouts—soldiers capable of quick reconnaissance, sudden attack, and maintaining security through patrols. Perhaps appropriately, then, cavalrymen and directional signs posted early along the route from the Camp Dodge main gate to the parade field.
Many soldiers Wednesday wore the semi-official duty uniform of black U.S. cavalry stetson, camouflaged combat uniform, and sunglasses.
The generally unregulated shape of a can reveal as much about a soldier as the rank or unit emblem that is affixed to the rear. Some soldiers shape them as slouch hats—relatively flat, or with brim front and back turned down. Others as American "cowboy" style, with sides up-turned. A few even sported "fedora," with the front grim down-turned, and flared upward toward the back. Regardless, when not in formation, many soldiers Wednesday adopt a familiar, "laid-back" attitude. Even if you ain't Cav, you know the Cav.
"Hey, buddy—you took a wrong turn!" A group of soldiers gathered around a bed of a parked pickup calls out to a dismounted compatriot, struggling to carry his entire kit up the hill toward the baggage point. In addition to briefcase and rucksack, he carries an over-stuffed Army duffel bag by one of the shoulder straps, which is stretched taut across his forehead. Despite the physical load, he laughs and shrugs good-naturedly.
There would later be prayers and anthems, and speeches by elected officials and their representatives, as well as Army leaders. After the ceremony, the troops would say farewells, eventually boarding busses at 1700. Before all the pomp, however, a low-buzz mix of hope and melancholy runs throughout the crowd. Moments of sun. Gray clouds. Teary faces. Young parents and spouses hold small babies. Older parents repeatedly embrace and kiss their now-soldier children, hesitating to let go. Overheard: "Dad, I've got to go inside for accountability. I promise I'll be back."
In some of the drizzle, bagpipers and drummers warm up under some distant trees. Bagpiper Dawn Baldwin of the Mackenzie Highlanders, says she learned the instrument just eight years ago, after she won a set of bagpipes in a raffle. She figured it might be something to do when she eventually retires. Upon request, the volunteer group regularly supports military and first-responder ceremonies. What does Baldwin do in her day-job? "I'm an audiologist," she smiles wickedly, before moving to join the other musicians. "I test people's hearing!"
Also before the ceremony, Iowa National Guard veteran and American Civil War cavalry re-enactor Mark Wiedenhoff holds the reins of Blondie, a 38-year old Palomino, so that young children can pet the horse and say hello. Blondie attended her first send-off and welcome home ceremony in 2003, when the cavalry deployed to Kosovo.
Coincidentally, later this summer, the brigade's deployment to the middle east will include a company of troops from Kosovo, perhaps a happy result of the Iowa National Guard's 24-year "strategic partnership" exchange with that independent state. Kosovo is also one of nine official "sister states" to the state of Iowa.
The Iowa brigade will also be joined by a brigade from Colorado, along with a company of that state's counterparts from the country of Jordan. Companies from Minnesota and Alabama are also anticipated.
Col. Randall Stanford, former Bravo Troop commander and now the director of human resources for the Iowa National Guard, serves as the senior military speaker at the send-off.
"I can't help but notice how many alumni of the cavalry are here—that is so awesome to see [...]—but the other part of that is the number of parents that I served with, that now have sons and daughters in this formation, is truly amazing," Randall says in his brief remarks. "The fabric of the National Guard, the history of service to our state and nation, is remarkable. I want to honor all you veterans, and all you warriors who have sons and daughters here. It is truly awesome to see."
Stanford continues, "I stand before you filled with pride, excited by the journey that our new troopers are about to take on their first deployments, and humbled by the dedication of our unit's senior leaders, who may be embarking on their final tours before hanging up their spurs. This moment is especially meaningful to me: 21 years ago, I stood in a formation just like this as a young staff sergeant. Today, as a colonel, it is an incredible honor to help send-off a unit that I had a privilege of deploying with three times. Being here allows me to help recognize the unwavering commitment, readiness, and sacrifice of the men and women of Alpha and Bravo Troops, 113th Cavalry Regiment. [...] These soldiers are once again answering our nation's call."
In his remarks, squadron commander Lt. Col. Kent Greiner tells of discovering some archival Camp Dodge photographs while working in the installation's facilities management office. One of the photographs was dated in the early 1900s, and marked "113th Cavalry."
"I wondered about the soldiers on horseback. Where they there for their regular drill? For their version of Annual Training? Or, perhaps, like us, they were preparing to leave for a much bigger mission. [...]" he says. "While cavalry uniforms, equipment, and modes of transportation have changed a lot in the past 100 years, the core of what makes the 113th has never changed. The 113th is filled with men and women who want to serve their state and nation, and to be a part of something much greater than themselves. Our ability to serve and deploy is only possible due to the support we receive from families, friends, employers, and communities—all demonstrated by your presence here today. [...]"
Greiner ends with the squadron motto: "We Maintain"!
