Soldiers, families mix it up at Striker Organizational Day

Photo By Spc. Paul Harris | Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, commander, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, rides triumphantly to victory in the human chariot race during the Striker Brigade Organizational Day at Iron Horse Park at Fort Carson, Colo., July 6.  

07.11.2007

Story by Spc. Paul Harris 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Spc. Paul J. Harris
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Though the mercury was rising at Iron Horse Park it did not stop Soldiers and their spouses from enjoying 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division's Organizational Day.

The day was made up of a range of events from horseshoes to a human chariot race. Each battalion could earn points in the events that would determine the overall winner. For most Soldiers it was a chance to bring their families and mingle with their co-workers.

"I think it is just nice to be able to put the faces to the names I hear so much when my husband comes home from work," said Staff Sgt. Shannon Wyatt, promotions non-commissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd BCT, 4th ID. Her husband is Staff Sgt. Nathan Wyatt from 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, and the Organizational Day was a prelude to their second wedding anniversary.

"We hear the names so much but we can't actually put the faces to the names. Here we can see who the people are by the way they dress, sit back and just relax," Shannon said.

In addition to a relaxing day away from the office, Soldiers and their families were able to participate in a raffle for prizes donated from local businesses and family readiness groups. Prizes ranged from a bath and body oil gift basket to a two night getaway at local hotels.

"My favorite part was watching everybody light up when they won their opportunity baskets," said Raylene Hort, senior adviser to the family readiness group, 3rd BCT, 4th ID. "This is also to make sure the new (spouses) see where their spouses work and have a connection. So when we do deploy they are not just left out by themselves."

Nine thousand dollars worth of food was donated to the event so Soldiers could dine on barbeque prepared by Striker Brigade cooks. The cooks had to start the smoking process two days earlier to be prepared for more than 6,000 people in attendance.

Whether it was the good food or the motivation they received from their battalion commander almost winning the Iron Soldier competition the day before, the Soldiers from 1-8 Combined Arms Battalion dominated the competition easily taking first place overall.

"We spent two weeks preparing for this tournament," said Sgt. John Josendale, infantry team leader, Company B, 1-8 CAB, "It is important to represent my battalion, my company, my unit. Show that we are serious about it and we are the best at what we do."

Not only pride in his unit but Josendale was grateful for the opportunity an event like this provided his younger Soldiers.

"Overall in the big picture it gives them a chance to interact with other parts of the Army that they might not see on a regular basis," Josendale said. "The other side of it is if you are a younger Soldier and your battalion wins it gives you bragging rights, you gotta brag it's an Army thing."

• Date Taken: 07.11.2007
• Date Posted: 07.11.2007 10:14
• Story ID: 11215