Photo By Arthur Mondale | Attendees to the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon’s Spring Open House and Hayride get the...... read more read more
Visitors from across the National Capital Region got an up close and personal glimpse of the horses and horsemen who comprise the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)’s Caisson Platoon during the platoon’s Spring Open House and Hayride April 2 hosted at the Caisson stables on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
The event, coordinated by The Old Guard’s Family Readiness Program, attracted dozens of families. Young children rode in hayrides—horse-drawn carts stuffed with hay to provide cushion for passengers. There were also arts and crafts, egg hunts, a bounce house and prizes.
And of course, participants had the chance to meet the platoon’s steeds.
In all, the colorful and cheerful event was a stark contrast to the platoon’s normal silent and solemn demeanor when performing their duty: transporting fallen service members to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.
“This open house is kind of a way for Caisson Soldiers to tell our story and how we and our horses serve the fallen heroes who serve our nation,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Daniel Nicolosi, Caisson Platoon leader. “It takes a lot of responsibility to be a Caisson Soldier and they’re put under a lot of pressure and interact with the families of fallen service members.”
“These horses belong to the people and this event serves as a great opportunity to open up our operation to the public,” said Col. Johnny K. Davis, The Old Guard’s commander. “What an honor to give visitors a view of the 58 horses assigned to the unit.”
Moreover, for more than 65 years, the regiment operates “on call” on a daily basis throughout the entire year, Nicolosi said.
“I think when guests leave this open house they’ll have a better understanding of the dedication that goes into our mission because it’s not just serving the family of the fallen at one point in time,” he said. “We serve them for a lifetime because they will forever remember what Caisson provided. And these relatives do come back to these stables and say, ‘Hey, you buried my brother, my sister, my son, or my daughter and we’re just here to see the horses and the Soldiers that contributed to my family’s closure.’”
More than a spring tradition
For some families who attend the open house annually, the event has become somewhat of a tradition, according to Carla R. Moss, event coordinator and information and referral program manager for JBM-HH Army Community Service.
“This event is not only about showcasing the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon for the National Capital Region as a whole, but it’s also an annual tradition for some families who know these horses and these Soldiers more personally,” she said.
She added that the event offered activities for new and returning guests alike.
The Caisson Platoon’s stables were transformed into a Spring-themed festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the open house. While all activities appeared popular with attendees, the highly anticipated attraction was the hayride.
“I was in the Old Guard from 1994 to 1997 and this is the first time me and the family have come out to this event,” said U.S. Army Capt. Phillip Compean. “You can’t come to this event without going on a horse ride.”
“Kids love hayrides,” said his wife, Kari. “Just look at the long line.”
Meanwhile, first timers like the Wallace family were more interested in the opportunity to feed the horses happily situated inside the stables.
“Who could pass up a very interactive opportunity like this to see a friendlier side of the military with their family,” said U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Wallace.
The morning and afternoon was a meaningful and memorable way to better reach the D.C.-metro community, according to organizers. But the event foreshadowed the start of the busy season for members of The Old Guard collectively, who also perform ceremonial duties for a variety of public and military special events within the National Capital Region.
“The Old Guard is unlike the actual conventional U.S. Army and few are selected to come to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to serve in this capacity,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dustin Moss, a member of The Old Guard’s Presidential Salute Battery. The battery’s cannons—fired in honor of the President of the United States as well as other significant ceremonies and special events—were on display for guests.
“Everybody is getting locked in for the [presidential] inauguration and rehearsals have already begun,” Moss said. “There’s a lot of work to be done and everything has to be perfect from the uniforms to the execution.”
| Date Taken: | 04.07.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2016 16:05 |
| Story ID: | 194729 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Caisson Spring Open House and Hayride showcases Old Guard mission significance, by Arthur Mondale, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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