Rock Climbing in Kosovo Builds Teamwork for the 3-61 CAV

Photo By Capt. Aaron Moshier | Soldiers from the 3-61 CAV take in the view atop Via Ferrata Berim mountain May 19 in Kosovo.  

ZUBIN POTOK, KOSOVO

05.23.2018

Story by 1st Lt. Kareem Abiose 

KFOR Regional Command East

ZUBIN POTOK, Kosovo – Leaders of 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4h Infantry Division, climbed a mountain in Kosovo named Via Ferrata Berim on May 19 to build espirit de corps.

The 3-61 Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Carson, Colorado, is currently deployed to Kosovo on a nine-month peacekeeping and security mission. The regiment is the main maneuver element for Kosovo Force’s (KFOR) Multi-National Battle Group – East.

The purpose of the climb was to get out and enjoy what Kosovo has to offer, interact with one another and have lunch in nature with the intent of taking the experience back to their troops and allowing junior Soldiers the opportunity to experience the same.

First Lt. Chad Libby organized the rock-climbing event with Dragisa Mijacic, the owner and visionary of an outdoor recreation company called Outdoor In.

“I couldn’t be more impressed with the professionalism and hospitality Dragisa and his team provided,” Libby said. “This was a wonderful way for the Soldiers of 3-61 CAV to enjoy a day in the woods and on the rock. Through resiliency, leaders were able to face their fears head on.”

Soldiers were divided into two groups of 15 and each group had a guide. The squadron commander, Lt. Col. Donald T. Braman, and squadron Command Sgt. Maj. Jasan Weaver, led from the front with the first group. At the halfway point, they waited for the second group in a cave and soaked in the beautiful view.

A few Soldiers had never rock-climbed a mountain before.

This was Sgt. Maj. Thomas L. Ray’s first time rock climbing. “I will definitely take my family to Iron Horse Gym on Fort Carson, so they can experience the indoor climbing course,” he said.

Sgt. 1st Class Cecil E. Sherwood was very excited about rock climbing. He assisted the tour guides in ensuring Soldiers’ gear was serviceable and worn properly. “I have been climbing for eight years now,” Sherwood said. “I found that it is a great activity to do with my family. It brings us together and gives us the opportunity to enjoy, not only each other, but the company of others.”

He continued by saying, “This event was an excellent way for the leaders of 3-61 CAV to enjoy Kosovo’s beauty and build resiliency inside oneself.”
When both groups returned to the camp, the chef grilled some meat and cut tomatoes with bread for everyone to enjoy. Lt. Col. Braman used that opportunity to speak with everyone and hear their points of view on the event.

Dragisha, who was the guide during the climb, said, “You are the first KFOR Soldiers to climb in Zubin Potok. Working with you was a pleasure and an honor. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

All leaders on the climb said they were motivated to plan future trips to Via Ferrata Berim with their Soldiers.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2018
• Date Posted: 05.23.2018 10:21
• Story ID: 278074
• Location: ZUBIN POTOK, ZZ