Spouses earn their Spurs

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley

Date: 06.16.2014
Posted: 06.17.2014 22:15
News ID: 133438
Spouses earn their spurs

FORT STEWART, Ga. - “Honey, is this a bad time to ask what’s for dinner tonight?”

The above question was asked in jest by a Trooper as he motivated his wife though the barb-wire, low-crawl, obstacle here at the 3rd Infantry Division obstacle course.

The obstacle course was just one part of the Spouse Spur Ride that the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment “Seventh First,” 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, just held here, May 31.

The SSR was an all day event that started with the participating family members having their gear inspected, as well as receiving a safety brief. After that the wives foot marched to the obstacle course, where they ran through many of the obstacles. The event culminated with an award ceremony and a barbecue held at the Squadron’s motorpool.

With the temperature in the high 90s, it was hard to understand why the ladies of the 3-7th Cav. were voluntarily putting themselves through such a strenuous ordeal.

Lt. Col. Jason Kidder, the Squadron commander, explained why the Trooper’s family members were going to such lengths.

“The Spur Ride is part of the Cavalry tradition,” explained Kidder. “The spouses wanted to be part of that tradition just like their Troopers.”

While the SSR was certainly a challenge, fun was found throughout.

“I think the event went very well, professionally conducted by my Troopers and most important, enjoyed by the spouses,” Kidder said.

In the end, the smiles on the spouses’ faces, and their air of achievement as they were presented their certificates said it all.

“I think the spouses gained a greater understanding of what their Troopers are expected to do, physically and mentally; several gained a lot of confidence in themselves and a better understanding of why teams are stronger than individuals,” Kidder said.