Wire story
Kansas soldiers bring Civil War aura to parade
By Logan C. Adams -- Scripps Howard Foundation Wire, Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON - Nine soldiers from Fort Riley represented the Sunflower State in the Inaugural parade Thursday afternoon.The Fort Riley Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard, led by Capt. Cayla Slusher, marched from the Capitol to the White House bearing the flag of the 24th Infantry Division and the troop guidon, the unit’s flag. They wore uniforms and carried equipment matching those used by Union troops in the U.S. Civil War.
In an interview as they waited in a parade staging area Thursday morning, Slusher and others in the 14-member unit described how they prepared for their important ride up Pennsylvania Avenue.
After a ride in a snowstorm Wednesday, they were ready for the cold weather.To prepare for the parade’s other special circumstances, the unit had to trained to ensure their horses were ready before they left. “We did some training with the [military police] on post to get them ready for police lights and sirens,” said Slusher from atop her horse, Cyclone. “I wish we could’ve practiced with a marching band.”
The night before the parade, the unit washed the horses so they would look their best for the parade and have enough time to dry. Slusher said there are special shampoos for horses, but “Suave works great.”
Spc. Ronald Wilson, of Alta Vista, Kan. displayed his horse, Cincinnati, and the equipment he carried. He said each horse’s saddle has a lariat for tying the horse to a tree; a sabre, one of the weapons with which the unit does demonstrations; a poncho and bedroll for the rider; and a feedbag for the horse.
At 14 months of riding, Sgt. 1st Class James Blecha has been with the unit the longest. Blecha, who has served as a cavalry scout for 25 years with the Army, also rode the most experienced horse, Sheridan, whom he said was in all likelihood a part of the last inaugural parade in 2001.
The unit used an outside service to truck their horses from the Flint Hills to Fort Myer, near Arlington National Cemetery with one soldier, and the rest flew. “Fort Myer has been an incredible host,” said Slusher.
By Logan C. Adams -- Scripps Howard Foundation Wire, Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON - Nine soldiers from Fort Riley represented the Sunflower State in the Inaugural parade Thursday afternoon.The Fort Riley Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard, led by Capt. Cayla Slusher, marched from the Capitol to the White House bearing the flag of the 24th Infantry Division and the troop guidon, the unit’s flag. They wore uniforms and carried equipment matching those used by Union troops in the U.S. Civil War.
In an interview as they waited in a parade staging area Thursday morning, Slusher and others in the 14-member unit described how they prepared for their important ride up Pennsylvania Avenue.
After a ride in a snowstorm Wednesday, they were ready for the cold weather.To prepare for the parade’s other special circumstances, the unit had to trained to ensure their horses were ready before they left. “We did some training with the [military police] on post to get them ready for police lights and sirens,” said Slusher from atop her horse, Cyclone. “I wish we could’ve practiced with a marching band.”
The night before the parade, the unit washed the horses so they would look their best for the parade and have enough time to dry. Slusher said there are special shampoos for horses, but “Suave works great.”
Spc. Ronald Wilson, of Alta Vista, Kan. displayed his horse, Cincinnati, and the equipment he carried. He said each horse’s saddle has a lariat for tying the horse to a tree; a sabre, one of the weapons with which the unit does demonstrations; a poncho and bedroll for the rider; and a feedbag for the horse.
At 14 months of riding, Sgt. 1st Class James Blecha has been with the unit the longest. Blecha, who has served as a cavalry scout for 25 years with the Army, also rode the most experienced horse, Sheridan, whom he said was in all likelihood a part of the last inaugural parade in 2001.
The unit used an outside service to truck their horses from the Flint Hills to Fort Myer, near Arlington National Cemetery with one soldier, and the rest flew. “Fort Myer has been an incredible host,” said Slusher.
posted by Logan C. Adams at 1/22/2005 12:00:00 PM
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