Citizen-Soldiers with Troop E, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Georgia National Guard, stand ready to take defensive action outside a mock Iraqi town. The unit participated in training exercises at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin Calif., in preparation for their upcoming mission overseas.

Cavalry troop more than just a unit

By Spc. Anna-Marie Risner
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- What makes the Cavalry so special? For many, it is a sense of brotherhood -- a bond that extends beyond the training exercise.

Members of Troop E, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Georgia National Guard, make no qualms about the fact the cavalry is in their hearts. 

The unit consists of Soldiers not only from Georgia, but also Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. In addition, many of the troop's members have passed up promotions or taken reductions in rank -- including their executive officer. 

First Lt. Brian Cardinali, a former 101st Airborne Division captain, took a step down to lieutenant to join the unit after the September 11 terrorist attacks. He said one of the biggest draws to the unit is camaraderie.

"It's a sense of family in the cav. troop," he said. "Many of these guys are from other states and a lot of these guys are best friends outside of the unit."

It is that sense of family that keeps those Soldiers in the unit -- despite a sometimes hazardous mission.

"We are way out in the front of everything," said Sgt. 1st Class Randy Hanson. However, he added the people and their level of experience as a team makes the risk worthwhile. 

While many of the members of Troop E may not always get the glory, or the promotions, it seems many would not want to be anywhere else.

"It's just the cav.," said Spc. Sherod Morrison. "Tanks are my heart in the cavalry I'm somebody."