The document provides updates on the activities of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in March 2014, including: 1) The Regiment bolstered its partnership with a German army unit through joint live-fire training and squad exercises. 2) The 1st Squadron hosted a spouse appreciation event and provided support to training exercises. 3) The 2nd Squadron completed its mission in Afghanistan and transferred its area of operations to another unit. 4) The 3rd Squadron conducted end-of-tour award ceremonies and welcomed the replacement unit that will assume its area of operations.

1. Volume 4, Issue 3
Command Sgt. Maj.
Wilbert E. Engram Jr.,
Regimental Command
Sergeant Major
Historical Events 2
2 CR, German
Partnership
3
1st Squadron 4
2nd Squadron 5
3rd Squadron 6
4th Squadron 7
Fires 8
RSS
9
Highlights in 2d Cavalry History
March 2014
www.2cr.army.mil www.flickr.com/photos/dragoons/2scr
March 9, 1847: The Battle of Vera Cruz of the Mexican-American War
began with the Second Dragoons aboard ships waiting to land near
Collado Beach, Mexico approximately three miles south of the port
city of Vera Cruz.
Under the command of seasoned Col. William S. Harney,
2nd Colonel of the Regiment, the Troopers had great confidence in
their leadership that they would soon make it to Mexico City. The
entire expedition was commanded by Maj. Gen. Winfried Scott,
who determined that Vera Cruz would not fall to artillery fire alone and
was simply the first battle of his campaign.
The Regiment’s forces included members of A, B, C,F ,I and K
Troops, and once it was over marked the first large scale amphibious
assault in U.S. military history. The Mexican forces had intelligence
that the landing would take place near Vera Cruz, but political
instability in the country saw them fail to capitalize on this knowledge.
On the evening of March 9, the entire US force had rowed their boats,
and landed on the beaches without a single casualty.
Col D.A. Sims, 77th
Colonel of the Regiment
Newsletter
2d Cavalry Regiment
The Dragoon
Family members of Soldiers assigned to 2d Cavalry Regiment, prepare to greet their troopers who are returning
home from their most recent deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on March 18,
2014. (U.S. Army photo by: Sgt. William A. Tanner)

2. PAGE 2Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
Become a member of the 2d Cavalry Association - For more information, visit our
website at: http://www.dragoons.org/
History Highlights cont...History Highlights cont...
March 18-25, 1879: The Regiment was engaged in the Indian Wars in the newly established forts in the
Department of Dakota. Forts Custer and McKeogh provided shelter for the Regiment during the cold
winter, and spring. 1878 had been a trying year, seeing the Regiment’s enemy, the Cheyenne, and their
infamous Chiefs Dull Knife and Little Wolf lead their bands into the Canadian wilderness as a refuge.
Also, the U.S. Congress had not managed to appropriate pay for the Army, so the majority of
the men had gone without compensation for some time.
As the Cheyenne made their way back into the United States, the Regiment laid in wait and managed to
capture Dull Knife near Fort Robinson, Nebraska. With Little Wolf still on the loose, Lt. William P.
Clark along with Companies E and I located their camp near Elder Creek, Montana. On the 25th of
March, Clark managed to convince these Indians to return with them to Fort McKeogh under escort
where they actually served alongside the cavalry as scouts and thus were permitted to remain in the
north. Politics of the time and the problems faced by the men of the 2nd Cavalry were not that different
from those faced today. The Indians frequently used the rules of engagement and international borders
to escape detection and to maintain freedom of movement. Interaction with these people and securing
their cooperation however has always been important to effectively coming out on top in asymmetric
environments.

3. Dragoon Newsletter
2d Cavalry Regiment bolsters partnership with2d Cavalry Regiment bolsters partnership with
German army unitGerman army unit
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 PAGE 3
T
he ever-blossoming partner-
ship between the 2d Cavalry
Regiment and its German al-
lies continues to grow with a
joint live-fire training and squad exer-
cises with the Panzergrenadierbatail-
lon 122.
Troops with the Regiment and Ger-
man infantrymen fired mortars and
conducted movement training with live
ammunition March 27, 2014, at Rose
Barracks, Germany.
The training was another chance for
the two units to build on the lasting
relationship they've had over the years.
A Stryker vehicle and a German tank
pull into an area suited for the move-
ment of ground forces, ramps let down
from the back of both and out came
American and German Soldiers ready
to work together to complete one ob-
jective: neutralize the enemy.
The lane was designed to simulate
the environment of today's modern
battlefield and help the Soldiers learn
and employ modern tactics for success
in combat.
The process leading up to the train-
ing event required practice for both
units that would take them to the next
level of combat arms readiness.
"We have taken the last three
months to conduct numerous train-ups
in order to do a combined arms ma-
neuver live fire between ourselves and
our partners with Panzergrenadier-
bataillon 122," said Capt. Petr Vach,
commander of 2nd Squadron Dragoon
Ready Reserve, 2 CR. "We have con-
ducted every aspect of the train-up
with our partners, anything from small
arms ranges to Squad Tactical Exer-
cise (STX) lanes and shoot houses.
We have supported each other
throughout the last three months in an
effort to conduct this live fire."
During preparation for the exercise,
2nd Squadron's leadership took notice
of the similarities in how the two units
handle the tactical scenarios.
"I think many of us were extremely
surprised at how similar in TTP's
(tactics, techniques and procedures)
we are between our two nations and
the train-up was far more seamless
than any of us thought possible," said
Vach. "We admire each others equip-
ment with the tanks and the weapons, I
think the Soldiers enjoy each others'
company."
Leadership with the 122 Panzer also
agreed that it is paramount to conduct
these joint trainings because of the
reliance that exists between American
and German forces as a result of de-
ployments to a combat environment
"We are fighting with you together in
Afghanistan for more than 14 years
now," said German army Capt. Chris-
toph Gallitzendorfer, commander of 4th
Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 122
Panzer. "It is a very necessary and an
important thing for us. We have to get
to know each other because we have
to rely on each other."
ROSE BARRACKS, Ger-
many -- U.S. Army
Stryker vehicle (right) and
a German army tank stop
to offload Troopers with
2nd Squadron, 2d Cavalry
Regiment and German
Army soldiers with
Panzergrenadierbataillon
122 during a training ex-
ercise March 27, 2014, at
Grafenwoehr Training
Area, Germany. Troopers
with the Regiment and
German army conducted
live-fire training to sustain
their combat readiness
and further their historical
partnership in Europe.

4. PAGE 4Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
War Eagles UpdateWar Eagles Update
Soldiers with 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry
Regiment conduct training at Rose Bar-
racks, Germany. The squadron returned in
December from a deployment in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom 13-14.
M
arch was very productive
for the War Eagles. 1st
Squadron continued to re-
set the team and develop
training plans to build combat power
and prepare for follow-on missions.
In addition to these activities, the
War Eagles conducted a variety of
events to include a Spouse Apprecia-
tion Luncheon, Observer /Controller
/Trainer (OCT) support to the Joint
Multinational Training Center (JMTC)
and 173d Airborne Brigade, as well as
a distinguished visitor event for Brig
Gen. Peter Braunstein of the
Bundeswehr.
In conjunction with the War Eagle
Foundation, 1st Squadron hosted a
spouse appreciation luncheon in the
Dragoon museum.
During this event, the squadron pre-
sented awards to recognize the hard
work and dedication of spouses whose
service distinguished them during the
deployment. Twenty six of those rec-
ognized received either the Command-
ers Award for Patriotic Civilian Service
or the Commanders Award for Out-
standing Volunteer Service. An addi-
tional 25 spouses received Certificates
of Appreciation from the squadron
commander. The War Eagle Founda-
tion took charge of the decorations and
set-up with a detail of War Eagles, and
provided lunch for the participants.
1st Squadron selected nine Noncom-
missioned Officers (NCOs) and Offi-
cers to augment the JMTC Timber-
wolves Observer /Controller /Trainer
team in support of the 173d Airborne
Brigade training rotation.
1st Squadron received positive feed-
back on the knowledge and profes-
sionalism of these War Eagles. These
Troopers will return in time to partici-
pate in the squadron ball.
2nd Platoon of Apache Troop pro-
vided support to Grafenwoehr Garrison
for a visit by Brig. Gen. Peter Braun-
stein representative for installation
management in Berlin and commander
of territorial tasks of the Bundeswehr,
and Lt. Col. Hans-Joachim Gehrlein,
CDR, DMV (Deutche Militarishe Ver-
treter /German Military Representa-
tives).
The purpose of the visit was to re-
ceive JMTC training capabilities over-
view and discuss the services avail-
able to United States Army Garrison-
Bavaria Soldiers. Apache Troop pro-
vided Soldiers and fully equipped
Stryker vehicles to facilitate mounted
movement and orientation on the con-
voy live-fire lanes, located East of
Range 206.
The German and U.S. officials dis-
cussed tactical and training capabilities
offered to our Soldiers, exchanged
ideas on how to make this type of
training more effective, discussed how
JMTC and USAG-Bavaria address
post traumatic stress issues, and at-
tended an office call by Brig. Gen.
Piatt, and the current JMTC Command
Group.
1st Squadron will close out the
month of March with the squadron ball
to be held on March 29 at the Max Re-
ager Halle, Weiden. Overwhelming
support for the event resulted in 521
tickets sold.
The squadron has coordinated for
bus transportation to and from the
event from Rose Barracks to allow Sol-
diers and their spouses to relax and
enjoy the evening in a safe and re-
sponsible manner.
Look for pictures of this great event
next month!

5. PAGE 5Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
Cougar UpdateCougar Update
F
amily and Friends of Task
Force Cougar,
On March 27, 2014, Task
Force Cougar’s mission in
support of Operation Enduring Free-
dom came to an end at Forward Oper-
ating Base Frontenac, Kandahar Prov-
ince, Afghanistan.
After seven months of hard work and
determination from Eagle, Fox, and
Headhunter Troops, Task Force Cou-
gar turned its mission over to Task
Force Destroyer, 3rd Squadron, 61st
Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Carson,
Colo., who will continue to build on the
Cougars’ progress and that of the units
before it.
The Cougars who deployed to Af-
ghanistan are looking forward to some
well deserved time to spend with
friends and family as those who re-
mained active at Rose Barracks con-
tinue to support U.S. Army Europe’s
mission to be ready for worldwide de-
ployment in support of contingency
operations.
Once 2nd Squadron’s mission to Af-
ghanistan is complete, we should take
a moment to review the achievements
of our outstanding Cougars. Thanks to
train, advise, assist operations, the
Afghan National Army and Afghan Na-
tional Police are better trained and
more capable than at any time in their
histories.
The Cougars have had the opportu-
nity to watch with pride as the Afghan
security forces took the lead on opera-
tions that successfully cleared and
held areas that were thought of as too
dangerous to enter for many years.
Throughout the last seven months, the
Afghan security forces found and
cleared hundreds of improvised explo-
sive devices, saving the lives of many
Afghans and Americans.
Even while helping expand the Af-
ghan government’s security area, TF
Cougar returned thousands of pieces
of equipment to Kandahar Airfield,
where the items were shipped out for
future use in other operations, saving
U.S. taxpayers hundreds of millions of
dollars.
With the tremendous attention to de-
tail and multi-tasking abilities of Eagle
and Fox Troops, the task force trans-
ferred two Combat Outposts, Pace-
maker and Jannat, to the Afghan secu-
rity forces, who are using those bases
to protect the Afghan population from
the enemies of Afghanistan.
While the end of the Cougars’ mis-
sion in Afghanistan represents the
closing of another chapter in the
squadron’s long and illustrious history,
the continued commitment to training
by the Troopers of the Cougar Ready
Reserve show that the Cougars remain
ready to defend the United States’ in-
terest at all times.
In closing, I’d like to express our
thanks and gratitude to those of you
reading this – the friends and family of
TF Cougar – we would not have been
as successful as we were without your
steadfast support!
Cougar 6 and Cougar 7
Toujours Prêt! Second to None!
Lt. Col. Charles Svelan and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Spivey roll-up the 2nd Squadron, 2d Cav-
alry Regiment colors, symbolizing the end of the squadron's mission in Afghanistan.

6. PAGE 6Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
Wolfpack UpdateWolfpack Update
F
amily and friends: Spring has
come in the Wolfpack area of
operations and many exciting
events have come along with
it. This month the Wolfpack enjoyed a
visit from Operation Proper Exit, con-
ducted end-of-tour award ceremonies,
and welcomed Task Force Destroyer
into theatre.
On March 13, Operation Proper Exit
visited Forward Operating Base Pasab
with five wounded warriors. Operation
Proper Exit is a project sponsored by
the Troops First Foundation. The mis-
sion of this project is to provide proper
closure for Soldiers that have been
wounded during past tours either to
Iraq or Afghanistan. This year marks
the fourth trip to theatre for Operation
Proper Exit.
The event was particularly meaning-
ful to the Soldiers in the program who
had sustained their injuries just a few
miles from FOB Pasab. Upon a warm
welcoming at the helicopter landing
zone the five wounded warriors and
the accompanying party were briefed
on specifics of our area of operation
and unclassified details of our past and
current operations.
When the wounded warriors arrived
at the event location they were re-
ceived with a standing ovation by over
300 people to include members from
TF Wolfpack and civilian contractors.
All five members shared their stories
of sustaining injuries and how they
dealt with the change in their lives.
It was a moving experience to see
how resilient the Soldiers are and to
hear each of them express how glad
they were to be with us, and how much
they wish they could be back in the
fight
Throughout the month of March,
each of our Troops conducted a cere-
mony to recognize Soldiers for all the
hard work, dedication and sacrifices
made throughout the deployment.
Time in theatre is growing short, but
Wolfpack is taking full advantage of
every opportunity to positively influ-
ence the area of operations before
leaving.
The replacement unit, Task Force
Destroyer, arrived in March all the way
from Fort Carson, Colo. In addition to
normal operations, TF Wolfpack has
the responsibility to assist the incoming
unit in their preparation to assume the
area of operations.
The Soldiers of the Wolfpack have
accomplished much in Southern Af-
ghanistan in support of Operation En-
during Freedom 13-14 and are happy
to have had the opportunity to do so.
ALWAYS READY! WOLFPACK!
A Soldier with the 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps Afghan National Army renders a salute during a graduation
ceremony.

7. PAGE 7Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
Saber UpdateSaber Update
S
aber Friends and Family, it’s
with great pride and enthusi-
asm that I deliver this final
installment of the deployed
version of our Dragoon Newsletter.
I have great pride in all that Task
Force Saber has accomplished during
this deployment and great enthusiasm
for the upcoming reunion with our
loved ones. Nine months ago we
started on what in all likelihood will be
the final chapter of the 2d Cavalry
Regiment’s contribution to the global
War on Terror. Our Regiment has
served the United States honorably
from the early Indian Wars through the
World Wars and in both Iraq and Af-
ghanistan. Now we prepare to return
home successful in our endeavors,
mindful of our sacrifices and grateful
for the support we have received from
those we love.
Every member of TF Saber played a
critical role in the overwhelming suc-
cess of our recent mission to secure
the area around Kandahar Airfield and
to maintain stability in a critical area of
Kandahar Province. We accomplished
our mission by applying relentless
pressure to Taliban fighters in the area
and by supporting the efforts of the
Soldiers who advised the Afghan Na-
tional Army.
Because of the constant, never-stop,
never-fail efforts our Soldiers put in, we
achieved the longest stretch without a
rocket attack on KAF since 2007. To
be clear, that is not because the en-
emy stopped trying. On the contrary,
we have faced a hardened, deter-
mined, and opportunistic enemy during
these last nine months.
But, if not for the 24 hour-days, 7-day
a week reconnaissance patrolling that
the Troopers of TF Saber executed,
there surely would have been a dozen
or so more attacks – each with the in-
tention of killing Americans on KAF.
TF Saber conducted over 5,000 indi-
vidual combat patrols covering over
140,000 miles.
Although there aren’t odometers on
our Soldiers boots, I can guarantee
that there was a LOT of miles walked
as well. In fact, our dismounted patrols
were responsible for finding caches of
rockets and anti-personnel mines that
were intended to maim and kill our Sol-
diers. During this deployment, our Sol-
diers discovered multiple caches and
discovered IEDs in the roads. Some of
the IEDs we found, and some found
us.
We endured two separate suicide
vest attacks on our Soldiers. But for
the actions of Staff Sgt. Frank of
Nemesis Troop, one of those attacks
could have been catastrophic. He was
awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for
his actions in stopping the suicide
bomber from getting inside the perime-
ter. However, Soldiers were still in-
jured that day.
Overall we have presented dozens of
Soldiers with the Purple Heart Medal
as a result of wounds they received
from enemy action, such is war.
Thankfully, despite all of the enemy’s
attempts, all of our Soldiers have or
will shortly be able to return home to
their families. Though we remember
with gratitude the Sabers who sacri-
ficed all in previous deployments, we
are thankful that we are bringing all
Sabers home following this deploy-
ment.
Despite the enemy’s actions, this
was not by any stretch a one-sided
fight. TF Saber had enormous suc-
cess against the Taliban in the Dand
and Daman Districts. We were suc-
cessful in targeting and killing 10 Tali-
ban fighters and cell leaders. We as-
sisted in detaining over 20 other
named targets. The effects of our Sol-
diers efforts are clear. The fewest
rockets fired in more than 7 years and
an enemy who is fearful for its own
survival knowing that we were hunting
him.
As we prepare to leave, our bags
packed, our containers being shipped
home, we are mindful of what work
remains and the upcoming elections.
We have passed the baton to the 1st
Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment who
will carry on the work after us. Soon
Afghanistan will hold national elections
for a new president.
The successful conclusion of those
elections will mark the first time in
2,000 years that national power has
transferred peacefully in Afghanistan.
Kandahar is an important part of that,
and TF Saber has been an important
part of security for Kandahar.
The legacy truly continues. See you
back in Bavaria and save a cold Helles
for each of us!
Saber 6
Lt. Col. Christopher Budihas
addresses Task Force
Saber Soldiers following a combat
awards ceremony.

8. PAGE 8Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
Artillery Hell ReturnsArtillery Hell Returns

9. PAGE 9Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
Muleskinner UpdateMuleskinner Update
I
t’s the final push for Task Force
Muleskinner in Afghanistan, sup-
porting Operation Enduring Free-
dom 13-14.
As Lt. Col. Kenneth C. Bradford,
commander of Task Muleskinner,
transfers authority to Lt. Col. Michael
D. Egan, commander of Task Force
Blacksmiths, we take a minute to look
back at the unit’s accomplishments
over the past 9 months of combat op-
erations, revealing the Muleskinners
have a lot about which to be proud.
We would like to take a minute and
highlight each troop’s accomplish-
ments before we are reunited with our
friends and Families in Rose Barracks.
The Packhorse and Alpha Troops
Convoy Security Teams conducted
missions throughout Regional Com-
mand-South.
These missions brought supplies to
Soldiers living on outlying bases in
concurrence with the mission of retro-
grading excess material and supplies
from the bases back to Kandahar Air-
field for turn-in or disposal.
During their deployment, the troops
completed over 190 missions covering
more than 20,000 kilometers of battle
space carrying much needed classes
of supply to the Soldiers of Combined
Task Force Dragoon.
The retrograde distribution team
identified over 1,200 containers of ex-
cess equipment and 300 pieces of roll-
ing stock for removal off bases across
Regional Command-South for CTF
Dragoon.
The Sappers of Engineer Troop com-
pleted their mission of Combined Arms
Breach-Team (CAB-T) operations,
conducting over 150 missions while
clearing over 16,000 kilometers, pro-
viding freedom of maneuver for numer-
ous named operations and logistic
movement across southern Afghani-
stan.
The Vipers of Regimental Headquar-
ters and Headquarters Troop, in addi-
tion to enabling CTF Dragoon mission
command, also provided the Regiment
with real time intelligence through
Shadow Unmanned Aerial System op-
erations. They completed over 1,000
flights in support of combat operations
totaling over 9,000 hours of flight time.
The Hellraisers of Headquarters and
Headquarters Troop supported the
Regiment with its medical platoon,
maintenance platoon and support op-
erations office.
The medical platoon ran the Role 1
Aid Station on Kandahar Airfield see-
ing over 3,000 patients from not only
CTF Dragoon, but adjacent units and
agencies.
The maintenance platoon completed
over 12,000 work orders during com-
bat operations to include electronic
and missile, armament, ground support
equipment and wheeled vehicle ser-
vices and repairs.
The support operations shop distrib-
uted essential classes of supply across
the battle space coordinating both
ground and air movements for CTF
Dragoon during their 9 months of com-
bat operations.
Task Force Muleskinner would also
like to take a moment to thank their
Family Readiness Groups for the tre-
mendous support they provided during
the deployment.
Our accomplishment would not have
been possible without their constant
support through letters, phone calls,
Skype calls, care packages and wel-
come home planning.
We look forward to reuniting at the
end of this month and cannot wait to
enjoy some much deserved time at
home with friends and Families.
Until then, take care and see you soon!
Combined Task Force Dragoon Soldiers re-
ceive their deployment awards on Kandahar
Airfield, Afghanistan. The Soldier's returned
home after a 9-month deployment in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom 13-14.

10. PAGE 10Dragoon NewsletterVOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
Around the RegimentAround the Regiment
Soldiers with the 2d Cavalry Regiment were inducted into the
Sergeant Morales and Sergeant Audie Murphy Club on Kan-
dahar Airfield, Afghanistan on March 07, 2014. Sgt. 1st Class
Benjamin Brady, Staff Sgt. Mark Mizell and Staff Sgt. Elvis
Servellon were inducted into the Sergeant Morales Club and
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Butcher, Staff Sgt. Erik Castillo, Staff
Sgt. Matthew Morin, Sgt. Patrick Bonett and Sgt. Kelly Leaper
were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
Troopers with the 2d Cavalry Regiment are welcomed during
a ceremony upon returning from a combat deployment in
Afghanistan March 23, 2014, at Rose Barracks Germany.
(U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Joshua Edwards)
Regional Command South Soldiers join together for a prayer
breakfast on Kandahar Airfield, March 12, 2014. The Soldiers
came together to meet and pray to build spirituality. Chaplain
(LTC) Steve Peck, NATO Special Operations Component
Command-Afghanistan and Special Operations Joint Task
Force- Afghanistan command chaplain was the guest
speaker.