1st Squadron 221st Cavalry

Coming Home Stories

2010-03-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

All major media outlets covered the Southern Nevada return today. Check www.kvvu.com and www.lvrj.com for current stories and thanks all for the support!!!

Coming Home Festivities

2010-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Update on coming home festivities.....The Southern Nevada soldiers will arrive at McCarran at 0645 on the morning of the 29th and the soldiers will be bused to the Southeast parking lot of the Mandalay Bay Convention parking lot. Families and friends should be in the parking lot no later than 7:00 AM in order to park and be in position to receive the troops. There will be a quick formation and the troops will be released to families and friends.

The de-mobilization ceremony will then be on the 31st at the Mandalay Bay Events Center followed by a party later that evening for couples on Fremont Street. The dress for the party is ACU for soldiers. Please request these times from your soldier as they will know them.

De-Mobilization

2010-02-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

The Squadron is currently in the process of re-deploying to the states. This process will take a few weeks. Due to the uncertainty of arrival dates the ceremony at the Mandalay Bay has been cancelled. Right now the Squadron is planning a welcome home reception at the Clark County Armory for Southern Nevada soldiers upon their arrival which is still expected at the end of this month. The date and time will be put out here and through the family readiness group as soon as it is available.

Battlefield Promotion

2010-01-22T01:42:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to SGT David Ellis of SECFOR Kunar for receiving a battlefield promotion to SGT. He was nominated by his Platoon Leader, 1LT Stewart Brough, for displaying outstanding leadership skills in combat. Only 8 of 25,000 soldiers recently received battlefield promotions. Visit the following links for the print and video stories:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/las-vegas-soldier-receives-battlefield-promotion-for-going-above-and-beyond-82236612.html

http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/video/2010/battlefield_promotion_010110.html

Spur Drive

2010-01-11T04:55:00.000-08:00

TF Wildhorse is in the process of raising funds to purchase combat spurs for over 700 of our troopers. If you would like to help visit http://www.blackhorse.org/ and identify the "operating fund" link and simply type SPURS in the comment section. You can also mail in donations addressed to:

Treasurer, Blackhorse Association

PO Box 84093

Lexington, SC 29073

Persons or firms donating more than $250.00 will receive a letter of acknowledgement for tax exemption purposes. Donations of less do not require the exemption letter.

Thank you for your support.

Never Broken!

Allons!!

Kindness Flows Overseas Article from LVRJ

2009-12-26T03:01:00.000-08:00

Click the link below to view the article on SGT Adam Fenner, who is a medic up at COP Najil and has arranged to bring toys to children in the Najil area through some kind friends in Nevada.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/from-nevada-kindness-flows-overseas-80104432.html

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T04:56:00.000-08:00

On behalf of TF Wildhorse and the members of 1-221 CAV we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Today and tomorrow we are being treated by the tunes of the Bragg Tones, the official 82nd Airborne band. We will also share in the Christmas meal tomorrow. Connection speed is very slow but I will update again as soon as I can.

Chistmas Gifts Donated to Local Workers

2009-12-22T05:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday members of TF Wildhorse delivered several boxes of toys and other gifts for our dining facility workers and their children. The dining facility workers are mostly from the local population and really put forth a tremendous effort feeding and caring for the tenants here. They were extremely grateful for these items. The items were donated from Dr. John Sherwood's office of Elko and coordinated through our Executive Officer MAJ Kurt Neddenriep. Dr. Sherwood and the residents in the Elko area have donated a tremendous amount of school supplies, toys, and other items throughout our deployment. TF Wildhorse thanks Dr. Sherwood, the community of Elko and all the others who have donated throughout our deployment. Pictured are MAJ Neddenriep and CPT Doug Moore of the Wildhorse CMO office.

RJ Article on Saw Valley Fight

2009-12-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

Click on the link below to view the RJ article on the fight in the Saw Valley on 6 December.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/las-vegas-based-national-guard-unit-engages-militants-in-afghanistan-79711182.html

"Hooligans at War"

2009-12-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

Tyler Elliott, who was embedded with the Wildhorse back in August for a month of filming, has released his teaser for his documentary on the squadron called "Hooligans at War". The name of the film was derived from the one of our platoons, call sign "Hooligans", in which he was embedded with. Visit www.hooligansatwar.com to view the teaser. The film is set to appear in the Summer of 2010. All the best to Tyler and the Hooligans Platoon for making this happen!

Saw Valley Fight

2009-12-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

You have probably already heard but if you have not I want to fill you in on what happened. A story on this should also be released this weekend in the Review Journal. Members of TF Wildhorse were involved in an all day operation on the 6th that lead to a firefight in the Saw Valley in the Alingar District of Laghman. It began with a UAV locating several insurgents planting IED's in the road in lower Alingar. We conducted an airstrike and killed several of them. We then sent out a ground response that followed the enemy deep into the Saw Valley where members of the TF came under heavy enemy direct fire from all directions. The Wildhorse Troopers did very well and at the end of the day we captured a half dozen insurgents, a cache, and killed about 12 enemy. One of our soldiers did receive a minor gun shot wound through the shoulder and he put a bandage on it and continued to fight. This happened while he was actually treating a wounded enemy combatant. We were very fortunate that day. The first photo is from the Saw Valley looking back towards Mehtar Lam. The second is in front of the rock house where one of the injured insurgents was located.

Squadron Commander's Article

2009-11-29T02:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the latest in a series of articles submitted to the LVRJ by LTC Cunningham on the deployment.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/dangers-lurk-during-patrols-75766802.html

Baba Shrine Well Completion

2009-11-27T22:29:00.000-08:00

The Baba Shrine Well has been completed in Mehtar Lam. The Baba Shrine is located near what is believed to be the original settlement of Mehtar Lam and is heavily visited by locals. This well will provide much needed clean drinking water to the visitors. It was nominated by the locals through the government and completed on time by a local contractor. TF Wildhorse is completing and has completed several wells in and around Laghman that are similar to this project.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T22:46:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not having this up a day earlier but I had a few technical difficulties to work out. We had an outstanding Thanksgiving dinner prepared by our government contracted staff consisting of plenty of turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and the works. The meals were served by Wildhorse staff officers and senior non-commissioned officers as a way to give thanks to the soldiers here. Most soldiers took it pretty easy with afternoon movies and relaxation. Chaplain Woomer, the newly arrived Wildhorse chaplain, and SGT Harvey, the chaplain's assistant, gave an outstanding service in the evening that focused on giving thanks for all that we have, especially for our country, constitution, freedoms that we enjoy, and the sacrifices that have been made to ensure that this remains. SGT Harvey made a very impressive reference by citing the entire Gettysburg address by memory. I posted a few pictures of staff officers and NCOs serving the soldiers and some of the soldiers enjoying dinner.

Squadron Commander's Pics

2009-11-21T02:37:00.000-08:00

These are some pics from LTC Cunningham's collection in and around Laghman.

Qala Meydani School Wall Progress

2009-11-14T02:20:00.000-08:00

The Qala Meydani Girl's School wall is about 75% complete. It is being constructed by a local company that employs over 30 people. TF Wildhorse hopes that by completing the wall quality of education will be increased by the reduction of wind, dust, noise, and other distractions. Also, it will provide privacy to the female students their, with hopes of eventually boosting enrollment. The project is on budget and ahead of schedule. TF Wildhorse is constructing several projects in the province with hopes of having similar effects.

Prof. Andrew Lubin Visit

2009-10-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

TF Wildhorse is pleased to have Andrew Lubin visiting our area for the next few days. Prof. Lubin is an internationally recognized writer and college professor with extensive experience in the study and writing of counterinsurgency in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has appeared on FOX, ABC, CNN, and writes for Jane's and Leatherneck. He is currently reporting to the Las Vegas Review Journal on behalf of the Squadron. He is also the author of "Charlie Battery: A Marine Artillery Battery in Iraq", in which he documented a Marine Artillery Battery's fight for survival during OIF, which included his own son, CPL Phillip Lubin's experiences. Visit his website at http://www.andrewlubin.com/ to learn more. Photos courtesy of Prof. Andrew Lubin in Laghman Province.

CSM Battlefield Circulation

2009-10-29T00:58:00.000-07:00

CSM Richardson just returned from another battlefield circulation in which he visited Wildhorse Troopers posted in Farah and Zabul Provinces. He brought back plenty of great pictures of which I have posted a few. Unfortunately, I could not label them, but hopefully you will recognize one of your loved ones. The first set of pictures is from Zabul Province. You will notice the Guam patch in the final set. One platoon of soldiers from Guam volunteered to deploy with the Wildhorse and they are doing an outstanding job down in Farah.

Construction Project Completion

2009-10-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

This week the Gul Pacha Ulfat girl's school wall was completed. The project was nominated through the Laghman Ministry of Education as part of an effort by the MOE to bring Laghman's schools up to their latest standards. The project was completed by a local construction company that specializes in these types of small scale projects and employed approximately 50 local workers. School officials in Laghman are hoping the project will increase enrollment for girls as the project adds security and privacy to the school. The current student population is approximately 300. Several of these types of projects are ongoing or have been completed in the province. The project was coordinated and managed through the TF Wildhorse civil military operations center.

Baby Shower for Military Moms

2009-10-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a story by FOX 5 on a baby shower thrown for local military moms, some of them with husbands in the Wildhorse Squadron.

http://www.fox5vegas.com/video/21278853/index.html

School supplies donated to local school

2009-10-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

Today members of the Wildhorse Squadron along with the 4-201st ANA Kandak and Embedded Training Team conducted a school supplies drop in Qhargayee District. Special thanks to the good folks at Morgan Stanley for donating the supplies. So far, Morgan Stanley has donated more than 500 packages of school supplies for local children. The children, who attend school while sitting on the floor due to lack of desks and have very little resources, were very thankful. The donation was coordinated by our Squadron Executive Officer, MAJ Kurt Neddenriep, who also works as a Wealth Advisor and VP for Morgan Stanley in Nevada.

Time Video

2009-09-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

Please visit the following link for an excellent story involving the Squadron that was filmed in Laghman:

http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,42188023001_1926394,00.html

This story was compiled by J.D. Johannes, who was embedded here with us back in August. The videos that you see are mostly in the Alishang District of Laghman. Most of the soldiers were interviewed here on FOB Mehtar Lam, and the shura that you see took place in the village of Watangatu. The soldiers tell it like it is here and J.D. was able to compare and contrast Afghanistan to Iraq.

UNLV-vs-UNR

2009-09-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

Several UNLV and UNR alumni and supporters gathered together to pose for our very own "Battle for the Fremont Cannon" photo in support of the October 3rd game and in memory of one of our own. Pictured on the left is SSG Derek Petersen who is holding the name and number of SSG Matthew Sneck, who was a 2008 season walk on at UNR. SSG Sneck was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash in Henderson on April 1st, 2009. He had served 5 years in the Wildhorse Squadron prior to his walk on and volunteered to return for the unit to serve in Afghanistan. SSG Sneck was very well known, liked, and is greatly missed by the troopers of the squadron.

Command Sergeant Major's Battlefield Circulation Visit

2009-09-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

CSM Richardson just returned from visiting troops in Laghman, Nangahar, Nuristan, and Paktya Provinces and brought several pictures back. The first picture is Camp Wright, Konar. The second picture of the foot bridge through the young man carrying his crops to harvest is located in Alishang, Laghman. The next series is of PRT Nangahar conducting their combat patch ceremony. The next, begining with PFC Loomis and CSM Richardson, is in Nuristan with several Wildhorse Troopers receiving their Combat Action Badges and ends with CSM Richardson addressing the troopers in formation. The final series is in Paktya beginning with CSM Richardson and 1SG Giddens in front of the "Sin City Scout" sign. I hope you enjoy these pictures and stay tuned for the next circulation.

Joint French/U.S./ANA Operation

2009-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

TF Wildhorse joined forces with the French Marines and the Afghan National Army to conduct a joint patrol to root out insurgents believed to have been hiding in Southern Laghman. Pictured is MAJ Mike Glynn, the Civil Military Officer for TF Wildhorse, with several French Marines. The teams air assaulted into the village and conducted a thorough reconaissance of the area. The village was located in a steep valley surrounded by very rugged terrain.

9/11 Memorial Run

2009-09-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Team Wildhorse participated in a memorial run to honor victims of September 11th today at FOB Mehtar Lam. The run began at 9:11 AM and ended at 9:11 PM and involved many of our soldiers, airmen, and marines assigned to the Wildhorse area. The participants carried our nation's colors and their respective guidons the entire event. Most runners participated in relay teams while several others ran the entire event on their own. It was a great way to build solidarity and to show the victims and our communities back home, that we honor their sacrifices as well, and that we will never forget!

http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/20865952/detail.html

Elections Slideshow

2009-09-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the LVRJ about the elections operations here in Laghman: http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/slideshow/cunningham_afghanistan_090609/
Stay tuned for the Commander's thoughts on the elections.

ISAF Commander Visits PRT Kunar

2009-09-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

PRT Kunar, with security provided by members of 2nd Platoon, India Troop, 1-221 CAV, was paid a very special visit today by the Commander of ISAF, General Stanley McCrystal (Center, tallest). Pictured to General McCrystal's left is Platoon Sergeant, SFC Cameron Anderson, along with Platoon Leader 2LT Stewart Brough to his right. SFC Anderson said he was under limited time constraints for planning and they took the General, along with other distinguished visitors, to several areas throughout the province. SFC Anderson said General McCrystal was very impressed with the Wildhorse troopers level of performance throughout the mission....Way to go guys!!

Taliban Murder and Injure Dozens in Laghman

2009-09-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

This morning in Mehtar Lam, the Capitol of Laghman Province, a suicide bomber detonated himself and killed 23 people, and injured more than 50 others while many of them were participating in a Mecca pilgrimage ceremony at the opening of a new local mosque. The incident occured about a mile from FOB Mehtar Lam, where the blast could be heard, and within a few hundred meters of some of our soldiers, who just happened to be at an unrelated meeting with Laghman agricultural officials down the street. Fortunately, no Wildhorse soldiers were injured. The attack was a calculated attempt to assassinate government officials, the highest ranking killed being Dr. Abdullah Laghmani, who is the National Directorate of Security Deputy Director for Afghanistan. At least three other officials or former government officials were also killed, including the Governor's Executive Officer. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack very quickly through Pushtu media in Pashawar. LTC Cunningham, TF Wildhorse Commander, said of the attack: “This attack was outside of a mosque, in a crowded market area, during Ramadan. The Taliban have once again demonstrated that they have absolutely no regard for Islam, their fellow Muslims, or causing massive civilian casualties. This attack clearly reinforces the role of the US and Coalition Forces here, as we help the Afghan Security forces and Afghan Government in their struggle against these ruthless and savage criminals”. Right now we are doing our very best to help the victims and the community recover from this tragic incident and will be following up with them throughout the next few days and weeks. Go to http://www.lvrj.com/news/56741612.html to view a story on the event by the LVRJ. Updated link: http://www.lvrj.com/news/56878357.html and (Photos by SPC John Gragg, TF Wildhorse, U.S. Army)

IDP Camp Re-Visit

2009-08-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

After some downtime following the elections, the Wildhorse made a return visit to the internally displaced person's camp in the Southwest Mehtar Lam area today. It has been learned that the camp is made up of two tribes who fled an area that is controlled by the Taliban. The local government has given permission for one of the tribes to permanently reside on the camp site and we are currently working with the government to grant permission to the other. In the mean time, we are working to address the needs of the villagers, especially getting them clean drinking water. We are also hoping to make some new friends here. We donated about 2,000 lbs of humanitarian aid made up mostly of food during the visit. A boy stands next to his village well in one photo. The well is in need of repair and does not produce sufficient water for the tribes. One tribe's Malik, or leader, addresses his tribe's issues with the government leaders in the other. The group of children are waiting to receive the humanitarian aid (Photos courtesy of LTC John Cunningham).

Tyler Elliott Visit

2009-08-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Wildhorse Squadron is pleased to have filmmaker Tyler Elliott with us. Tyler received permission from the U.S. Army Pubic Affairs office in LA to make a documentary on the Squadron. This is a very rare and privileged occurrence for a unit in Afghanistan because most embeds are here gathering news stories rather than making films. This will also be a great way to document the Squadron's history. Tyler is a fellow Nevadan from the Reno area and this will be his first documentary. He arrived just in time for the elections and will be here through most of Ramadan. He will be embedded with the same Platoon the entire time with the goal of capturing Afghanistan from the soldier's perspective. Tyler hopes the film will be released in about a year.

Elections

2009-08-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

TF Wildhorse considered the elections in Laghman Province a big success. The governor of Laghman has declared a large voter turnout during his initial assessment. Only two of the one hundred and twenty six polling stations in Laghman were closed due to Taliban interference. Most of the security planning and execution for the elections was conducted by the Afghan National Security Forces and the Independent Election Committee. TF Wildhorse played a tertiary "quick reaction force" role in order to respond to any catastrophic events, which fortunately in Laghman never happened. The photo was taken by SFC Steven Kovacs of two gentlemen displaying their "voter ink" indicating that they have cast their votes (I do not have election information or other stories from the Wildhorse elements in other provinces but I have gained contact with their representatives and will soon include their postings).

Good News Story on School Supplies Donation

2009-08-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

TF Wildhorse assisted a local contractor with providing school supplies to a local all girl's school. Click on the link below to read the full story.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37697

Internally Displaced Persons Camp

2009-08-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

While members of TF Wildhorse were returning from a combat patrol they stumbled upon a large camp occupied by hundreds of Afghan children and adults. The camp was a "shanty town", composed mostly of wooden poles and cloth shelters. After stopping to investigate further, the soldiers noticed that the people appeared to be very tired and thirsty. SSG Anderson Munoz, the patrol squad leader later said "The people looked so thirsty and we felt so bad for them. We gave them everything we had, right down to the last Gatorade. We had just enough water left to make it back to base." About two days later the patrol returned to the camp and delivered humanitarian aid and water to the people. It was then learned that the people were displaced persons from another village from within Laghman province. Either by fear or mistrust, the people would not discuss the reason for the displacement. The camp elders told the soldiers that they had to walk to the nearest city, Mehtar Lam, to buy water and food. Right now the Squadron is looking at the feasibility of building a well in the camp and plans to establish a closer relationship with the people there throughout the deployment. We are also in the process of determining the reason for the displacement.

French Foreign Legion Visit

2009-08-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Members of the elite French Foreign Legion are conducting operations in a neighboring province. In order to share information and build cohesion we invited the Legionnaires to FOB Mehtar Lam for a visit. In this photo, Captain Nicholas Moran, TF Wildhorse S-3 plans (Operations Plans) discusses our area of interest with the Legionnaires. The Foreign Legion has a long and distinguished history. It is best known for accepting citizens from other countries who are willing to fight for France. It is also made up of French citizens (about 25%) and mostly commanded by French officers.

LVRJ Article on Commander's Initial Impressions

2009-08-11T07:59:00.001-07:00

Below are two links provided by the Las Vegas Review Journal in reference to LTC Cunningham's initial impressions of his area of operations. Thanks to Mr. Keith Rogers of the RJ.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/52347207.html

http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/slideshow/cunningham_afghanistan_080309/

J.D. Johannes Blog Link

2009-08-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

J.D. Johannes, an independent photojournalist gathering stories for Time Magazine and NBC, visited FOB Mehtar Lam last week for several days. J.D. has done extensive work on Iraq and Afghanistan with nearly two years as an embed. He has been wounded doing his work three times, one of those instances he was hit in the head with a bullet fragment while embedded with U.S. Marines in Faluja. J.D. traveled with the Wildhorse to the Watangatu Shura and did an outstanding story afterwards. His story is linked below. Great job J.D.!
http://outsidethewire.com/blog/afghanistan/to-watangatu.html

Road Conditions

2009-08-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is a good example of how treacherous some of the roads are here. The Provincial Reconstruction Team has paved and is in the process of paving several roads to help improve transportation and trade. I'll let the picture speak for itself. Fortunately nobody was injured during this incident.

Watangatu Village Visit

2009-08-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

The village of Watangatu has historically been a place where soldiers, police, and civilians have been attacked while traveling in the Alishang Valley. With the hopes of gaining the locals support in providing security to the area, the Wildhorse Squadron conducted an Operation in Watangatu. During the operation Wildhorse Troopers established an overnight presence near the village. The next day local government officials held a very successful shura in the Watangatu School. Upcoming projects in the area, agricultural development, and the upcoming election were the main topics of discussion and the locals seemed very optimistic. Afterwards humanitarian aid was distributed which mostly consisted of food and school supplies.

Patrol Brief

2009-08-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

1LT Andrew Simbeck, Platoon Leader for Maneuver PLT, HHT, gives a patrol brief to his soldiers just prior to leaving the wire. Behind 1LT Simbeck's left shoulder (gray T-shirt) is the Squadron Chaplain's Assistant, SGT Stanley Harvey. You may remember SGT Harvey as our MC during the activation ceremony. SGT Harvey has done an outstanding job supporting the Squadron's spiritual and morale needs during our tour. Following the brief SGT Harvey led the troopers in prayer and they mounted up for the mission.

Local Villagers Express Concerns

2009-07-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

We heard reports of a local village being harrassed at night by Anti-Afghan Forces so we sent a joint patrol consisting of the Afghan National Army (ANA), the USMC, and ourselves to listen to their concerns. The villagers were very hospitable and expressed that they were looking forward to voting at the elections on August 20th. We exchanged some information and at the end the ANA distributed some humanitarian aid to the locals through the elders. Recently, several villagers in our area have fought back against the Taliban and kicked them out of their villages. We hope this is a sign that the locals are begining to see that the Taliban offers them no hope for their future.

More on Governor Visit

2009-07-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

In these photos Governor Gibbons is promoting Staff Sergeant Christian Riege of Yerrington, NV to Sergeant First Class and addressing the troops afterwards. The Governor thanked the troops for their service and let them know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of the folks back home.

Transfer of Authority Ceremony

2009-07-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the transfer of authority ceremony from the outgoing 1-178 IN ILARNG to the Wildhorse Squadron. We were very pleased to have in attendance Nevada's own Governor Jim Gibbons and Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois. In addition, Governor Lutfallah Mashal of Laghman Province was in attendance. During the ceremony the outgoing and incoming commanders made speeches along with both U.S. governors and PRT Commanders. Security was tight and fortunately everyone had a safe day. After the ceremony Governor Gibbons visited with and took pictures with the troops. He was then guided on a walking tour of FOB Methar Lam. The Governor seemed very interested and asked a lot of questions. Following the tour both Govenors thanked us for our service and hospitality and moved on via helicopter to their next destination. Connection speed is very slow but more pictures will soon follow.

Incoming and Outgoing Commanders

2009-07-20T03:53:00.001-07:00

The incoming commander, 1-221 CAV NVARNG, LTC Scott Cunningham (left), is standing next to the outgoing commander, 1-178th IN ILARNG, LTC Daniel Fuhr, at COP Najil, Laghman Province. For about three weeks both units work hand in hand during the relief in place, and transfer of authority period. Once the transfer is complete, 221 CAV will take full command of the mission.

Footmarch

2009-07-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here you can see an unidentified soldier on a footmarch somewhere in the Alishang Valley. Notice the walled "Qalat" type compound in front of him. Most of the structures here are made from mud that is baked into very solid bricks.

Alingar Valley

2009-07-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

The photo that you see here is one of two main valleys here in Laghman, the Alingar. The Alingar is fed by the snow melt of the Western Hindu Cush which meets the Alishang Valley near Methar Lam, forming a "Y" shape. This area has long been known as one of the most fertile in Afghanistan. The "square" shaped compounds that you see along the banks are called Qalats. They are Afghan homes that are surrounded by brick walls for protection.

Squadron arrives in theater!!

2009-07-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hello all and thanks for being patient while we transitioned into country. We are currently headquartered in Laghman Province which is a beautiful, furtile, and lush area located between Kabul and Jalalabad just off of Highway 1. Pictures of the area will be uploaded soon...stay tuned!

Squadron Deployment

2009-06-25T13:15:00.001-07:00

Exact dates can not be given but the squadron will be in the process of deployment to theater soon. The blog will be updated when internet contact is regained. Thanks to all of the folks out there for the support and prayers during this time!!

LVRJ SPC Dave Stimmell

2009-06-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Below is an article by Keith Rogers of the LVRJ on SPC Dave Stimmell of our Mortar Platoon. SPC Stimmell served in Vietnam and is now preparing to serve his country with the Wildhorse Squadron. In addition, he has three sons currently serving in the U.S. Army. Way to go SPC Stimmell!!
http://www.lvrj.com/news/48722027.html

FOX 5 Part Three

2009-06-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to part 3 of the Fox 5 series on the Wildhorse Squadron deployment. Again, they have done and outstanding job supporting the Squadron....Thanks again to Kevin, Arron, and the Fox 5 team!!
http://www.fox5vegas.com/video/19742943/

FOX 5 Part Two

2009-06-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for part two of the FOX 5 Vegas series. They did an outstanding job, especially pointing out that we are not going to shoot our way out of this war, but BUILD our way out! http://www.fox5vegas.com/video/19727052/

"Band of Brothers"

2009-06-11T11:02:00.001-07:00

National guard units are pretty unique in that they are very regimented compared to active duty units. This is highly reflected by the troopers of the Wildhorse Squadron in that we have nine sets of brothers currently serving in the unit! Not many other units can boast that.....We truly are a "Band of Brothers". Thanks again to Jason Bean and Keith Rogers for their continued support.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/video/guard_brothers_060609.html?video=1

Mortar Platoon Live Fire Exercise

2009-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Take a look at these pics! This is our mortar team conducting a live fire exercise. The Mortar Platoon's mission is to provide timely and accurate fires in support of the Squadron's operations, and they are constantly training to enhance their skills.

News coverage on the Wildhorse Squadron

2009-06-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Visit http://www.kvvu.com/ for more news coverage on the Squadron's deployment. Thanks to Kevin Bolinger and Arron Healy for recognizing the troopers and the Squadron!

Las Vegas Review Journal coverage

2009-06-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Below are a couple of links showing our farewell and a slideshow created by the Las Vegas Review Journal. Thanks so much to Keith Rogers and Jason Bean of the RJ for all of their support!!

http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/slideshow/221st_deploys_041709/

http://www.lvrj.com/news/43243062.html

Mobilization Ceremony

2009-06-11T10:00:00.001-07:00

Our mobilization ceremony was on 17 April at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. We had a great time and many thanks to all of the people and the folks at Mandaly Bay who came out to support us! Pictures of the ceremony will be posted soon.

Wildhorse Deployment

2009-06-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

Hello all and welcome to the 1st Squadron 221st Cavalry deployment to Afghanistan blog. The 1-221 CAV, or Wildhorse Squadron, is a Nevada Army National Guard Armored Reconnaissance Squadron. We were ordered to active duty in April of 2009 (this year) and will deploy to Afghanistan this summer to provide security for the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT's) in country. We have a unique mission because we will be de-centralized throughout the country to provide security for all of the United States owned PRT's in country (about 12). Visit the International Security Assistance Force website for more details.