Cav Troopers Maintain Readiness with COVID Vaccinations
Story by Maj. Marcellus L. Simmons, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office
Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), TX – 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers continue to build readiness by vaccinating Troopers against COVID-19. For the past few months medical professionals hosted vaccination drives to increase the number of vaccinated Troopers.
“I’m fairly enthusiastic about trying to help promote vaccinations in, not just among our Soldiers, but also among our First Team families,” said Lt. Col. Evan Trivette, 1st Cavalry Division Surgeon. “So everything I can do to try to get people vaccinated, I want to help because vaccines are the single most effective measure we have in preventing Coronavirus transmission to our families, loved ones, friends, and our Central Texas community.”
On Aug. 24, 2021, the Secretary of Defense issued a memorandum that directing the full vaccination for the FDA approved vaccine of all members of the armed forces.
“Every Trooper who is not otherwise exempt will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure our Troopers and units are ready to fight and win,” said Maj. Gen. John B. Richardson IV, commander, 1st Cavalry Division. “This is a readiness, health, and welfare priority for the 1st Cavalry Division.”
The division hosts vaccination drives in an effort to facilitate the vaccination of over 19,000 Troopers. 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, for example,has vaccinated over 3,500 Soldiers since its August return from Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve.
“We have a residual population that has not yet been vaccinated. Now that it is mandatory, we highly encourage these Soldiers to come in and get vaccinated,” said Trivette. “While the Army deadline for all Soldiers to be vaccinated is Dec. 15, it is important to get vaccinated now. The virus is spreading now.”
COVID-19 vaccination demonstrates the 1st Cavalry Division’s ongoing commitment to ensuring service members, family members, retirees and civilians remain healthy and mission ready. Additionally, Soldiers have the ability to request an exemption from receiving the vaccine, if they have a valid medical, religious or administrative reason. To date, over 80% of active-duty Soldiers are fully vaccinated.
