Story by U.S. Army Sgt. Elliot Alagueuzian

FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas-1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division hosts a family day gunnery to showcase the Troopers’ achievements and hard work after weeks in the field on March 26 at Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas.

The squadron had a variety of events for the families to observe and learn about including the static displays of armored vehicles including the M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, M1 Abrams, and the Army’s new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The Bradley’s and Abrams later executed a live gunnery for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s a chance to bring your families out to the field so they can see where we’ve been for the last month and then actually see Troopers do their jobs with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the Abrams Tank,” Lt. Col. Brennan Speakes, commander, 1-7 Cav, said. “As an Army brat, I always wondered what my dad did at work and so this is a small way for me to show my family what my job looks like.”

Friends and family were allowed to tour the inside of Bradley’s, Abrams and the JLTV. This event gave spouses and family members the opportunity to meet each other and enhance the pride children have for their military parents.

“My son really enjoyed the family day,” Warrant Officer Brandon Lyons, human resource technician, 1-7 Cav, said. “He always talks to his friends about how his dad is in the Army every time he sees me in uniform. He got to climb inside the tanks, see them shoot and it was a good experience for him.”

Lyons added the event offers a chance for the leadership to meet their Troopers’ families and helps build the unit’s cohesion and readiness.

Once all family members were gathered at the range Speakes presented awards to several Troopers who performed exceptionally well during their field exercises over the last few weeks.

“The Squadron had to set this day and time aside for the families to see their Troopers, which showed they cared,” Yaelmie Gomez, spouse of Command Sgt. Maj. Felimon Gomez, command sergeant major, 1-7 Cav, said.

Following the award ceremony, the Troopers and their families gathered in a safe area to witness a live gunnery involving Abrams and Bradley’s firing their weapon systems.

“It allowed the kids to be amazed at what their Trooper does,” Yaelmie added. “My favorite part of this day was seeing all the fun the kids had out there in the tanks and getting to see the live fire. The excitement on their faces was priceless.”

Following the family day events, the squadron is expected to finish up their Combined Arm Live Fire exercises over the next few days.