FORT HOOD, Texas - — A week of celebration and competition is underway at Fort Hood and it’s all to celebrate the birthday of the 1st Cavalry Division.
It's CAV Week, a time to commemorate over a century of service and dedication of the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division.
”It's an opportunity for us to break away from the day-to-day norm and celebrate the 101st anniversary of our division ... which is America's first team,” said Cpt Taylor Criswell, public affairs officer. “It is the only cavalry division in U.S. Army, and we are proud of our heritage.”
Part of CAV Week is multiple sports tournaments. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, or flag football, it’s all about building camaraderie and that is exactly why one CAV soldier is hitting the soccer field.
”Honestly, I saw the chance to play soccer with some of my peers and I did not hesitate to jump at the chance to build some camaraderie with the people I work with, and I think it's a great opportunity for fun,” said SPC Darias Mack.
Mack also played soccer all four years of high school and said it gives him something to brag about when he goes home.
”When I go home, I'm telling them I'm playing soccer for the army and everyone's like, man I wish I was you. I love it,” said SPC Mack.
CAV Week isn’t just a celebration of the division, it’s a celebration of generations of soldiers who served in the CAV.
”There's a person behind the rank, there's a person behind the uniform, and this is a week for us to be people,” said Cpt Criswell. “To enjoy the company of one another.”
Don’t forget a little friendly competition that is about more than just having fun.
”To build that pride that we already have and make it even better,” said Cpt Criswell. “So, when we do go into combat, we’re fully prepared and we trust each other even more than just being assigned.”
All week the first Calvary Division soldier will participate in a variety of activities and events that will be capped off by a special event with a car show and more on Friday.
