The Misadventures of Aaron & Jackie: 1-40 CAV Yellow Garter Event

We got to participate in a Yellow Garter event a few weeks ago. It was a blast! We got to see/do some of the things our husbands do every day. The hurry up and wait was annoying, but other than that it was awesome! For those of you that don't know, Aaron is the 1-40 CAV C-Troop Commander. It was the other C-Troop wives and I that made up Team 1 & 2. There were teams there from every troop (i.e. Alpha, Bravo, Delta & HHT).

The yellow garter is another great Cavalry tradition. It goes along with the solider and their spur ride. Below is a little explanation of the Order of the Yellow Garter:

"Around the late 1700's & early 1800's, wives, girlfriends and fiancées of the Cav Troopers who protected the wagon trains headed west, would often tie a yellow scarf or ribbon around their hat, arm, or parasol. This was to show that they anxiously awaited the return of "their soldiers." Some would tie the scarf or ribbon to their purse, or wear yellow ribbons in their hair to show support.

Over the years this idea has taken many forms, such as the wearing of yellow ribbons or tying yellow ribbons on trees and houses.

Cavalry tradition has it that when a new wife came to her first Hail and Farewell she was welcomed into the "Order of the Garter" by the most junior officer or non-commissioned officer. This Trooper would welcome each wife by placing a yellow garter on her leg and a kiss on her cheek for good luck at her new post. The wife was encouraged to wear her "yellow garter" to all Cavalry functions or when her Trooper was deployed."

Different soldiers and husbands caught the madness of our day...

We ran about 1/2 mile. They would have done it in a lot less time if it wasn't for me! I hate running. I really hate running with Army gear on.We were still the fastest team that day.

The previous 4 pictures were us at the jump tower. We were briefed on how to hurl yourself out of the 34 foot tower. It sounded easy, then I climbed to the top! You were supposed to jump out from the platform, I just stepped off. Aaron said I was lucky I didn't hit my butt! He was up in the tower cheering me on. He was awesome and video taped everyone of the Chaos ladies jumping out of the tower. They kept telling us that jumping out of a 34 ft tower was no scarier than jumping out of a 100 ft tower. I'm not sure I believe that but they say it is a proven theory. I am just glad I got the 34 ft tower! It was scary and awesome at the same time. It only took me a few minutes to jump out. Once you jumped the scary part was over. After that you just enjoyed the ride! Oh, and prayed you didn't kick the soldier at the end who was trying to unhook you!

I learned how to drive a humvee. Not a comfortable ride at all! I went over the suggested speed limit.

Shhh, don't tell anyone.

We learned how to use the M4. I wasn't do great at keep the safety on. Oops! Also, we learned how to clear a room. And by room I mean, a fake room in a gravel parking lots with tape on the ground depicting the walls.

That is my friend Bridget in the foreground. I am in the back. Aaron is trying to help me practice for the shooting event. We got 15 rounds and a target to hit. I didn't go great. The solider counted that I hit 10. They were all together in one bunch right below the target. I think he counted generously! I wish I could do it again. Although, I would want to do it with no one else shooting. It was nerve wracking! I would get ready to shoot and everyone else started to shoot. Guns are just not my thing.

Chaos team #1 with our walker (soldier who took us from event to event and put up with our crap all day), SGT Walker.

All in all it was a really fun day! I don't know how Aaron does it all the time. I was exhausted at the end of the day. And the next day my neck was killing me! But it was totally worth the experience! Thanks 1-40 soldiers for making such a great even for us!