The soldiers of 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment shared a little of their cavalry history with their spouses as they took part in a spur ride Oct. 8.

SecondLt. Dan Jester, a platoon leader in the regiment, explained that when soldiers joined a cavalry they were required to earn their spurs. That rite of passage continues today for soldiers and their spouses.

 "I think it's a good way to build the unit's morale and get the families more involved," said Jester. "In my opinion, anything that we can do to get the families involved is going to increase soldier morale and our capability to fight."

The spouses were placed in five teams based on their soldier's troop before completing an obstacle course, a confidence course, a rappel tower, a rifle range and a litter carry relay.

Jester explained that the teams were being graded on how well they performed in each segment and given an overall score.  

>>> Sgt. David Diaz, left, with the 595th Military Police Company, receives a certificate from Lt. Col. Robert Halverson, 1-14 Cavalry Regiment squadron commander, for participation in the unit's Spouse Spur Ride at JBLM. Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Antwaun J. Parrish

Sgt. David Diaz, a military policeman assigned to 595th Military Police Company, participated as a spouse, because his wife Pfc. Kristina Diaz is a member of 1-14th Cav. Reg.

"I'm dual military, so it's easy for us both to understand the army," said Diaz. "Spouses sometimes don't understand what it feels to be on the other part of the perspective."

Diaz expressed that he'd already completed the obstacle courses before with his unit, and he was glad to see that the other spouses were doing so well throughout the day.

"The level of motivation is great," said Diaz.

Caitlyn Stauss, whose husband Sgt. Matt Stauss is a cavalry scout assigned to 1-14th Cav. Reg., expressed how excited she was to participate in the spur ride.

"I'm really proud of him, so it's good to see what he does at work," said Stauss.

Stauss admits that it was tough, but she was proud that she was able to get through all of the day's events and enjoyed most of the obstacles.

Diaz and Stauss were a part of the team recognized at the closing ceremony as the overall winners of the Spouse Spur Ride.

Staff Sgt. Antwaun J. Parrish is with the 19th Public Affairs Detachment.

>>> Spouses of soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, navigate through an obstacle course during the unit's Spouse Spur Ride held at JBLM. Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Antwaun J. Parrish