Spouses, Families experience infantry life

Sgt. Austan R. Owen/5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The sunshine seemed perfect for the day’s mood as wives and Family members came out to see what it was to be an infantryman, at least for the day.

The 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division hosted GI Jane Day Feb. 3, with about 60 Family members joining their Soldiers for light-hearted training events.

Teamed with their Buffalo Battalion Soldiers, Family members participated in the “battle rattle dash,” fired M-4 rifles, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapons and took rides in Stryker Fighting Vehicles. As events wrapped up, the day concluded with the Soldiers and Family members having a barbecue.

“The sole purpose of this is to give spouses the opportunity to get an idea of what their Soldiers experience and train for on a day-to-day basis,” Capt. Kristopher Kerksick, B “Bayonet” Co. commander, 1-17th Inf., said.

“Soldiers work long hours; they go home and try to tell their spouses what they’ve done while speaking in military jargon,” Kerksick said. “This event affords the Family members a chance to come out and live a day in the life of their Soldier and get a better appreciation of what we do.”

The day started just before noon with a “battle rattle dash,” in which children and spouses donned their Soldiers’ gear and raced. At “go” Families charged up a hill in full protective body armor and rubber weapons. Running an exhausting quarter mile, the Families experienced what it is like to move under the weight a Soldier carries during training.

The Knower Family made it across the finish line first, while some in the back of the pack staggered or were carried in; all participants crossed the finish line. All racers took a few minutes to catch their breath and laughed at how hard it was to run while wearing “full battle rattle.”

“The run was the most difficult part of the day,” Yajaira Ramirez said, “It’s crazy how much all that stuff weighs.” The Families moved to the firing range where M-4 rifles and M-249 Squad Automatic Weapons waited to be fired by hands that weren’t familiar with them.

“We do some shooting back home but nothing like this,” Pfc. Cody Kincaid’s wife Chelsey said.

After a safety brief, the wives lay down in the dirt next to their rifles. Soldiers coached their spouses on how to properly hold, aim and fire. Triggers were pulled and brass flew. Soldiers stood by, visibly enjoying the sight of their Families firing at targets.

“The adrenaline rush while firing the guns was awesome,” Anna Rose Rodriguez said. “I definitely want one of these for the house.”

“We might have to go to the range more now because some of the wives can outshoot their husbands,” Kerksick joked.

After firing weapons, most Family members chowed down on barbecue while some went for rides in Strykers.

“This is going to be the best part of the day,” 8-year old Luke Cerio, stepson of Sgt. 1st Class James Knower, said. “I can’t wait to ride around in one of the Strykers.”

Families mingled discussing the day’s events and made new friends.

“We had a lot of participation today and a really fun time,” Abbi Guggisberg, family readiness group co-leader said. “I think it was because of the relaxed atmosphere and all the fun things to do.”

“I definitely suggest that every wife participate in GI Jane Day and not let the opportunity pass them up,” Rodriguez said. “Not only does something like this help you understand your spouse, but it will help build friendships with other wives.”

“A day like this is great; we all get to meet each other,” Guggisberg said. “Once the Soldiers deploy, the wives are each other’s lifelines.”

With the battalion preparing to deploy, B. Company is already planning similar gatherings in the future.