[Betty Boop]

Just a little more history on the Army mule mascot ...

And for those of us who wallowed in our JB and Buds tonight, remember the spirit of the mule (and there will be a NEXT YEAR!).

U.S. Army Mule Mascot Tradition


The choice of the mule as the Army mascot can be traced back to 1899 when an officer at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot decided that Army needed something to counteract the Navy goat when the two academies went into action on the football field for that season.

An oversized white mule, used to pull an ice wagon, was drafted. It was groomed and outfitted with leggings, a collar, and a gray blanket. From its ears and tail fluttered black, gold, and gray streamers. The first meeting between the two mascots ended, according to Military Academy legend, when the mule whirled and "hoisted that astonished goat toward the Navy stands to the delight of the yelling, laughing crowd."

The choice of the mule as a mascot reflects the long-standing usefulness of the animal in military operations -- hauling weapons, ammunition, and supplies. Strong, hearty, and persevering, the mule is truly an appropriate symbol for the Corps of Cadets. From 1899 to 1936, not much is known about the Army mascot, although mules were present at many games. It is likely that mules were picked at random either from the stables at West Point, or, in the case of away games, from stables nearby.

In 1947, the Army required West Point to remove all equine from the installation. Sgt 1st Class, Robert P. Johnson, who was assigned to the West Point Veterinary and Preventive Medicine Service, and a former Buffalo Soldier, was instrumental in retaining two mules and a donkey at West Point. His efforts marked the beginning of what is now recognized as the U.S. Military Academy's Mule Mascot Program.

The mules reside at the Veterinary Activity, and veterinary soldiers provide their day-to-day care. The mules are ridden by Cadet Mule Riders who are a part of the Spirit Support Activity of the
Corps of Cadets. The "A" on their rump is shaved and then dyed with yellow hair dye periodically throughout the football season. Mule Riders are selected from Cadet applicants each spring based on expert horsemanship, spirit, and leadership values. One cadet is selected to be Cadet-In-Charge of Mule Riders.

Mr. Jackson

The first mule to serve as a regular mascot at West Point was
Mr. Jackson. He was as an Army pack mule for many years before he was shipped to West Point from the Remount Station at Front Royal, VA in 1936. Mr. Jackson served as a mascot until his retirement in 1948.

Pancho

The second mascot to arrive was Pancho (aka Skippy), a small Ecuadorian burro (donkey). She was presented to the Military Academy in 1939 by Ambassador Colon Alfaro (Ecuador), the year his sons graduated from the Academy. Pancho retired in 1958.

Hannibal I

Another mule, Hannibal I, arrived in June 1948 after serving six years in the regular Army. Hannibal I was originally named "Bud" until he was renamed in a contest conducted by the cadets.
Hannibal I died two days after another mule kicked him in 1964.


K.C. Mo

K.C. Mo (pronounced "kay-se-moe") came from Kansas City, MO, and was donated by Mr. James H. Parker in 1957. He would occasionally throw off his rider, and was retired to pasture in 1969.


Trotter

Arriving from the 35th Quartermaster Pack Company at Fort Carson, CO, Trotter earned his name for being able to maintain a trotting gait for eight hours, or about 50 miles. Trotter became a mascot in 1957, and was retired to pasture in 1972.

Hannibal II

Originally named "Jack," Hannibal II was renamed by his donor, the Hannibal, MO Chamber of Commerce. He arrived at West Point in 1964, and was retired to pasture in 1980.


Buckshot

To date, the only female mule to have served as a mascot, Buckshot was a gift from the Air Force Academy in 1964. She was retired to pasture in 1986.


Spartacus

Spartacus (aka Frosty -- because of his white muzzle) was presented to the Corps by Missouri Governor Warren E. Hearns in 1973. He was retired to pasture in 1994.


Ranger I

Ranger was donated by the Ranger Association of World War II in 1978. He was retired to pasture in 1995.


Black Jack

Black Jack was presented to the Corps by Tennessee Senator
Albert E. Gore, Jr. in 1985. He was jet black in color and resembled a Tennessee walking horse. Black Jack died of cancer in 1989, just two days before that year's Army-Navy Football Game.


Traveler

Traveler (aka Dan) arrived at West Point in 1990, and was anonymously donated. He was named by the Mule Riders for his ability to do certain fancy steps, such as sidestepping. Traveler was retired to Bigelow, AK in September 2002.


Trooper

Trooper (aka Ernie) was donated to the Academy by his owner,
Mr. Bob Griffin of Houston, TX in 1990. He was a highly trained, saddle-type mule, and competed in many livestock shows and rodeos. Trooper was retired to Bigelow, AK in Sep 2002.


Current Mule Mascots:


Raider

Raider arrived at WestPoint in 1995. He was donated to the
Academy by the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation of Quincy, IL.
Raider is red in color and has an "R" tattooed on his left hip.
Raider is currently the senior mule.


Ranger II

Ranger II (aka George) is named in honor of the 75th Ranger
Regiment and for all rangers past and present. He was donated
by Mr. Steve Townes, Class of 1975, and presented to the Corps
at the Army-Holy Cross football game on 7 September 2002.


General Scott

General Scott (aka Scotty) is named in honor of LTG(R) Willard
Scott, Jr., former USMA Superintendent, in a naming contest
conducted on the Army Sports website. He was also donated by
Mr. Townes and presented at the 2002 Army-Holy Cross game.

http://www.usma.edu/mwr/ACTIVITY/Vet...y/listings.htm