Cav. Assn. to hold bivouac and contest in September

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Cav. Assn. to hold bivouac and contest in September
By C.J. GREGORY/Turret Staff Writer More than 50 competitors will face off on Fort Knox in September when the American Cavalry Association holds its biennial bivouac and competition at Keyes Park Sept. 13-17.
1st Lt. Shawn Bergstrom of Fort Knox’s 16th Cavalry Regiment, who’s in charge of the cavalry competition, said competitors will be coming from near and far to take part in the event.
“They’re coming from all over the country,” he said. “There’s an actual competition between them. It’s kind of like an equestrian thing.”
Bergstrom said he’s mostly been providing logistics support for the national organization, which actually controls the bivouac.
“Basically, we’re providing support, and getting all the agencies in line,” he said, adding that aside from the framework, there isn’t going to be a strict structure to the event.
“It’s not a major military event. It’s a fun thing,” said Bergstrom.
Several post agencies are involved in pulling off an event of this size, Bergstrom said. The post Safety Office, veterinarian office, stables, utilities, military police, and even Army Community Service have been contacted for their support.
Before and after the competition, which will include things like highest jump and quickest course time, people will be “camped out” in and around Keyes Park.
Visitors can use traditional camping equipment, but Bergstrom said that many will likely choose the more luxurious RVs. Being involved with a similar event at the park last year helped him this time around, Bergstrom said.
“I’ve done a couple things like this in the past,” he said. “I was involved with the Boy Scout thing last year.”
People should really take the opportunity to come out and be a part of this
historic event that changes location each time it’s
held, said Bergstrom, because with BRAC changes just around the corner, it
might be a one-time
event at Knox.
“People who are here won’t get to see this again,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. Cavalry things are going to draw to a close with us moving.”
But for the time being, Bergstrom said he’s just focused on getting things ready for everyone to have a good time, and admitted that he’s looking forward to it himself.
“I haven’t seen anything like it,” he said. “It’s going to be a really neat event.”
cj.gregory@knox.army.mil

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FYI: I put this here instead of the Sabers and Spurs Club because it is being held at Knox.