February 2024

Desert Storm and the Battle of 73 Easting

On this day, 33 years ago, Dragoons of the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment raced across the deserts of Iraq during the ground invasion in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. A battle that ensued merely days after the Regiment crossed the Saudi Arabian border on February 23, 1991, would represent a decisive victory against the Iraqi Army and forever be etched into history as one of the greatest tank battles – the Battle of 73 Easting.

On February 21, 2024, the US Army Armor Basic Leadership Course (ABOLC) and the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, Georgia hosted former Troopers of Ghost Troop, 2d Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment who participated in that battle. Andy Kilgore (former tank platoon leader) and Joe Deskevich (former Troop fire support officer) observed training, led a Leadership Professional Development (LPD) forum, and participated in ABOLC Class 23-009’s graduation dining in. Keigh Garwick (former scout platoon leader) and David Atkinson (former howitzer battery platoon leader) participated in the LPD virtually.  Steven Cooley (Andy’s former wingman) and Marcus Miller (Steven’s loader) travelled down from Atlanta, Georgia to observe the LPD and attend the dining in. We thank these gentlemen for sharing their experiences, stories, and lesson’s learned with the next generation of US Army leaders!

You can watch a recording of the LPD on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/EvcxrmDi2Av4eTn6/?mibextid=WC7FNe

or click the button below

Today we remember every Dragoon and family member who served, supported, and sacrificed during this conflict. Thank you for contributing to the legacy of the 2d Regiment of Dragoons! We encourage you to reach out to your fellow Troopers who served, check in on them and encourage to join their association – the 2d Cavalry Association. Remember Your Regiment! Always Ready! Second to None!

Maj Matt Simon

Association Historian