2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, known as the Phantom Trackers
Our mission is to pair adoptive (civilian) families with our soldiers and their families; to support and encourage them while they are
deployed. The first squadron we have chosen to adopt is the 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, known as the Phantom Trackers of Fort Hood. This particular squadron is brand new to the Army. In fact, they only activated the unit a few short months ago. They are a very specialized Long Range Reconnaissance unit under the command of LTC David E. M. Jones. Each soldier has been handpicked from other units to carry out this mission over the next year to 18 months. The sad reality is that, for many, this will be their 3rd and 4th deployment and the stress of tireless hours in the desert, in harms way and being separated from their families is truly taking its toll.
For this particular unit, the sacrifice will be great and so it with great honor and enthusiasm that the Phantom Trackers are the first of many Units that we will take under our wing. In this effort, we will not only support the soldier but we will support the families left behind. The children pay such a huge price and we will honor them and support them until their soldier comes home.
On June 18th, each soldier (and their families) from the Phantom Trackers will meet their adoptive family. They will present to them their personal dog tags to be held as a constant reminder to pray for their safe return. In exchange, the family will present their adopted soldier with a deployment bag filled with essential items such as travel pillows, blankets, toiletries, socks, shower shoes, etc. The children in attendance will enjoy snow cones, face painting, ice cream, and other treats.
