Enterprise National Guard unit transitions to infantry

"Today, we take off our Stetsons," Lt. Col. James Whorton said. "We take off our spurs and hang them up. I'm not going to say to not ever wear again but not in the near future."

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the 1st Squadron, 131st Cavalry Regiment was deactivated and transitioned to the 1st Battalion, 173rd Infantry Regiment due to changes in force structure.

This is the second infantry organization in the state, according to Cpt. Ben Bragdon, human resources administrator.

Bragdon said Enterprise has been "incredibly supportive" of the local Alabama National Guard unit.

"The cavalry is a huge source of pride and lineage, not only in the active component, but in the Guard as well," Bragdon said. "Today was an opportunity to send the cavalry off with a little bit of style. It was also to welcome the creation of the 173rd Infantry Battalion."

"What a great day for change," Whorton said. "Sept. 11, 2001, changed everyone in here's life in one way or another. I could not think of a better day to make the change from the armored cavalry squadron to an infantry battalion."

Brigade Commander Col. James Mathews called Sept. 11 "a call to arms" for many of the soldiers present during the ceremony.

"We must remain vigilant over the years to protect what we have: our citizens, our state, our nation and our soldiers," Mathews said. "Despite all of our flaws that we have in this nation, we are still the beacon of freedom that the rest of the world seeks."

Mathews later said that many of the soldiers were called to protect Alabama Army bases right after 9/11.

"Shortly after 9/11, there were several members from this community and these local units that were brought on for force protection," Mathews said. "They went to Fort Rucker and did the base security there. They went to Fort McClellan, Anniston Army Depot and, I believe, Redstone Arsenal as well. So, not only was it on a national level, but they were mobilized to protect local Fort Rucker and this area as well."

Incoming commander of the 173rd Lt. Col. John Hollar said he was ready to start working with members of the battalion.

"What a great day for the State of Alabama to go from two troops to four companies and have our own assigned forward support company," Hollar said. "I look forward to working with you all."

He said the unit could be called on by the governor at any moment to provide assistance for a natural disaster.

"We have a great responsibility ahead: to be trained and ready. It is hurricane season. We have to be ready, and we will be ready."

During the Change of Command ceremony, several members the 131st were inducted into the Order of St. George, an order only cavalrymen can join.

"The Order of St. George, the patron saint of cavalry, recognizes gallantry, duty and justice, as well as defenders of faith," Bragdon said.

Other cavalrymen received the Legion of Merit, which recognizes exemplary service in the National Guard.

In the two years he has been in command, Whorton said the unit has traveled to Romania, Louisiana and Mississippi.

A casing of the colors ceremony was also held, where the colors of the 131st were cased, signifying the deactivation of the unit, and the colors of the 173rd were uncased, signifying the unit's activation.

Mathews called the changing of command ceremony poignant because of his friendship with Whorton and the significance of the casing of the colors.

"It's very significant that these colors are being cased because it's the last of the cavalry in the state," Mathews said. "So, for guys like me that commanded cavalry units, it's near and dear to our hearts. (Seeing) the last cavalry battalion colors being cased is a big deal because there is no more Order of St. George."

Mathews said he was happy to start working with Hollar, who would have the opportunity to command young infantrymen.

Whorton thanked members of the cavalry unit for their hard work and dedication.

"You've done everything that I've asked," Whorton said. "You've gone above and beyond. A proud organization we are, and, as the 173rd Infantry, a proud organization you will continue (to be)."