1-172nd Cavalry Regiment: Task Force Morgan

"When we all got together that first day, it was like we had just seen each other yesterday."

The soldiers and Gold Star Families of 1-172 Cav pose for a group photo around their memorial table for their fallen.

June 24 - June 27, 2022 "The Farm" Southold, NY

From Friday June 24 to Monday June 27, 2022, soldiers attached to 1st Squadron 172nd Cavalry Regiment conducted a unit reunion at "The Farm" in Southold, New York.

In early 2008, soldiers of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Vermont received notice they would be deploying. In 2010 some members of the 86th deployed to Afghanistan with 1-172 Cav: Task Force Morgan as part of the “surge force,” and were primarily responsible for base security and civil affairs operations. This included partnering with the Afghan National Security Forces, developing their capabilities while also conducting infrastructure operations to build bridges, roads and other improvements for the Afghan people. Throughout their deployment, TF Morgan accomplished many missions and reacted to numerous insurgent attacks, including the insurgent attack launched on Bagram Airfield May 19 where 16 insurgents were killed and 5 detained.

Soon after their arrival to The Farm, the soldiers and Gold Star Families of 1-172 made themselves comfortable around a fire and enjoyed the comfortable Long Island weather. The evening was topped off with a live performance from Brian Ripps. The following morning the soldiers were treated to a breakfast prepared by members of the Southold American Legion Post 803 before helping out around the post by doing some beautification projects and sorting American flags for retirement as part of their service project. The second day also included a lobster dinner prepared by some local fire fighters. The weather stayed beautiful all weekend allowing the soldiers and Gold Star Families to conduct an outdoor memorial for their fallen, followed by a fishing trip off the coast of Southold hosted by some local fishermen, and finishing with dinner at the Waypoint Restaurant located right on the water.

Outside, late evening on a summer day on Long Island, NY, soldiers from 1-172 Cav reminisce around a fire.

Outside, Outside, dusk on a summer day on Long Island, NY, Brian Ripps plays for the soldiers of 1-172 while some of them play cornhole in the background.

Inside the Southold American Legion Post 803, WRF staff members and the soldiers of 172 listen to a brief before eating breakfast prepared and served by members of the American Legion.

Outside the Southold American Legion Post 803, a soldier from 1-172 Cav works on a wooden bench along with Martin Madert of Witness to War.

Sitting around picnic tables, the soldiers from the 1-172 Cav enjoy a lobster dinner prepared by some local fire fighters.

On a beautiful sunny day, on open water, the soldiers enjoy some fishing aboard the Somewhere South.

Seaside at the Waypoint Restaurant in Southold, the soldiers of 1-172 pause from reminiscing of the weekend's events around a fire to pose for a casual group photo.

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Feedback From The Troops

Outside, dusk on a summer day on Long Island, NY, some soldiers from 1-172 Cav reminisce around a fire while others play cornhole and Brian Ripps plays live music in the background.

What was your favorite aspect of the reunion experience?

"Spending time with my fellow Veterans around a fire pit with music playing in the background allowed everyone a comfortable way to express their thoughts and experiences."

Outside, in front of the Nice Buns Slammin Sliders food truck, soldiers from 1-172 catch up while waiting for food.

"Honestly, it was just being able to see these guys again, and, in a private location."

Outside, the sun low in the sky, members of WRF and the local community of Southold, NY, mingle while the soldiers of 1-172 catch up around the fire in the background.

"The reunion was beyond what I could have expected. The foundation, the town and local community really put out for us, and we were all pleasantly shocked. Felt good to see my brothers again."