THE U.S. CAVALRY
ENLISTMENT BROCHURE

I WANT YOU
TO JOIN THE CAVALRY !

From time immemorial enlistees who joined the Cavalry also signed up with the select military organizations that made up America’s mounted legions. These were the platoons, troops, squadrons, and regiments that marched to the beat of horses’ hooves behind the red and white guidons of the U.S. Cavalry.

Now you , too, a Trooper in your own right, are invited to take your place in the ranks of an honorary unit of the U.S. Cavalry Memorial Foundation. This is a way to honor a proud tradition. It also is a way to provide sorely needed support for the preservation of the Cavalry heritage.

A Record To Be Proud Of

In its two decades as conservator of the Cavalry’s heritage, our Association has earned its place in our special area of historic preservation. Its members are justly proud of its record of achievement. Such as saving for posterity many historic treasurers that otherwise would be lost . . . Artifacts that tell of life in peace and war during America’s formative years. Eyewitness accounts from individuals who “were there” when territory was opened, battles fought, and history made. And the uncovering of a wealth of biographical and historical information.

The Association is building a legacy of its own; there is much to show for the efforts of its supporters and volunteers. There are museum exhibits, history in publications and on film, a data base of biography reflecting Cavalry service, and materials for a library that trace the long march of the U.S. Cavalry from Valley Forge to Desert Storm and Bosnia.

Support For Our Common Cause

Financial support for historical endeavors, even historic preservation, does not come easily. And our emphasis on providing services over raising money has a cost. In spite of the successes of our programs - or perhaps because of them - available resources are thin, budgets are strained, and backlogs of priorities are building up. It has been necessary to curtail efforts to reach larger audiences and delay improvements in our publications, as we put major effort into further development of the U.S. Cavalry Memorial Research Library. Moreover, the Association’s dedicated volunteers are working without the level of staff support that they deserve.

To enable our Association to concentrate on its mission and operation of its programs, the U.S. Cavalry Memorial Foundation was established to take over fund raising responsibilities. The Foundation accepts donations and, like the Association, is a tax exempt nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization. Its aim is to develop a fund sufficient to assure long term support for the Association programs.

The Honorary Cavalry Units

From the Foundation’s unit roster, make your selection based on the level of your tax deductible donation (less the cost of your bonus). Subsequent donations will be credited to your cumulative gift total; when that total qualifies you for a higher echelon, you automatically will be promoted. When you join any unit (initially or by promotion) your name will be recorded on that unit’s muster roll and published in the Annual Report of the U.S. Cavalry Memorial Foundation. In keeping with an old military custom, you will receive the Enlistment Bonus specified for your unit with entry of your name on its muster roll.

Here are the units:

The Scout Platoon
One of the most demanding and important duties in the Cavalry always has been that of the Cavalry Scout. Selected for stamina and military skills, the Cavalry Scout found the trails, located the water holes, tracked the enemy, and was the eyes and ears of the command. Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill Cody, and many Native Americans served as Cavalry Scouts and set examples for succeeding generations of Scouts.

Enlistment Qualification: Donation of $100-249

Enlistment Bonus: Certificate of Enlistment in the the Scout Platoon. A print of Remington’s “Old Bill”, suitable for framing. A USCA Insignia with Scout Platoon pendant. Recorded in the muster role of the Scout Platoon in the U.S Cavalry Memorial Foundation Annual Report.

The Pony Soldier Troop
It was the Cavalrymen who spearheaded America’s westward march and it was the Indians, both friendly and hostile, who named them the “Pony Soldiers”. These Troopers played a decisive role in the achievement of America’s “manifest destiny”, expanding our country’s borders across a continent.

Enlistment Qualification: Donation of $250-499

Enlistment Bonus: Certificate of Enlistment in Pony Soldier Troop. A print of a “Pony Soldier”. A USCA insignia with a Pony Soldier pendant. Recorded in the muster role of the Pony Soldier Troop in the U.S Cavalry Memorial Foundation Annual Report.

The Dragoon Squadron
Fielded in 1776, General Washington’s Continental Light Dragoons were soldiers who sped to the battlefield on horseback and dismounted to fight on foot, employing capabilities of Infantry as well as Cavalry. Their name and their method of combat date from the 15th Century. In 1833 the U.S. Army fielded the 1st Dragoons, followed in 1836 by the 2d Dragoons, both surviving today as the 1st and 2d Regiments of Cavalry.

Enlistment Qualification: Donation of $500 - 999

Enlistment Bonus: Certificate of Enlistment designating the individual as a member of the Dragoon Squadron. A print of the Dragoons. A USCA insignia with a Dragoon Pendant. Recorded in the muster role of the Dragoon Squadron in the U.S. Cavalry Memorial Foundation’s Annual Report.

The Yellow Legs Regiment
It was when the Cavalry units marched through Indian Territory in blue uniforms featuring yellow stripes on their trouser seams that Cavalry troopers came to be known as the “Yellow Legs”. The very heart of the Cavalry, the regiment was a close-knit brotherhood that held the fierce loyalty of its members and nurtured their esprit.

Enlistment Qualification: Donation of $1,000 - 1,999.

Enlistment Bonus: Certificate of Enlistment designating the individual as a member of the Yellow Leg Regiment. A “Old Bill” statue. A USCA insignia with Yellow Leg Regiment pendant. Recorded in the muster roles as a member of the Regiment in the U.S. Cavalry Memorial Foundation’s Annual Report.

The Honorary Colonel of the Yellow Legs Regiment
Our highest recognition is the appointment to the rank of Honorary Colonel of the Yellow Legs Regiment, which is accorded to Troopers who meet appointment qualification. This is an honor we are proud to confer; with it goes the satisfaction of enabling our programs to meet higher goals.

Appointment Qualification: Donation of $2,000 or more.

Appointment Bonus: A Certificate appointing the individual as an Honorary Colonel. A Regimental insignia with Honorary Colonel pendant. USCA’s limited addition bronze statue of “The Last Cavalry Mounted Trooper”. Recorded in the muster role of Honorary Colonels in the U.S. Cavalry Foundation’s Annual Report.

The membership of the U.S. Cavalry Association deeply appreciates the generosity of individuals whose support makes our programs possible and greatly respects the commitment of the major donors.

To Join Your Unit
Mail your contribution to: “The U.S. Cavalry Memorial Foundation”, P.O. Box 908, Manhattan, KS 66505-0908. For payment by Master or Visa Credit Card, fill out below.

I am proud to give my support to the United States Cavalry Memorial Foundation I am enclosing a check for $ _________.
I qualify to enroll in the following:
o Scout Platoon
o Pony Soldier Troop
o Dragoon Squadron
o Yellow Legs Regiment
o Honorary Colonel of the Regiment

I am upgrading my enlistment to the following unit:
o Scout Platoon
o Pony Soldier Troop
o Dragoon Squadron
o Yellow Legs Regiment
o Honorary Colonel of the Regiment

Name: ______________________________

Address: ____________________________

____________________________

Telephone Number: ___________________
 
CREDIT CARD INFORMATION (if needed)

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For more information, email us or write us at:

US Cavalry Association
PO Box 2325
Fort Riley, Kansas 66442-0325