Thanks to Tacoma Dave who left this comment regarding the 2nd Cavalry Regiment "Dragoons" on my last post. I thought this lesson in history and bartending deserved its own entry. At formal dinners in the Navy, we often have "grog" which violators of the rules of the Mess often must imbibe as part of their fine. In talking with the officers here in the Regiment, this unique drink apparently has the same flavor as grog, but certainly has history behind every ingredient. I can't say I'm looking forward to trying it, but I am looking forward to being in a place where I could try it! Enjoy!
From Tacoma Dave:
"Just so you know what kind of a unit you've gotten yourself into, the mixing of the Regimental Punch should give you some idea.
The punch is prepared using very specific ingredients that represent the many battles and campaigns that lace the rich history of the 2d Dragoons. Each ingredient reminds us of those who have gone before us, and the responsibility we have to continue the superb service to our nation. This service has gone uninterrupted since 1836.
The 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment (now 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment) was organized as the 2d Regiment of Dragoons in 1836 to fight the Seminole Indians in Florida. The Dragoons wore an eight pointed star as a cap ornament, which now forms the background of the Regimental Crest. The palmetto leaf superimposed on the star symbolizes the five years the Dragoons fought in the Everglades and swamps. Pour one-half bottle of Champagne and Red Wine over dry ice in commemoration of their baptism in battle.
One year after the Seminole Campaign, units of the Regiment added three more streamers to the Dragoon banner for battles against the Cheyennes, Nez Perces and Bannocks in the Southwest Territories. Pour Rye Whiskey over the dry ice to symbolize the taste for this drink which the troopers developed. Add Tequila for the fourteen campaigns fought in Mexico in 1846 and '47.
Kahlua is added for Captain May's headlong charge into the blazing Mexican artillery at Resaca de la Palma. “Remember your Regiment, and follow your officers!” called Captain May, and it became the motto of the Regiment.
During the Civil War, the 2d Dragoons officially became the 2d U.S. Cavalry Regiment and earned 14 battle streamers. The names remind us of the tremendous sacrifice of life of some of our nation’s toughest battles. These include Fredricksburg, Antitiem, Chancelorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Manassas, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. Sergeant Conrad Schmidt saved the life of his gravely wounded commander, Captain Rodenbough (a Medal of Honor recipient), at the battle of Winchester. At this time add Southern Comfort to the punch.
From 1866 to 1880, the Regiment once again did battle with the Indians in Wyoming, Kansas, Montana, and the Little Big Horn. In memory of this, add the last of the Champagne and Red Wine.
In 1898 the "2d Cav" entered the Spanish American War, fighting alongside Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Now add Bacardi's Rum to represent the streamer for Santiago.
The Regiment entered World War I and was the only unit to fight as Cavalry -- horses and all. For such places as the Argonne and the Marne, add the French wine, Vieux Bordeaux. "Toujours Pret!" (Always Ready) was added to the Crest as well as the Fleur-de-lis.
Renamed the 2d Cavalry Group, Mechanized, the Regiment entered World War II, landing at Normandy in 1944, and led the advance of Patton's Third Army throughout the remainder of the war. In a daring raid through Russian lines in the closing days of the war, troopers from the Regiment rescued the famous Lipizzaner show horses from Russian forces. For these actions, now pour Napoleon Brandy.
The next campaign liquor put to use in this historical punch, Vodka, represents the Ryukyus battle fought at the close of World War II.
The Regiment was re-designated the 2d Constabulary Regiment and served in the German occupation. In 1948, it became the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment and began border duty along the longest stretch of the Iron Curtain patrolled by American Forces. Rhine Wine symbolizes the Central Europe campaign, the drive through Germany, and the long Cold War.
The next ingredient to add to your historical punch is that which sustained the fighting spirit and élan of the Regiment during its combat in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait -- Evian Water.
Flexibility and versatility are trademarks of the Second Dragoons, and the Regiment once again proved it in Haiti. As a member of the Multi-National Task Force, the Regiment had driven more accident-free miles, ate more dust and drank less beer than any other unit in recent memory. To commemorate our Haitian experience and the "two beer limit," add 2 Sharp’s Non-Alcoholic Beers as the final ingredient.
Now for the hardest job of all -- to drink this punch!!!
Note: Slivovitz has been added to the Regimental punch to represent the Regiments part in the peacekeeping effort in Bosnia. As of yet, I do not know of any change in the official ceremony to include this drink."
