Richard Connally

Fort Hood is an United States Army post located in Killeen, Texas. It is one of the largest military bases in the world and serves as a major training and support center for the US Army. Fort Hood is home to the III Corps and 1st Cavalry Division, as well as multiple other units and military installations. The base is named after Confederate General John Bell Hood and has a long and storied history dating back to its establishment in 1942.

The 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (1/8th Cav), known as "Jumping Mustangs," is a distinguished unit within the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division. Activated in 1916, the battalion first saw major combat during World War II in the Pacific Theater, notably in the liberation of the Philippines. During the Vietnam War, 1/8th Cav participated in several key operations, earning multiple unit citations for its valor and effectiveness in combat. In recent decades, the battalion has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, continuing its legacy as a highly respected armored and mechanized infantry force.