Horse Platoon

Capt. Jay Bunte of the 1st Cavalry Horse Platoon spoke to members of the Killeen Heights Rotary Club on March 13.  Bunte explained the purpose of the Horse Platoon is to support, recruit and preserve traditions.  He went on to say the Platoon began in 1971 and in 1986 was changed to the Horse Cavalry Detachment.  The group is made up of 30 soldiers who come from "all walks of life," he added.  Bunte said there are 37 horses, 7 mules and one dog, they call "Buddy."  The age of the horses vary between 8 years and 27 years, Bunte said.  "Ghost, Big Guns, and Phantom are a few of the names," Bunte explained.  The Horse Platoon will be in Houston next week to perform in the Livestock Show & Rodeo.