Our Past Is Present April 11, 2018

April 11, 2018

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Last week I attended the Military Affairs Breakfast at the Marriott and heard some interesting history about the Old Troopers Regiment from Scott Stuckey and Mark Edwards and the Lady Troopers from Betsy Young. It was so interesting I thought I would share it with you today.   

            “Junction City was formed in 1859 to serve Fort Riley Soldiers and their families. The Mission of the Old Trooper Regiment is to welcome and assist them during their stay at Fort Riley.  That was as true in 1859 as it is today.  In the 1920s after a friendly polo game between town leaders and Fort Riley officers, the “townies” started calling themselves the Old Trooper Regiment.  They continued hosting social events to keep their relationships strong. In the 1960s the Old Troopers Regiment became more formal by becoming a part of the Junction City Chamber of Commerce, and then part of the Geary County Economic Development agency.  Eventually the OTR went back to being an independent organization when it merged with another Fort Riley support group – Kansans For A Strong Fort Riley.  OTR became a founding member with the city and county with the Junction City Geary County Military Affairs Council.  OTR’s partner spouse’s organization, the Lady Troopers, also play a huge part in making military spouses feel welcome at Fort Riley and it provides a valuable source of information to help military families.  

            Be reading tomorrow at about 9:45 for information about the Lady Troopers on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.