Found this posting from another forum:
US Cavalry back at Clarkwww.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28By Ding Cervantes
Monday, May 19, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The US Cavalry, which first arrived here in 1902 to pave the way for a 99-year existence of the US military in this freeport, is now officially back in this former US Air Force base.
US Lt. Col. Rick Riker, chief of the Joint US Military Assistant Group (JUSMAG) based at the US Embassy, formally reestablished the US Cavalry here over the weekend when he swore into office Mabalacat, Pampanga tourism officer Guy Hilbero as executive officer of the 26th US Cavalry, Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment here. Hilbero was given the rank of lieutenant.
As officer of the US Cavalry, Hilbero swore allegiance to both the governments of the Philippines and the US.
Hilbero immediately wrote the Clark Development Corp., the state corporation that manages this freeport, about his appointment as executive officer of the 26th Cavalry with address at Fort Stotsenberg, the old name of Clark Field here.
“No, it’s not the establishment anew of a US base at Clark. It’s a move to rekindle the heritage, honor, and traditions of the 26th US Cavalry. It’s reviving the handsome Cavalry troopers on magnificent horses as they patrol Clark which they first did at the turn of the 20th century,” Hilbero said.
If there is medical tourism being promoted by the government, historical tourism cannot be far behind in terms of its potential, Hilbero said.
Lt. Col Clay Crawford, chief of the Air Force Programs of Jusmag, expressed support for the revival of the US Cavalry here to boost local tourism.
“I expect US military retirees to appreciate this and make a sentimental sojourn back to Clark,” Crawford said in an interview.
Riker also said that the establishment of the Cavalry was not only historically significant but could also lure more visitors to Clark and further boost local economy.
“We have a working plan for the successful execution of this project that will spin off as a unique and original marketing identity for Clark. It will be a tourist attraction with truly professional Cavalry men on horses similar to the New York police or the Canadian rangers,” Hilbero said in his letter to CDC president and chief executive officer Liberato Laus.
Hilbero said he will recruit members of his newly established Cavalry here and will have them trained as Cavalry professional security forces by the US Air Force.
The 5th US Cavalry first settled here in 1902 soon after the Philippine-American War. The area was initially known as Fort Stotsenberg which was mainly located at the so-called “parade grounds” at the CDC complex here.
Hilbero noted that historical records indicating the significance of Fort Stotsenburg, saying it was home to the 1st, 5th, 7th, 10th, and 14th US Cavalry units, as well as the all-African American 9th Cavalry unit and the 26th Cavalry unit which comprise the Philippine Scouts.
He also noted that two original posts marking the original entrance to Fort Stotsenburg remains preserved at the parade grounds.
“The historical potential of reviving the Cavalry here will not only mostly be for male US retirees and their families, but also for women sentimental about the past,” he said.
