Army Mules

Army Mule
University United States Military Academy
Conference Patriot League
Description Live mules
First seen 1899

The Army Mules are a group of mules which serve as the mascots for the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

The tradition of mules as mascots for Army dates back to 1899, when an officer at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot decided that the team needed a mascot to counter the Navy goat. Mules were an obvious choice, as they were used as haulers for Army gear for generations. Not much is known about the "official" mules until 1936, when Mr. Jackson (named for Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson), a former Army pack mule, arrived from Front Royal, Virginia. He served for twelve years, presiding over two national championship teams. Starting with Mr. Jackson, there have been seventeen "official" Army mules, only one, Buckshot, being female. The current Mule Corps are:


The Army Mules are trained by cadet Mule Riders, a part of the Spirit Support Activity of the U.S. Corps of Cadets. The current Army Mule Riders are: Cadet Conor Dolan, 2017; Cadet Ryan O'Deens, 2018; Cadet Matthew Brecht, 2018; Cadet Benson Moore, 2019; and Cadet Denali Jackson, 2020. Together they are present at many of West Point's athletic events, parades, and other ceremonial activities.

The Mules serve not only as West Point's mascot, but also as the mascot for the entire United States Army.

Former Army Mules
Name Years Donor Notes
Mr. Jackson 1936–1948 Remount Station, Front Royal, Virginia First "official" mule
Pancho 1939–1958 Ecuador Also known as "Skippy", a gift of Colon Alfaro, the Ecuadorian Ambassador to the US and father to two members of the class of 1939
Hannibal I 1948–1964 U.S. Army (a six-year veteran) Originally named "Bud" and renamed by the Corps of Cadets, Hannibal I died in 1964 after being kicked by another mule
K.C. MO 1957–1969 Mr. James M. Parker of Kansas City, Missouri Known to throw his riders; retired early
Trotter 1957–1972 U.S. Army 35th Quartermaster Pack Unit, Fort Carson, Colorado Named for his ability to trot long distances
Hannibal II 1964–1980 The Hannibal, Missouri Chamber of Commerce Originally named "Jack"
Buckshot 1964–1986 A gift of the United States Air Force Academy Exchanged for a ceremonial sword
Spartacus 1973–1994 Governor Warren E. Hearnes of Missouri Nicknamed "Frosty" for his white muzzle
Ranger I 1978–1995 Ranger Association of World War II Son of a Percheron draft mare and a Spanish jack
Black Jack 1985–1989 Senator Albert Gore, Sr. of Tennessee Died of cancer two days before the 1989 Army-Navy Game
Traveler 1990–2002 Anonymous Also known as "Dan," known for his ability to do fancy steps
Trooper 1990–2002 Mr. Bob Griffin of Houston, Texas Also known as "Ernie," known for his advanced training
Raider 1995–2011 Quincy (IL) Notre Dame High School Foundation Formerly known as "Joker." Known for his reddish color, white star on his forehead, calm demeanor and high level of sociability. Son of a Tennessee Walker mare
Ranger II 2002–2011 Steven Townes, Class of 1975 Also known as "George," known for his small size and shy character. Son of a Quarter Horse mare
General Scott 2002–2011 Steven Townes, Class of 1975 Also known as "Scotty." Known for his large size, beautiful dark coat and skittish tendencies. He is named for Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Willard W. Scott Jr., a former USMA Superintendent and Army Mule supporter. Son of a Clydesdale mare

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 10/25/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.