Deployment to Haiti
In January 1995, the Regiment was called upon to reinforce American foreign policy through the aptly named and highly successful United Nations mission “Operation Uphold Democracy.” The Second Dragoons were an essential part of a multinational force that helped the Haitians reestablish democracy.
The soldiers of the Regiment provided security for legislative and presidential elections and ensured the first democratic transition of power in that country’ s history.
The Regiment rotated Headquarters Troop and all three of its maneuver squadrons to the fledgling democracy between January 1995 and March 1996, with the Support Squadron providing logistical support. While in Haiti, the troopers of the Second Dragoons operated in a variety of roles. They guarded humanitarian relief convoys filled with food for the Haitian people and served as the United Nations Quick Reaction Force (UNQRF). By assisting in the seizure of illegal weapons and conducting security patrols, the Regiment helped to restore civil order to the capital of Port-Au-Prince and throughout the Haitian countryside. They provided protection not only to the Haitian president, but also to the U.S. president and vice president on their state visits. In all of these missions, the Second Dragoons displayed the professionalism and dedication to duty that have characterized the Regiment since its inception.