CSM Ronnie "Coldblud" Bussey Lifetime Achievement Medal
The Command Sergeant Major Ronnie "Coldblud" Bussey Lifetime Achievement Medal is one of the two highest decorations awarded to 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment members for significant real life contributions to the Regiment. The medal was commissioned in 2012 after the passing of its namesake, CSM Ronnie Bussey.
Introduction
The award was created in honor of CSM Coldblud and his extensive work creating the administrative structures of the 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment.
History of the Awards Namesake
Command Sergeant Major Ronnie Bussey enlisted in the 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment in June of 2010. Upon completion of Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), he was assigned to Alpha Company 2-7 CAV and assigned the Military Specialty (MOS) 11B Infantryman. Within four months, he was assigned as a Section Leader within his company. His experience and leadership ability was immediately recognized. He was promoted from Specialist directly to Sergeant Major in December 2010, to fill the urgently needed position of 2nd Battalion Sergeant Major. After advocating for the soldiers of 2nd Battalion, SGM Coldblud was promoted to Command Sergeant Major and assigned the Regimental Command Sergeant Major. In this capacity CSM Coldblud would act as the senior NCO adviser to the commander and also develop the processes of modern administration. As the CSM, CSM Coldblud was tasked with managing the S1 Branch as the S1 CSM and advising the S1 and commander on all matters of administration.
Real Life Service
Ronnie Bussey, often called Coldblud or Cold owing to his in-game name, enlisted in the United States Navy as a Seabee, also known as the naval construction force. It was in this capacity he deployed twice in Viet Nam. After completion of his active duty contact with the US Navy, he transferred to the US Army National Guard in 1971. Originally transferring as a 19K Armor Crewman, he commissioned and eventually was promoted to Captain. Ronnie Bussey held a wide range of tactical and staff duties including Company Commander, Battalion Reconnaissance Officer, Personnel Officer (S1), Intelligence Officer (S2), and Logistics Officer (S4).
Passing
Tragically, CSM Coldblud passed away September 26th, 2012. He was 66 years old.
CSM Coldblud Letter to the Regiment
In September 2012, CSM Coldblud was in poor health and in hospital. Before he passed away, he wrote a letter to the General John Chance and all members of the regiment:
| I have written this, deleted and rewritten several times over the months this has come down. It hasn't been easy to write and not easy for you to read. My last rambling. The measure of a man is how he lived his life and how he is remembered. The memories of his measure grows by who and how he touched them.
I spent my short time in the 7th with tremendous enjoyment and reward knowing many troopers and trying to lend my help as can. Some of the most enjoyment I have had in many a year. The Brotherhood here is all inspiring and uplifting. This outfit is led by many a fine and generous person in time spent and looking out for the fellow trooper. This tradition didn't start with me, I have just tried to follow the footsteps of the ones that pioneered the leadership of this great unit. Never feel alone here, there are many that care for you and will step up to stand with you, whatever the case may be. You can be trained for any billet or assignement in the Cav but the compassion to take care of your subordinates is directly attributed to your upbringing. Both together will carry you through the Cav and into life. Use it, live it and pass it down. I can't express any more than that each of you mean all the world to me, even though I have not met most of you except thru TS. But each of you, I hold very close. Be assured my last days on this earthly plane has been a great experience. I have many friends here and you each know who I mean. I won't embarrass anyone by naming them but they know. I've had a great life. There is nothing I wanted to do that I haven't done. Nothing that I've set my mind, that I didn't achieve. Some with impossible odds but stuck with it and overcome. This is something I can't overcome or get past by willpower. I have no regrets and look forward to meeting our maker. Don't feel sorry for my passing, don't mourn but rejoice. My duty here is done and gone to recon for those coming behind me. Of those that don't have your life in order-get it done. But if you're in order, I'll be standing at the gate with a salute and hand outstreached to help you get acclimated. Until we meet again, keep the faith, do your duty to the 7th and family and keep your eyes on the Cross. My Honor is to have served the United States, the 7th Cavalry and each trooper here. My Love and Respect to the Leadership here and the troopers. God Bless Us All! !!SALUTE!! CSM. Ron Cold "They that love beyond the world, cannot be separated. Death cannot kill what never dies. Nor can Spirits ever be divided that love and live in the same Divine Principle; the Root and Record of their Friendship. Death is but crossing the world, as Friends to the seas; they live in one another still." Author: William Penn "Fruits of Solitude"
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
-GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE |
CSM Ronnie "Coldblud" Bussey Lifetime Achievement Medal
Soon after CSM Coldblud's passing, the Regimental Headquarters created an award to honor his service and achievements in the Regiment. CSM Coldblud was an expert and one of the original founders of the modern S1 Branch. However, the award is not reserved specifically for excellence in administration. Rather, the award is bestowed upon members who have made long term positive impacts of any kind on the regiment. Although there are no specific defined criteria for eligibility, some categories include: lengthy honorable service, leadership, and contribution towards major regimental projects or achievements.
Frequency of Awarding
Since the establishment of the award, the honor is awarded once per year.
Eligibility
The CSM Coldblud award is only for Non-Commissioned Officers, of any grade.
Decision for the Award
There are no specific criteria for who is eligible for the award. Yearly, a board of all regimental staff, with representations from the Battalion and Department staff decide and vote on who will receive the award.
Physical Award Characteristics
The CSM Coldblud award consists of a ribbon, yellow in colour with three black stripes. One thick stripe is centered on the ribbon, with the remaining two stripes distributed one on either side, half the width of the center stripe. The award also consists of a medal, featuring the CSM himself, a quote from his letter, and the crossed sabres of the cavalry branch. When presented to a member, the award consists of the medal, and two supporting documents. The first is the presentation of the award to the member, signed by the Regimental Commanding Officer. The second is the narrative or summary of the narrative supporting the award of the medal. As of 2019, the award now is presented in a virtual folder with both documents presented in one image. The awarding of this honor also is supported by a post on the forums from the regimental headquarters with the full narrative and announcing that a member has been selected for the award.