A group of active-duty service members from the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon of 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) recently were invited to visit Patriot Point for a weekend retreat.

Joined by a gentleman who helps the platoon with its horse training, the group arrived on Friday night and the following day enjoyed an early-morning duck hunt and then fished off the pier in the afternoon.

It was a welcome respite for the group, which had not been on leave from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in more than nine months.

The platoon is one of the hallmarks of the Arlington National Cemetery funeral procession, with its stately caisson pulled by six handsome horses.

“It was awesome, just a nice escape from normal life,”” Sgt. Colin Martin said. “You’re in the country, out away from everything. And everything there is super nice and well kept. There are so many options to do fun, relaxing things.”