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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| (left to right) 1538th commander Capt. Phillip C. Anderson secures the halyard while 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Spencer, a native of Westport, Ind., lends a hand and Executive Officer 1st Lt. Grace Elizabeth Brown looks on after raising the Indiana state flag above the 1538th Transportation Company's compound on Camp Taji, the unit's new home for the coming year. (US Army photo by 1LT Brett J. Monroe, 1538th Trans. Co., 165th CSSB, 1st Sust. Bde.) |
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - On Oct. 4, 2008, the 1538th Transportation Company from Elkhart, Indiana, raised the Indiana flag above the company's compound, christening their new home for the coming year's deployment.
The 1538th's commanding officer, Capt. Phillip C. Anderson, was granted permission by their higher headquarters, the 165th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion from Louisiana, to fly the Indiana state flag within the unit's area. The practice of flying a unit's state flag is a common tradition among National Guard units deployed here.
"It's nice to see our flag flying there, above our temporary home. It's important to have that daily reminder of home, of our Families, and the support we've received from the State and our communities," said Anderson, a high school teacher from Plainfield, Ind. In an impromptu ceremony immediately following the unit's transfer of authority ceremony, Capt. Anderson, 1st Lt. Grace Elizabeth Brown, the executive officer and native of Indianapolis, and personnel from the unit's administrative section brought out the Indiana flag and raised it. As the day passed and more and more of the unit's Soldiers came and went from the compound, word began to spread that the flag was there.
Comments from unit members ranged from mild casual notice to great enthusiasm, but the flag was well received by all. "It's a nice touch of home," said Sgt. Clarence Pedigo of Indianapolis. The handful of 1538th Soldiers who hail from outside of Indiana were positive about seeing the gold torch and stars on a field of blue above the entry to the unit's building. Private 1st Class Christine McAllister of Cassiopolis, Mich., said "I may not be from Indiana, but it's really great to see it there every day." Even members of the outgoing 515th Transportation Company from Germany were positive about the change in their old former area. "It looks really nice up there," said 1st Lt. Travis Michelena, a native of Ooltewah, Tenn..
The 1538th Transportation Company deployed in early July 2008 and is scheduled to return from Iraq in summer of 2009. Members of the unit come from as far away as Florida and New York.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| (left to right) Capt. Phillip C. Anderson, 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Spencer, and executive officer 1st Lt. Grace Elizabeth Brown raise the Indiana state flag over their company area during an impromptu ceremony following the 1538th Transportation Company's transfer of authority from the 515th Transportation Company. (US Army photo by 1LT Brett J. Monroe, 1538th Trans. Co., 165th CSSB, 1st Sust. Bde.) |
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| (left to right) Leaders of the 1538th Transportation Company from Elkhart, Indiana, including Capt. Phillip C. Anderson, 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Spencer, and executive officer 1st Lt. Grace Elizabeth Brown pose for a quick photo after raising their state flag over their unit's new home on Camp Taji. The 1538th arrived on Taji in late September and will be deployed through summer 2009. (US Army photo by 1LT Brett J. Monroe, 1538th Transportation Company) |
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Comments
thomas dashiell
23 Dec 2008, 21:03
I just got back to Arkansas from Taji. I worked w/the 1-152 Cav. of Indiana
while i was there. Hope all of you all back there are doing well, i hope it
stays safe for all.
Elisabeth
08 Dec 2008, 08:41
Hey Sgt Graves
U need to go fishing!
Blessings
Cecilia Baca
01 Dec 2008, 13:31
Vicky, can't wait to see you! Love you and be safe.
susan
17 Nov 2008, 05:26
Watch out for Bravo Company 949th Support Battalion, 36th Infantry
Division, Texas Army National Guard. They will be joining you guys this
month. My niece is with them.
Rachelle Schrader
12 Nov 2008, 11:22
Nice Article and great photos! Can't wait to get them home! Be Safe!!! Come
Home Soon!
SPC_Woottens_girl
09 Nov 2008, 21:40
great article and nice pics... thanks... To yall in Maint. I miss you... be
safe, you're in my thoughts
SPC. Wiseman
28 Oct 2008, 10:06
miss you guys.. You all are in my prayers. Flag looks real good up there as
well.
spc. Wiseman
28 Oct 2008, 10:02
it is good to see you all are doing ok. I really wish i could have gone
with you guys. I think about you all everyday. Can't wait to see you all
come home.
Lisa Reid
23 Oct 2008, 07:48
You are all in our prayers.....
Aunt Cindi & Uncle Kenton
23 Oct 2008, 04:33
Enjoyed the article. The photo's captured a great reminder as well for us
in the USA.
Devon LeDune
22 Oct 2008, 17:31
Pretty cool bro!
Lisa Borders
22 Oct 2008, 09:07
Brett, nice photos and article. It is nice to see Indiana's banner flying
there. Be safe!
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