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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Feb 8, 2012 - 5:19:58 PM |
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Deployed brothers honored together in Iraq
By Pfc. Crystal M. O'Neal, 2nd "Spartan" Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Jan 13, 2010 - 6:34:32 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Captain Brendan Fitzgerald (right), Commander Troop C, 3-73, shakes the hand of his brother, Spc. Kevin Fitzgerald (left), HHC, 2HBCT, 3rd ID, after congratulating him on his re-enlistment Jan. 8 at FOB Sykes in northern Iraq. |
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq - U.S. Soldiers spend a lot of time together. After training side-by-side in preparation for deployment, they pack their belongings and leave as a group to bring safety and security to a foreign land.
Once these Soldiers reach their destination, they eat, sleep, and work beside each other. These warriors spend so much time together, they form a bond similar to that of siblings.
Although the Army's close-knit, family-like nature helps fill a Soldiers' void created by being away from biological Family members, most agree there's nothing quite like the real thing.
Two Task Force Marne Soldiers, currently deployed to northern Iraq, got an opportunity, Jan. 8, to experience the best of both worlds - the love and support of their battle buddies, as well as a rare moment to be with a Family member while deployed.
Captain Brendan Fitzgerald, Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment commander, and his younger brother, Spc. Kevin Fitzgerald, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, united at Forward Operating Base Sykes in Tal Afar, Iraq, where both Soldiers were recognized for reaching milestones in their respective military careers.
The elder Fitzgerald brother was appointed troop commander, while the younger brother re-enlisted, choosing his brother to administer his re-enlistment oath.
The Fitzgerald brothers said their chain of command was very helpful in coordinating this important day.
"We're not in the same unit, or on the same FOB, but once I let some of the higher-ups know he wanted to re-enlist and Kevin wanted me to be there for him, it was amazing how quickly they made it happen," Capt. Fitzgerald said.
The opportunity, according to Spc. Fitzgerald, was priceless.
"I was anxious to re-enlist and I really wanted him to be a part of it," said Spc. Fitzgerald. "It was so cool that it was able to happen. Just getting to see him was a gift, but his being an actual part of my re-enlistment made the whole thing even better."
"It's tough being away from home. Besides seeing my wife and kid, this is all I could have hoped for."
Captain Fitzgerald said being able to enjoy the company of his younger brother, even in a combat zone and to have him witness his change of command was truly an honor.
"Today was a really exciting day for me because I got the opportunity to not only to take command of this hard-working troop, but my brother was here to share the moment with me," said Capt. Fitzgerald. "We're a military-driven family; there are four of us serving in the Army now, so today was big for us. Kevin and I even got a chance to talk to our parents over the internet. They were just as excited as we were," Capt. Fitzgerald added.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Captain Brendan Fitzgerald, Commander Troop C, 3-73 Cav., speaks after assuming command of his troop at FOB Sykes in northern Iraq. |
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| Specialist Kevin Fitzgerald, HHC, 2HBCT, 3rd ID, looks on as his brother, Captain Brendan Fitzgerald, Commander Troop C, 3-73 Cav. Reg., speaks after assuming command at FOB Sykes in northern Iraq. |
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| Specialist Kevin Fitzgerald (right), HHC, 2HBCT, 3rd ID, repeats his oath of re-enlistment by his brother, Captain Brendan Fitzgerald (left), Commander Troop C, 3-73 Cav. Reg. , at FOB Sykes in northern Iraq, Jan. 8. |
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| Captain Brendan Fitzgerald (second from right), Commander Troop C, 3-73 Cav. Reg., stands ready as he awaits command of Troop C on January 8 at Fob Sykes in northern Iraq. |
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JoAnn Erickson
04 Feb 2010, 18:11
I feel so honored to be seeing you brave young men together like this in
the article your Mother sent me.
I am very proud of you both and wish you much good fortune. Bless you.
Stay safe. I am in your debt.
And I think of you both every day.
Thank you.
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