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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Sep 6, 2008 - 11:54:07 AM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Colonel Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., commander of 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., and Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, of 3rd HBCT, case their unit's colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at FOB Hammer May 15. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Justin Snyder) |
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Authority in the Mada'in Qada area of Iraq transferred from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, here May 15.
"Like the Hammer Brigade, the Iron Brigade will be at your side to continue to support and assist you," said 2nd BCT commander, Col. Pat White, to Iraqis in attendance. "We are honored to be a part of your history."
The ceremony began with the playing of both the United States and Iraqi national anthems. Following the anthems, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of Multi-National Division - Center, addressed the crowd, which included 2nd BCT Soldiers, 3rd HBCT Soldiers and many local Iraqi leaders and citizens.
Lynch, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, began by thanking everyone for coming out and supporting the Hammer and Iron Brigades. He told the crowd that his Soldiers could not have been successful alone and that the partnerships they developed with the Iraqi Army and National Police were a large part of their success.
"Everyone did this together, including the courageous people of the Mada'in Qada," Lynch said. "We are excited about what the future holds for you as Col. Pat White and the [Iron] Brigade Combat Team takes command. They will take things to the next level in the Mada'in Qada."
He then introduced Col. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., 3rd HBCT commander, and congratulated him on a job well done.
"Wayne, you did an outstanding job and your Soldiers were lucky to have served with you," Lynch said. "Nothing was too great for you to accomplish and you accomplished it all. The people of the Mada'in Qada will miss you greatly."
Grigsby, a native of Prince George's County, Md., took the microphone and thanked the Iraqis for accepting him and his Soldiers as their neighbors.
When the Hammer Soldiers arrived in the Mada'in Qada 15 months ago, the region was strangled by Shia and Sunni extremist influences. The markets were vacant, women and children could not walk safely in the streets and irrigation canals were dry, leaving the area sparse of drinking water.
The Hammer Soldiers went to work alongside the IA, NP and Sons of Iraq, providing security, which led to the detaining of more than 500 suspected criminals, 47 of them being high-value targets. This allowed them to help revitalize markets, build schools and improve water distribution facilities, once again returning glory to the people of the Mada'in Qada.
On this celebratory day, Grigsby said he was proud to be a part of the rebuilding, and it was because of the bold citizens of Iraq that they were able to come so far.
"All things have changed in the Mada'in Qada and we have transformed," Grigsby said. "In our time here, the bold citizens have stepped forward. Because of you, the Mada'in Qada is a better place for future generations."
Grigsby promised more improvements would come as the Iron Brigade took over command in the qada.
"The Sledgehammer Brigade is leaving, but the mission will continue on," Grigsby said. "Col. White and the great Iron Brigade will take on this task and continue to make the Mada'in Qada even better than it stands today."
Grigsby left the podium and cased the colors of the 3rd HBCT, signifying the brigade's mission completed, turning over command to the 2nd BCT.
White, from Apple Valley, Ca., followed by uncasing the Iron Brigade's colors, signifying the transfer of authority as official. The Iron Brigade stands strong and ready to perform full spectrum operations in the Mada'in Qada.
White thanked the 3rd HBCT for a great transition and said that there is nothing more important than what the Army is doing in Iraq. He said the Iron Brigade would continue to support and assist the people of Iraq, but it would involve their help.
"As the transition moves forward, there remains one constant, to free citizens in this Mada'in Qada," White said. "It is up to you to provide the leadership, security and economic growth required to improve this Mada'in one day at a time."
Lynch believes this transition holds much larger meaning than just a change of command, one that will stay with the Iraqi people forever.
"We are doing this for our children and your children," Lynch said. "We are truly building a new Iraq together."
The 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div., from Baumholder, Germany, has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since April in the Mada'in Qada in southeastern Baghdad Province.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Colonel Pat White, commander of 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div., and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Eyer, of 2nd BCT, uncase their unit's colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at FOB Hammer May 15. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Justin Snyder) |
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| Colonel Pat White, commander of 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div., addresses the crowd during the transfer of authority ceremony at FOB Hammer May 15. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Justin Snyder) |
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Comments
Petra Mize
21 May 2008, 01:19
This is Chucks base in Iraq.
Allison Medlin
02 Jun 2008, 11:49
Thank you for posting this article. My son is one of the soldiers deployed
with you this past April.
It is hard to get information from him and this helps me as a "mom" to
better understand his role in all of this.
God Bless you all for what you are doing, my daughter and I pray for all of
you guys daily.
Thank you again,
Allison
Sara
03 Jun 2008, 19:47
Hi Allison, My son also deployed this past April :( Old Ironsides.
God Bless and GodSpeed to your son.
Sharon Walker
04 Jun 2008, 09:58
Thanks for posting this article. My son is a part of this group and I am
looking for information about their mission. I am keeping all these young
men and women in my prayers, as well as their families in Germany and the
U.S.
Candy Richardson
06 Jun 2008, 05:00
My son is on his 3rd deployment with the Iron Brigade-Old Ironsides out of
Germany-he also deployed last April-I pray for our brave men and women
every day--God Bless each and every one of them--and all the families of
these soldiers--my thoughts and prayers are with you--it is hard to see a
son or daughter in harms way --I KNOW!
Candy Richardson
Julie
09 Jun 2008, 09:48
My son is also with this unit. this is his 2nd tour. I'm glad to know I'm
not alone in scouring the internet for information on him and his missions.
Lee caruso
14 Jun 2008, 08:42
i am in the iron brigade i am currently here at ot FOB Hammer. pray for us
and god bless
Sharon Walker
18 Jun 2008, 05:44
Lee,
Know that you and all of Old Ironsides are in our prayers daily. I pray
daily that you will be surrounded by angels and comforted when you miss
home. Know that we are so proud of you and appreciate the sacrifices you
and your families have made. (Do you know my son, PFC Raleigh Walker?)
Sharon Walker
walker.sharon_60@yahoo.com
john cumming
19 Jun 2008, 12:31
our grandson deployed with old ironsides on this tour. second one for him
to.
Chris Roys
02 Jul 2008, 07:02
I'm looking to chat with anyone currently on this base, especially if part
of a signal Co. Please drop me an email if you can.
Thanks!
Chris
chris roys
02 Jul 2008, 08:12
Sorry thought the email would show up
chris.roys @ us.army.mil
Jason
08 Jul 2008, 08:28
I'm 25 years and and just got done with my BCT and AIT, My unit is leavin
in Dec. to train in Miss. and Cal. then headin to FOB Hammer i just wanted
to know a lil more about it. Im a 92f just wonderin if im goin to be doin
my mos when i get there
Julia Wallace
24 Jul 2008, 06:38
My husband was deployed with Old Ironsides in April as well. It's his first
deployment. Just wanted to say thank you for defending our country troops
and I'm praying for you.
Mike's Mom
05 Aug 2008, 20:24
My son is there; second tour with 'Old Ironsides'.
Has anyone heard from them recently?
Pat Caldwell
16 Aug 2008, 13:26
My son is there also. Here's to a successful SAFE deployment.
Justin Snyder
23 Aug 2008, 23:35
Hi everyone. My name is Spc. Justin Snyder and I am the writer of the above
piece. I am an Army Public Affairs Specialist, reservist out of Pa, who was
attached to the Iron Brigade from April until late June. I have since moved
to Camp Victory where I write for the 10th Mtn. Div. and also speant a
month at Camp Striker with the 3-101.
As a person with a job that my main mission is to inform the families home
how things are going, Im proud to know that my article has helped these
Soldiers families. I can honestly say, FOB Hammer is a very nice place. We
live in CHU's, which are small room with ac and very conforting, plus the
FOB offers everything you can ask for. The Iron Brigade Soldiers and
command welcomed me with open arms and I they gave a reservist journalist
the opportunity to see the war up front from an infantryman's eyes. I
respect all the men and women over here, for I am one of them, returning
home in Feb. 09. If I can help in anyway, id be glad to. I have numerous
stories written on the 2-1 and their accompanying units at COP Cahill,
Cleary, Carver, Cashe, FOB hammer, and the Soldiers of the unit. Things are
looking up and I while I am no longer at FOB Hammer, i proudly display my
Old Ironsides combat patch still on my right shoulder. These Soldiers are
doing somehting great that will be remebered by all forever.
You can email me at justin.snyder4@yahoo.com
Spc. Justin Snyder
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