Packhorse leaders recognize outstanding volunteer service on the home front

FORT HOOD, Texas — Leaders, Soldiers and families of the 4th Support Battalion gathered for a Volunteer Recognition Dinner, May 7, to award volunteers on the home front for their dedication and accomplishments during the unit's yearlong deployment to Baghdad, Iraq.

Lt. Col. Darren Werner, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronny Martinez, senior enlisted leader, for the 4th "Packhorse" Bn., 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, recognized approximately 20 volunteers with awards, certificates and gifts during the special dinner hosted at Club Hood to honor the volunteer's commitment to the Army family.

"Each volunteer provided what our Soldiers needed to maintain their edge throughout the recent deployment," Werner stated. "That guaranteed our success."

Werner and Martinez personally thanked each volunteer for the countless hours, sacrifices and unwavering commitment during the 1st "Raider" BCT's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09.

The volunteers donated hours of personal time to provide deployed Soldiers care packages, organized and attended monthly meetings and holiday functions, and supported the flow of information from rear detachment leaders to individual family members, explained Werner, who hails from Mayville, Mich.

The awards included the Commander's Award for Public Service, Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service and Certificate of Appreciation, which are equivalent to the Soldier's Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Certificate of Appreciation, respectively.

"The Soldiers knew their families were taken care of back at Fort Hood, and certainly felt good about what the volunteers did while they were deployed," Werner said. "The volunteers are truly a wonderful team. I am indebted to each and every one of them."

One family readiness group member from within the battalion was chosen to represent the 4th Supt. Bn. and 4th Inf. Div. at the annual Association of the United States Army convention in Washington.

Ellen Friel, spouse of Capt. John Friel, commander of Company A, 4th Supt. Bn., describes the trip to Washington as a great opportunity to see the future of FRGs within the U.S. Army.

Friel said she began serving as a volunteer for the Army since her husband received his commission more than nine years ago, she said.

"I don't volunteer to be recognized; I do it for the families," stated Friel, who was born and raised in Germany. "I love the Army family and I love the Army life, and I know how hard it can be, especially for the young families."

Friel said she is most proud of becoming a U.S. citizen while her husband was deployed, and said she regards it as her biggest accomplishment during the last year.

The Packhorse Soldiers provide outstanding service and support for the 1st BCT, added Werner, who admitted the accomplishments of his Soldiers in Iraq were achieved because of the endless support from all the volunteers.

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you," Werner said.

Werner's wife, Melissa, also presented a gift on behalf of all the volunteers to the 4th Supt. Bn. Rear Detachment Commander, Capt. David Kuhn, to show the battalion's appreciation for his leadership and wish Kuhn the best of luck in his future endeavors.