Photo By Master Sgt. Peter Morrison | Gen. Carter F. Ham attaches the Iraqi Campaign and the Meritorious Unit Commendation...... read more read more
HOHENFELS, Germany -- Soldiers of the 133rd Engineer Battalion were awarded the Iraqi Campaign and Meritorious Unit Commendation streamers, July 29, by the Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army for their participation and exceptional meritorious conduct while serving in Iraq, 2004-2005.
Gen. Carter F. Ham pinned the streamers on the 133rd Battalion flag, or guidon, in front of over 150 Maine Army National Guard Soldiers, some of which were deployed with the unit when they served under Ham while he was the commander of Multi-National Brigade - North in Mosul, Iraq.
The Iraq Campaign streamer, also referred to as a battle streamer, is placed on the guidon as a symbol of the unit's legacy. The 133rd lineage and streamers trace back through American history to the distinguished 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment in 1861.
During the ceremony Ham was presented a 133rd Military Challenge coin from Spc. Todd J. Perkins a surveyor with Headquarters Support Company, Gardiner, Maine. Perkins, who designed the coin is scheduled to be a part of the 133rd deployment to Iraq in 2010.
Noting the many new faces of 133rd Ham spoke of the scheduled deployment to Iraq. "Back on the ground you're going to see that what you did five years ago, what your predecessors did is truly outstanding," said Ham.
"You will find an Iraq that is much more self-sufficient, you will find an Iraq that is much more secure, though sometimes dangerous you'll find a place where great progress has taken hold because of the service of this great battalion and many like it," said Ham.
After the ceremony Ham took time to visit the work sites of the 133rd here and spoke with Soldiers and leaders, building and helping to improve the area and spoke highly of the Battalion's time in northern Iraq.
"I was unbelievable pleased with the 133rd performance. They threw themselves into every mission, completely selfless. They worked in some very dangerous areas and were able to accomplish a great deal while they were there. I was impressed five years ago, and I remain impressed today," said Ham.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael P. Mowry, assistant battalion operations sergeant with the 133rd and a Bronze Star recipient during his first deployment with the battalion credits the work ethic of the Maine Army National Guard, "We have a work hard, play hard mentality and we have the mentality that we are going to get the mission done no matter what type of obstacles are present."
The Battalion is here for their annual training and was awarded the streamer for the work they accomplished in Iraq. As the battalion colors go forward to new missions they have another symbol of their past.
"There is a history that needs to be followed, that's our lineage our legacy," said Mowry.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2009 12:32 |
| Story ID: | 36944 |
| Location: | HOHENFELS, DE |
| Web Views: | 995 |
| Downloads: | 587 |
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