Homefront: First Team Honor Heroes, Volunteers

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Ryan Fellenz, a Soldier with 1157th Transportation Company, 15th Sustainment Brigade, receives his Purple Heart Medal award from Brig. Gen. William F. Grimsley, the deputy commanding general for 4th Infantry Division, during the Purple Heart/ Volunteer of the Month Ceremony held July 24 at the Fort Hood Catering and Conference Center. Fellenz received his Purple Heart for injuries he received May 19 while serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2008. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cheryl Cox)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

07.24.2007

Courtesy Story

Fort Cavazos Public Affairs Office

by Sgt. Cheryl Cox
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The 1st Cavalry Division leadership recognized injured Soldiers and First Team volunteers who have made a difference in the lives of troops in a ceremony at the Fort Hood Catering and Conference Center July 24.

"Today we recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of two different groups of heroes," said Col. Larry Phelps, the 1st Cavalry Division (rear) commander, during the open remarks of the ceremony.

"First, we recognize the heroes from the war-front. Those heroes you see in front of you today that hold their mission, their unit, their battle buddies and their country in front of their own well-being," he said. "We also recognize out heroes of the home front who put the needs of other families and other troopers ahead of their own. And we likewise, salute you."

Brig. Gen. William F. Grimsley, the deputy commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, pinned Purple Hearts on 28 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers.

"The Army is ultimately all about Soldiers," said Grimsley when he addressed the audience. "They are the centerpiece in our formations, and serve as our credentials every day. They are immediate, ready reminders of what makes our Army great. And they are tremendous representatives of our nation."

As Grimsley addressed those in attendance, he explained the importance of the day's ceremony – honoring the Soldiers.

"We have no shortage of number of people who call themselves heroes," said Grimsley. "But these Soldiers sitting in front of you are true heroes. They do what they do with little fan fare, and they do it well."

Along with the Purple Heart recipients, First Team volunteers were recognized for their selfless service to their units, families and communities.

"With the return of our loved ones on the horizon, it is so very important that we not only take a moment to recognize those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, but to also finish this deployment as strong as we began many months ago," said Carol Brooks, wife of Brig. Gen. Vincent K Brooks, the 1st Cavalry Division's deputy commanding general for support. "We would be lost without the unending support from our Cav volunteers."

• Date Taken: 07.24.2007
• Date Posted: 07.25.2007 07:32
• Story ID: 11459
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US