MNFI Commander Recognizes Service Members in Ramadi

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch | Spc. Ashton Bell, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, shakes hands with Gen. David Pentraeus, Multi-National Forces Iraq commander during a ceremony outside the 1st Brigade Combat Team Headquarters Jan. 26 at Camp Ramadi. The ceremony honored Soldiers outstanding contribution in Ramadi for Operation Iraqi Freedom V.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

01.26.2008

Story by Spc. Ricardo Branch 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

By Spc. Ricardo Branch
1st BCT Public Affairs

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Military service members were recognized by Multi-National Forces-Iraq commander for their contributions in Iraq during a small ceremony at the 1st Brigade Combat Team Headquarters Jan. 26 at Camp Ramadi.

Ten troops: four Marines, five Soldiers, and one Navy Seabee stood at attention in front of the U.S. and Iraqi flags while Gen. David Petraeus awarded coins and handshakes to each service member.

"It amazing to look at how Ramadi was and how it is now," Petraeus said to the troops. "Each one of you is a direct result of the success here."

Spc. Ashton Bell, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion received her award for maintaining the supply room and passing all her inspections since August of 2007.

"It's a great feeling to be present an award by General Petraeus," she said. "It's not everyday that I have the top general recognize me for my accomplishments and I'm really honored."

Spc. Matthew Whitaker, from the 478th Engineer Battalion, received his award after helping apprehend five insurgents during a mission north of Ramadi.

"We were driving down Route Golden, and I noticed some suspicious looking people by the road." Whitaker said.

The convoy was then hit by an improvised explosive device and Whitaker radioed in about the suspicious looking men in the area. The men were captured and later found to belong to a local terrorist cell.

"I'm not a real big on personal accolades, but I'm blown away to be recognized by Gen. Petraeus," Whitaker said. "I really was just doing my job."

He added, "It's a really honor to be recognized by my command, and I will continue to be the Soldier that I am."

• Date Taken: 01.26.2008
• Date Posted: 01.28.2008 13:34
• Story ID: 15833
• Location: RAMADI, IQ