Vanguard Brigade receives Valorous Unit Award

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Tami Hillis | Veterans of OIF III from 4th BCT salute during the playing of the National Anthem at the Valorous Unit Award and Streamer ceremony on May 7 on FOB Kalsu.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

05.08.2008

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was presented with the Valorous Unit Award and streamer during a presentation ceremony on May 7 for their accomplishments throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

"As I look back to those colors right there I think back to 26 May, 2004, and I think back to when the brigade started with about 20 Soldiers and at its peak in Baghdad it had about 8,000 Soldiers," said Brig. Gen. Edward Cardon, deputy commanding general for support, Multi-National Division – Center.

The award's citation read, "For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the period of 15 January, 2005, to 14 January, 2006. The unit's dedication and professionalism went beyond the call of duty and contributed greatly to the advancement of political, economic and security objectives throughout the region."

Cardon, who was the commander of Vanguard Brigade during OIF III, said, "I would be remiss if I didn't say that part of that streamer includes 45 Soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice and there were several hundred wounded in action during our year here in Baghdad."

Cardon said he remembers Soldiers like Staff Sgt. Jason Barr, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, who was severly injured during a car bomb attack while on patrol. Two of his squad members were killed, and he was evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany, and fought to come back to the unit.

"His entire platoon re-enlisted to stay with the Army," Cardon said. "When you think about that, that's incredible. He's still carrying 80 pieces of shrapnel in his body and he fought to come back here."

The Vanguard Brigade was the first new brigade formed under the Army's modularity transformation initiative and was "out front" setting the pace for the Army while simultaneously preparing to deploy to Iraq in support of the global war on terror.

Some of the milestones during the deployment included the seating of the first freely-elected Iraqi government and more than 100 subsequent sessions of the Iraqi transitional national assembly, the trial of Saddam Hussein, the vote of the constitutional referendum, the elections for the first four-year Iraqi government, the activation and training of the 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and security of the Iraqi strategic center of gravity within the International Zone.

Colonel Thomas James, 4th BCT commander, said, "I can remember during my transition with General Cardon, prior to the change of command, the pride and sense of honor he felt as he told me the stories of the brigade's impressive combat operations, especially the stories behind the fallen hero pictures fixed on the brigade headquarters' wall; a wall of honor. So we are truly honored to have you here today and we are all very proud of taking on your legacy."

In May 2007, following months of preparation and a home station exercise called Vanguard Focus, the 4th BCT completed its mission readiness exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and prepared for its second deployment to Iraq. In October 2007, the Vanguard Brigade arrived in Iraq and assumed its mission as part of the MND-C, TF Marne.

"As we stand here together on FOB Kalsu, Soldiers of Task Force Vanguard have answered the call to duty a second time, executing operations to secure the Iraqi population in central Iraq," James said. "The Brigade Combat Team consists of 3,600 magnificent Soldiers, deployed over a 40,000 square kilometer area, ranging from Najaf to southern Baghdad. Our Soldiers and their wonderful Families continue to serve our great nation as we fight to secure freedom for the Iraqi people, the international community and, most importantly, our homeland.

"On behalf of the warriors of Task Force Vanguard, I would like to say we are honored to represent those great Vanguard warriors who fought so hard before us and I look forward to continuing the Vanguard legacy."

The Vanguard Brigade is still out front, and that valor still rises today in the 13 Soldiers who have been lost and the 70 who have been wounded, Cardon said.

"So when you look at that streamer up there, it represents valor and these Soldiers today, the Vanguard Brigade," Cardon said. "I couldn't be more proud of you for what you've done each and every day."

• Date Taken: 05.08.2008
• Date Posted: 05.08.2008 17:25
• Story ID: 19240
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ