Ft. Stewart training helps 41st carry on tradition of excellence

Photo By Staff Sgt. Cory Grogan | Soldiers from the 41st Brigade gather at the Soldiers Bowl in Camp Roberts, Calif., April 26, to celebrate the Australian holiday ANZAC, and their own proud tradition; the Jungleers fought with the Australians in the South Pacific during World War II.  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

05.25.2009

Story by Spc. Cory Grogan 

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

FORT STEWART, Ga. - This month, over 3000 Soldiers arrived wearing a sunset patch on their left shoulder, calling themselves "Jungleers." The patch is worn by the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Oregon that was nicknamed the "Sunset Division" in 1917 due to its close association with the northwest states, where the sun sets on the Pacific Ocean.

It was the first American division sent overseas after Pearl Harbor, and the first American division trained in jungle warfare. The division spent 45 months fighting overseas, where it was also the first division to confront Japanese Imperial forces in an offensive operation in New Guinea, where it earned the nickname "Jungleers."

The tour was the longest of any division in World War II, and the brigade killed and captured more Japanese Soldiers than any other division.

The 41st Division was reorganized in 1965 to become an Infantry Brigade as it continued to serve the state of Oregon before seeing combat action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 2nd Battalion 162 Infantry Regiment, from Oregon, was deployed to Iraq in 2003. It saw some of the heaviest fighting of the War, in an area called the "Sunni Triangle."

On Sept. 2005, many units deployed during Hurricane Katrina for relief and security near the French Quarter, in New Orleans, before being put in charge of a joint task force for Hurricane Rita, a month later, to assist with disaster related needs in Texas and Louisiana.

During 2006-07, the Brigade had its first major deployment since World War II. More than 1000 Oregon guardmembers helped train the Afghanistan national army, gaining a reputation of excellence, serving in supporting roles throughout the nation.

The Jungleers have served their state on numerous missions, fighting natural disasters such as floods and wild fires in Oregon, but this year, around half of the Oregon National Guard will be serving its' Country.

The 41st is here to train for what will be its largest deployment since World War II. More than 3000 Soldiers are predominately from Oregon, but the brigade is also accompanied by units from Delaware, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, and fill-ins from the Inactive Ready Reserve.

The Jungleers have been welcomed to Georgia with professionalism and southern hospitality as they prepare for their mission. Maj. Ted Chavez, commander, 1115 Transportation Company from New Mexico, said "The guys are motivated; we are learning a lot."

The quality of instruction at Ft. Stewart has been a big part of the reason why the 41st will be able to carry out another successful mission that will add to its rich history. Cpl. Chris Pawlowski said, "The instructors are very knowledgeable. There hasn't been any complaints, we know they've been there, and this is their time to shine, so we just want to soak up that knowledge," said Pawlowski.

Sgt 1st. Class, Terrance Lavergne, 347th Training Support Battalion, the non-commissioned officer in charge for Day 1 Base Defense Non-Lethal, said the 41st Soldiers have been doing a great job so far. "We try to overload them so when they get there it will be second nature."

Sgt. Adam Campbell, an infantryman with the 1/82 Cavalry of the 41 IBCT, said the instructors have been making the training realistic with live fire, explosions, casualties, and civilian role players.

When Soldiers from the 41 IBCT leave for Iraq in July 2009 they will be carrying a proud tradition with them. Thanks to the quality training at Ft. Stewart, this year's deployment will add another chapter to a distinguished history.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2009
• Date Posted: 06.16.2009 12:47
• Story ID: 35160
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US