Stryker battalion uncases colors

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Luisito Brooks | Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Huggins (right), the command sergeant major of the 4th Brigade Raiders congratulates Lt. Col. Michael Lawrence, the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment's commander during a ceremony, Oct. 29.  

TAJI, IRAQ

10.29.2009

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Making the arrival of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, official, here, north of Baghdad, the Stryker Soldiers held an uncasing of the colors ceremony, Oct. 29.

"We are at the right place at the right moment with the right Soldiers for this job," said Lt. Col. Michael Lawrence, the battalion's commander. "This is not the first time we have uncased these colors and that is because this unit works hard and will succeed at whatever we do."

"I can't tell you how proud I am to see each and every one of you here," said Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Huggins, the brigade command sergeant major. "For the next year, this unit will have many challenges. It will not be easy because nothing is, but I have complete confidence in this unit. Let's do a good job so we can get back home to our families."

The Fort Lewis, Wash.-based Soldiers will continue working with the Iraqi government, army and police to create irreversible momentum pushing towards a complete hand over of control to the Iraqi people.

"Standing here in this formation are 'Tomahawks', said Lawrence. "We trained hard, we've got a strong vision and you've got buddies that you care about to your left and you right, and by God, you are not going to fail."

• Date Taken: 10.29.2009
• Date Posted: 11.04.2009 07:27
• Story ID: 41065
• Location: TAJI, IQ