Photo By Spc. Jason Jordan | Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, commanding general, 10th Mountain Division, shakes hands...... read more read more
Pfc. Jason Jordan
1st BCT, 10th Mount. Div.
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq " It has been said that the sun never sets on the 10th Mountain Division.
Continuing the vigilance and dedication that inspired the motto, the division's 1st Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq in August 2005, shortly after the division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team returned home.
On Feb. 11, 1st BCT Soldiers were visited by Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, commanding general, 10th Mtn. Div., at the Riva Ridge Warrior Chapel here.
Freakley assumed command of the 10th Mountain Division Aug. 25 and is currently in the process of leading the division's Headquarters, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and elements of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, into Afghanistan for what is projected to be a year-long deployment. Meanwhile, the 2nd BCT is preparing for its follow-on deployment back to Iraq.
Freakley said he wanted to visit with the 1st BCT Soldiers, who departed Fort Drum prior to his assumption of command, to praise them for a job well done and encourage them to "keep up their brave fight against terrorism."
He spoke of the need to continue taking an aggressive stand against the terrorists and of the their lack of war ethic.
"Make no mistake. We are here to stop terrorists because if we don't stop them here, they will come to us," said Freakley. "This is one war where there is no home-field advantage."
Freakley shared with the Soldiers some of the changes that have been going on at Fort Drum since they left last fall, including new construction, remodeling and other plans that will affect the Soldiers once they return home.
"I thought that what he said sounded very promising," said Spc. Tamala Ortiz, Headquarters and Headquarters Company. "He is very charismatic, and he had a lot of positive ideas. I think he is going to be a good leader."
His visit also reassured Soldiers about the future of Fort Drum.
Due to all of the division's upcoming deployments, the base will have a vastly reduced bases population when the brigade first hits the ground back in New York. A majority of their comrades will have departed for Afghanistan or Iraq by then, Freakley said.
After addressing the Soldiers, Freakley took questions and then conducted an awards ceremony.
He presented several Purple Hearts and Army Commendation Medals and also performed a re-enlistment ceremony for several Soldiers.
"I had been considering different ways to re-enlist, trying to think of something exciting," said Ortiz. "When I heard our new division commander (was) coming to speak to us " while on his way to Afghanistan " I thought, this is a perfect opportunity to do the ceremony."
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2006 10:40 |
| Story ID: | 5603 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 265 |
| Downloads: | 113 |
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