‘Ironhorse Strong Soldiers’ recognized for excellence

Photo By Spc. Andrew Ingram | Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, presents an American flag to Spc. Samalaula Etelagi, an information systems operator from American Samoa, assigned to Company C, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, the "Ironhorse Strong Soldier."  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

12.10.2010

Courtesy Story

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, and senior enlisted leader Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey, recognized four “Ironhorse Strong Soldiers” during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 10.

“We have almost 10,000 service members in U.S. Division-North spread over an area in excess of 80,000 miles,” said Perkins. “These four individuals are the cream of the crop. They set the example of how to be soldiers, and it is a privilege to honor them today.”

Dailey explained the Ironhorse Strong Soldier of the Week is not an award but an avenue to recognize Soldiers dedicated to exceeding the standards to accomplish the mission.

Perkins and Dailey selected the four Ironhorse Strong Soldiers from weekly submissions made by the brigades currently deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

“There is no set criteria for the Ironhorse Strong Soldier of the Week,” said Dailey. “A soldier’s chain of command can recommend anything they feel that soldier is doing above and beyond the call of duty or going outside their normal duties in order to further soldiers or the mission.”

Sgt. Kristopher Koppelman, a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.-native, assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regt., 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, was deemed Ironhorse Strong for his leadership skills and dedication to his soldiers as a rifle squad leader.

In addition to being recognized as the Ironhorse Strong Soldier of the Week, Dec. 5, Koppelman was also battlefield promoted by his command to the rank of staff sergeant for his outstanding performance in his duties as a noncommissioned officer.

“Being honored like this is great,” he said. “I’m on a small 23 man patrol base, and things like this don’t usually come around to us.”

Spc. Brian Thacker, a Coal Grove, Ohio-native and cavalry scout with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Inf. Div., worked through the night after returning to his patrol base, Nov. 15, to repair a malfunctioning computer system in his M1127 Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle, ensuring that the unit’s vehicle was operational before the next day’s mission.

“I was trained by my NCO's to take care of my vehicle and equipment before I think about myself,” Thacker said. “It was just the right thing to do.”

Staff Sgt. Eric Galindo, battle noncommissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Task Force Saber, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, played a critical role in the identification and defeat of Improvised Explosive Devices Nov. 14.

Spc. Samalaula Etelagi, an information systems operator from American Samoa, assigned to Company C, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, played an instrumental role in implementing the Task Force Ironhorse Secret Internet Protocol Router portal as 4th Inf. Div. assumed the mission in northern Iraq.

Each Ironhorse Strong Soldier received a Task Force Ironhorse Certificate of Achievement; a 4th Inf. Div. KA-BAR Knife; a Commanding General’s Congratulatory Note; an American flag flown over U.S. Division North Headquarters; and a commanding general and command sergeant major coin, in honor of their outstanding achievements in service to their units, fellow soldiers, and U.S. Division-North.

The awardees also earned a three-day pass to Freedom Rest-North to relax, and joined Perkins for the 4th Inf. Div.’s birthday dinner in the commander’s mess.

“Freedom Rest is amazing,” said Galindo, a Houston-native. “We are definitely blessed to have this opportunity.”

Perkins said he and Dailey were honored to spend time with these soldiers and looks forward to recognizing more of the best of the best U.S. Division North has to offer.

• Date Taken: 12.10.2010
• Date Posted: 12.16.2010 03:33
• Story ID: 62056
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ