CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment,
3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division were presented with an assortment of awards, signifying their accomplishments and the end of a year-long deployment at an awards ceremony on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2011.

In February of this year, HHB soldiers departed their home station of Fort Hood, Texas, in support of Operation New Dawn, leaving behind their families, friends and loved ones. For some soldiers, this was their first deployment, but for others it was their fourth or fifth time deploying to Iraq.

The HHB soldiers were recognized by their leaders for their multiple achievements, the sacrifice of both the soldiers and their families and their unwavering vigilance during their involvement in Operation New Dawn. The "Steel Dragon" leadership handed out 20 Bronze Star Medals, 13 Meritorious Service Medals and 112 Army Commendation Medals.

Lt. Col. Robert Wright, commander of the "Steel Dragon" Battalion, individually presented each of the one hundred and forty five soldiers with their award. Wright acknowledged all the accomplishments that took place during their deployment.

The “Warriors” accomplishments are a long and proud list. This list includes providing a Tactical Operations Center, conducting over one hundred key leader engagements, radar operations, Battalion Aid Station operations and maneuver operations. With the United States military re-posturing personnel in Iraq, the soldiers and leaders of HHB can be proud of their many accomplishments during Operation New Dawn and put this deployment down as yet another victory in the proud and distinguished history of the U.S.
Army’s First Team.

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