Photo By Frank O'Brien | Combined Team Zabul commander Blake Ortner with the Virginia Army National Guard,...... read more read more
ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers of the Fort Wainwright-based 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, were recognized for service in a Thanksgiving Day award ceremony at Forward Operating Base Bullard, Zabul province, Afghanistan.
Three Combat Infantryman Badges, one Combat Action Badge, one Combat Medic Badge, and four Army Achievement Medals were presented by Col. Blake C. Ortner, Combined Team Zabul commander of the Virginia Army National Guard’s 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
After the ceremony Ortner and Lt. Col. Jeff R. Stewart, 1-24 battalion commander, spoke to the assembled soldiers about the context of the awards given.
“The combat infantryman badge was created to recognize infantryman who closed and engaged with the enemy,” said Ortner, referencing the line in the soldier’s creed that says – “I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.”
The creed is the U.S. Army’s core philosophy, memorized by all soldiers in basic combat training.
“The combat action badge is an indicator of how warfare changes. In a lot of ways it is like being in the wrong place at the wrong time. For the CIB, you go out and find trouble...go out and hunt them down.” said Ortner. “But you are all part of the heavy duty maneuver element out here…the force to chase down the enemy.” said Ortner. “I have no doubt you will continue to make us proud.”
Stewart prefaced his remarks with, “Listen up, Barbarians!” to which the crowd responded: “Hooah!”
‘Barbarians’ is the nickname for the soldiers of Bravo company at FOB Bullard. Hooah is a soldier's traditional response of enthusiastic agreement.
“Shah Joy is a different district than it was when you got here,” said Stewart. “Watch your six. Watch your brothers. This is the most complex battle space in Zabul province and you’re holding it down.”
The Barbarians at FOB Bullard took heavy indirect fire during their first few months with the most casualties of Combined Team Zabul. With the addition of a checkpoint at a nearby river crossing, the security situation has improved significantly, allowing the coalition and government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to expand their influence.
Stewart continued his remarks in the familial spirit of Thanksgiving.
“I miss my wife and kids” said Stewart, “but if I can’t be with them, I’d rather be with you. You’re my family and I love you. You’re in my heart every day.”
“Hooah!” replied the Barbarians.
Combat Infantryman Badges for personally engaging or being engaged by the enemy were awarded to: Sgt. Shawn Rhodes of Jerseyville, Ill., Spc. Colin Gregory of Tecumseh, Mich., Pfc. Jayson Stevens of Trenton, Ga.
The Combat Action Badge for personally engaging or being engaged by the enemy was awarded to Sgt. Joseph Dorau, a wheeled vehicle mechanic from Kenosha, Wis.
The Combat Medic Badge and Army Achievement Medal were presented to combat medic Spc. Nathaniel Lee of Hindsboro, Ill.
Army Achievement Medals were presented to food service specialists Spc. Luis Arambula of San Francisco, Calif., Spc. Justin Key of Chicago, Ill., and Spc. Khaliyqa Dixon of New York, N.Y. All three prepared the Thanksgiving meal.
Seven Combat Infantryman Badges and one Combat Action Badge were presented to soldiers of 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, earlier that day at Forward Operating Base Lagman by Brig. General Jeffrey A. Sinclair, 82nd Airborne Division and Regional Command South deputy commanding general of support.
| Date Taken: | 11.24.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.29.2011 00:44 |
| Story ID: | 80645 |
| Location: | ZABUL PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 568 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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