JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – More than 4000 boots stood in the wet grass of Joint Base Lewis McChord’s Walkins Field as the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division uncased their brigade and battalion colors, Feb. 5.
The physical act of pulling off a sleeve and unrolling a flag seems simple enough but it signifies so much more – mostly, the return of the entire Arrowhead Brigade - but also the resumption of the brigade's mission on JBLM.
“We form today for two primary reasons – to mark the return from overseas deployment of the Arrowhead Brigade by uncasing our battalion and brigade colors…” said Col. Charles Webster, 3-2 SBCT brigade commander. “And by holding this formal ceremony to thank our senior leadership, our fellow units and the garrison and installation commands.”
The brigade and battalion colors were cased more then a year before as the soldiers of the Arrowhead Brigade set off on a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan starting in November 2011. Since the last of the brigade’s personnel returned in December, its soldiers have been busy with completing re-integration, transitioning back to regular duty, and enjoying leave.
“We’ve been home for almost two months but we took some well deserved leave with our families over the Christmas break,” Webster said.
Before the uncasing six Wounded Warriors were applauded as they moved onto the field to join their respective battalions. There was also close to 30 family members of fallen soldiers, “Gold Star families,” in attendance as well.
After the uncasing Webster addressed the soldiers, families and distinguished guests, to include the Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Maj. Gen. Stephen Lanza, while Arrowhead soldiers stood in formation.
“You are all heroes and dedicated servants of our country and should be justly proud of your accomplishments – I’m proud and humbled just to be counted among you,” Webster added.