Courtesy Photo | The commanding general of Multi-National Division-Baghdad and the 1st Cavalry...... read more read more
by Spc. Courtney Breton
3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The commanding general for Multi-National Division-Baghdad and the 1st Cavalry Division, met with members of the 1st Air Cavalry "Warrior" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and presented awards Aug. 25.
Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr., a Portola Valley, Calif., native, began his trip to Taji with a ride in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to meet with Soldiers of the 3rd "Spearhead" Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment.
The Warrior Brigade commander, Traverse City, Mich., native Col. Dan Shanahan, and the Spearhead commander, Lt. Col. Michael L. Shenk from Carlisle, Pa., met and welcomed Fil upon his arrival to the base camp north of Baghdad.
A conference to discuss current and future operations with the battalion leadership was the first order of business for the commanding general. During the discussion, Maj. Gail Atkins of West Chester, Pa., the Spearhead operations officer, made note of some important points.
"We've flown almost 17,000 hours since being in country," Atkins said. Fil acknowledged the accomplishments of the Spearhead Soldiers.
"I appreciate the 3rd Battalion. We're doing great. We're flying; we're moving Soldiers around, busting up al Qaida," he said. "You guys out there flying around, that keeps me up at night...there are guys shooting at you, I recognize that as well. Be confident in the work that you're doing, maintain the team."
Next the commanding general and the Spearhead Soldiers participated in an awards ceremony in an aircraft maintenance hangar. One of the awards bestowed by Fil was the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor to Sgt. Yolanda Torres-Adams for providing lifesaving aid to a critically wounded Soldier wounded in the aftermath of a roadside bomb blast.
The Air Medal with "V" device for valor was awarded to two Black Hawk pilots and two crew chiefs. The four crew members and their sister aircraft came under heavy fire during a routine flight mission April 5. The second helicopter was hit, caught fire, and forced to land. The four crew members then made the quick decision to turn around and rescue their fellow Soldiers. They were engaged by fire twice more before landing and loading the downed aircrew and two wounded passengers to safety.
Fil also presented the Combat Action Badge to 10 Spearhead Soldiers for personally engaging, or being engaged by the enemy forces.
He ended his visit with the 3-227th Soldiers by having them circle in close around him for a few personal words of praise and encouragement.
"It's the fine action of Soldiers like these, like you, that's turned this thing around over here," Fil said. "This thing will be pushed over the top while we're here, over the top, and you're going to do it. Stay strong, stay Army, fight hard, finish well. I'm proud of you. First Team!"
| Date Taken: | 08.28.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 08.28.2007 15:33 |
| Story ID: | 12043 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 631 |
| Downloads: | 431 |
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