President calls 3d Cavalry Regiment troopers on Christmas Day

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

12.25.2014

Courtesy Story

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama, called two Task Force Sabre Soldiers today to thank them for their service, offer encouragement and wish them and their families a Merry Christmas.

Staff Sgt. Ebony Banks, a senior human resources sergeant, and Sgt. Austin Applegate, an infantryman, were on the receiving end of the president’s phone calls. Both Non-commissioned officers are members of 2nd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas.

The president expressed his gratitude to each Soldier for their sacrifice and that of their families. Banks said the president told her that he understands how difficult deployments can be when separated from family members, especially during the holidays. He wanted her to know that she has served her country well and that he is speaking on behalf of a grateful nation when expressing his appreciation.

“It was a great way to start the morning,” said Banks. “He called me by my first name! He said, ‘Hello Ebony.’ It’s something I will never forget.”

Applegate, the Joint Operations Center watch operator, is responsible for tracking and reporting significant events within the Bagram Ground Defense area. He thought it was admirable that the president took the time to reach out to service members.

Both Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in June; it is the first deployment for Applegate and the third for Banks. They are proud of the contributions they have made to the future of Afghanistan and look forward to reuniting with their families sometime next year and spending next Christmas with their loved ones.

• Date Taken: 12.25.2014
• Date Posted: 12.25.2014 13:15
• Story ID: 151098
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF
• Hometown: FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US
• Hometown: KILLEEN, TX, US