Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Addis | Col. Neeme Vali, chief of staff for the Estonian Defense Forces, pins the Order of...... read more read more
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By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Addis
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
COMBAT OUTPOST BASSAM, Iraq – An Estonian platoon assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop "Headhunter," 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry "Strykehorse," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, received a visit from nation's Defense Forces leaders on Nov. 14 at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad.
Col. Neeme Vali, the Estonian chief of staff, along with his staff advisors traveled to visit with his Soldiers and meet with Strykehorse leaders to discuss the ongoing operations and the support provided by the Estonian defense forces.
"Let me first tell you that it is my country's honor to fight the war on terrorism," Vali said. "We will remain vigilant to the fight until the job is completed."
The self-labeled ESTPLA-17 Estonian Platoon replaced its predecessor, ESTAPLA-16, in July and have since played a critical role in the cache exploitation in the Bassam area northwest of Baghdad. They operate in an area that has a dense agricultural population, with water canals, palm groves, wheat and grass fields.
"Al-Qaida historically used this area as a support zone for storing weapons and training extremist actions," said Capt. James Polak, commander of Headhunter Troop and a native of Creighton, Nebraska. "With the increased power ESTPLA-17 provides, this area's threat has been reduced drastically."
Vali was later invited by the platoon to participate in a cache search during his visit, and he readily accepted. Afterward, he concluded his visit with an impromptu awards ceremony in which the Estonian forces soldiers, along with Strykehorse Soldiers, were presented the Order of Estonian Defense Forces with Sword and the Estonian Forces Cross of Merit. Six Strykehorse Soldiers were awarded the Estonian Defense Service Cross of Merit.
"These Soldiers were presented this award because of the positive cooperation, professionalism and skillful work they have contributed through our time together in Iraq," said Sergeant Major Toomas Elias, the ESTPLA-17 logistics non-commissioned officer.
Two of the Soldiers receiving the award are assigned to the Mortar Platoon of Troop B "Bountyhunter," 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment.
Staff Sgt. Henry Estorga Jr., a native of San Diego, the Mortar Platoon section sergeant, was one of those honored at the event. He served with both ESTPLA-16 and ESTPLA-17.
"This is quite an honor receiving this award," Estorga said. "My time serving with ESTPLA-16 and -17 has been an experience that I will remember and share throughout my military career and beyond."
Sgt. Jeremy Cook, a native of Loganville, Ga., a squad leader with the Mortar Platoon, was also presented the Estonian Defense Service Cross of Merit.
"This is a very prestigious and a once in a lifetime award," Cook said. "Being able to have the chance to work with the Estonian army has been an honor in itself."
The command groups of the Headhunter Troop and the Strykehorse Squadron were presented the Order of Defense Forces with Sword. This award, as well as the Estonian Defense Service Cross of Merit, was presented to the Soldiers by Vali.
"Anytime you are recognized for a job well done or achievement it is a proud time," said Capt. James Polak, commander, Headhunter Troop, who is a native of Creighton, Neb. "The Order of Estonian Defense Forces award was presented to me, but I'd like to think it is a symbol of our unit's cohesive actions and partnered service together."
| Date Taken: | 12.01.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.01.2008 00:34 |
| Story ID: | 26992 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 502 |
| Downloads: | 422 |
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