Praise Band Soldiers Earn Commander Coins

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers of the 145th Support Battalion were presented Commander's coins October 3. (L-R) Master Sgt. William Mitchell, Spc. Steven Williams, and Capt. Keith Thompson. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jack White, 116th BCT Public Affairs)  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

10.05.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

FOB WARRIOR, Iraq - Three Soldiers of the 116th Brigade Combat Team's (BCT) religious operations, were presented commander's coins for their various contributions in support of the Brigade Chaplain, October 2.

In the special ceremony, 2 members of the 116 BCT Praise Band and the leader of the Bible Study group, were personally presented a commander's coin, by Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart, 116th BCT Commander, for their contributions and support of the Brigade's religious operations. Capt. Keith Thompson was commended for having led the weekly Bible Study group since arriving at FOB Warrior.

The musicians were; Master Sgt. William Mitchell, Spc. Steven Williams. Spc. Williams is the 145th Support Battalion Chaplain's Assistant. Together, he and Master Sgt. Mitchell perform as the 116th BCT Praise Band. All three were commended for their hard work, loyalty and dedication.

Following the coin presentations before a room full of their peers, the Praise Band played inspirational music as part of the morning services.

The 116th BCT was mobilized in support of the global war on terrorism in June 2004. The unit's multi-faceted mission in Iraq includes security training and operations, aiding the Iraqi government, supporting economic and infrastructure development, and facilitating communications.

The 116th BCT includes headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116 BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

• Date Taken: 10.05.2005
• Date Posted: 10.05.2005 15:59
• Story ID: 3196
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ