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DHI QAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Marking the middle of summer, Fourth of July commemorates the birth of a nation and a celebration of its freedom. 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division held traditional activities for the deployed soldiers to provide a taste of home as well as some unique events that highlighted both Soldiers and their families.
The Iron Brigades’ “Phoenix” Battalion celebrated with a meal that was “Forged by Fire” during a traditional backyard barbecue. While most units usually hold their cook-outs near the workplace, the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion set theirs in the living area. Using this location made it feel more like home, said 1st Sgt. Terrance Overton, senior non-commissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BSTB.
“The event lasted for 10 hours starting at noon and until the last soldier in the battalion had his or her fill of good old backyard-style cooking,” he said.
The soldiers of 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment kicked off their festivities by promoting two soldiers to the rank of sergeant. Referencing the stark colors of the unit’s flag, “Blackjack Barbecue II: Red, White, and CAV” was the official title for the recreational event.
The cavalry troops took the day to relax with friends under the shade in the Task Force 4-10 compound. Music played over the sizzle of the grill and the cheers of the soldiers during bouts of ping pong, tug-of-war, and the “Tanker-Bar Throw.” Warrant Officer Derek Boseman won the toss by throwing the 3-foot long, 35-pound tanker-bar an impressive 175 feet, according to Capt. Benjamin Dalton, project management cell officer in charge, TF 4-10.
Helmed by 1st Sgt. Tim Bolyard, the senior NCOs from the Hunter and Dragoon Troops took turns grilling up everything from traditional hamburgers and sausages, to the more elaborate steak and lobster.
Out on Contingency Operating Station Garry Owen in the neighboring Maysan Province, the “Fighting Eagles” of 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, spent the day playing hard in a series of tournaments and competitions. The events included a five-kilometer run, a Humvee push, volleyball and basketball.
The soldiers that emerged victorious were honored at an awards ceremony in the afternoon. The winners were presented with certificates of achievement signed by Task Force Eagle Commander, Lt. Col. John Digiambattista, earning them not only bragging rights, but five promotion points to help advance their careers.
It wasn’t all burgers and ball-games though. Soldiers from Company B of the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment celebrated Independence Day by doing what they do best: train for combat operations.
The “Silver Lions” competed in two-man teams on various tasks and drills such as weapons qualification, vehicle inspections, and the complete setup and operation of a tactical satellite radio. One of the final events tested the Soldiers’ first responder skills with a worst-case scenario patient who had every wound imaginable.
Of course, they still had the requisite barbecue, along with a softball game and a marathon of classic war movies.
The Iron Brigade Headquarters put on a special event with the help of Arizona’s National Guard unit, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation. With a late-night ball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers projected onto a T-wall barrier, Soldiers from each of the battalions enjoyed a cook-out under the evening sky. Soldiers from Arizona had a special treat that night courtesy of the Diamondbacks and Fox Sports.
As part of the “This One’s For You” special event games, family members were invited to the game in downtown Phoenix. Several soldiers in Iraq were able to talk directly to their family at Chase Field before and during the game, via live satellite link.
Many soldiers from Arizona also gave shout-outs and messages to loved ones on-camera, which were then broadcast by FOX Sports during the game. Many of the soldiers got to see themselves and their families enjoying the game as it aired on the Armed Forces Network.
While the soldiers of the Iron Brigade celebrated their nation’s freedom and independence, they also took the time to reflect on the fact that they are the very symbol of that freedom within the nation they currently serve.
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.24.2010 18:01 |
| Story ID: | 53331 |
| Location: | DHI QAR, IQ |
| Web Views: | 380 |
| Downloads: | 320 |
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