Petraeus Visits Dragoons in Zabul

QALAT, AFGHANISTAN

01.17.2011

Story by Sgt. Gerald Wilson 

2d Cavalry Regiment

ZABUL, Afghanistan- Troopers of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment received a visit from a very special guest Monday, Jan 17. Gen David H. Petraeus, commander of International Security Assistance Force and commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, stopped to visit with the troops at Forward Operating Base Lagman.

During his visit to Lagman, Petraeus took time to visit with the troops and commend them for their efforts. Petraeus also talked a little about 2SCR’s mission in Afghanistan. Six Squadrons are operating decentralized in southern Afghanistan. This area, about the size of Texas, allows 2SCR to conduct population centric counter insurgency operations to promote freedom of movement enabling enduring stability for the people here.

“We keep stealing from the Regiment and sending them to Uruzgan, Kandahar or other locations and yet you have gained a great deal just in the six months I have been here,” he continued. “It’s very very impressive to see.”

Petraeus reenlisted four troopers and presented Spc. Christian Hipsley a Bronze Star Medal for Valor. Hipsley, a medic with FIRES Squadron, was awarded the citation for his heroic efforts which saved the lives of five Afghan National Army soldiers after an IED attack. Petraeus, who was saved by Army medics on two separate occasions, said he was honored to be presenting this award to such a deserving recipient.

“There is no one that symbolizes that Army of one more than that medic that is trying to keep you alive,” Petraeus said. “Every one of us has this incredible value and can be the most important person in another person’s life at any given point and that’s what this individual was.”

To mark the momentous occasion, the troopers of 2SCR inducted the General into the Regiment as an honorary Dragoon. Petraeus placed his signature in the official record book beside many officers and senior noncommissioned officers who have distinguished themselves in their outstanding commitment to the oldest continual active unit in the Army. He was then presented a 2SCR jersey and patch which he proudly wore for the rest of his visit.

Petraeus concluded his visit with a trip to the new police headquarters building in Qalat and the new Police Training Center where he met with the Zabul Provincial Governor Ashraf Naseeri and other key Afghan officials. Petraeus admitted he was quite pleased with the Regiment’s accomplishments during its mission in Afghanistan.

“I am very impressed with what has happened here since 2SCR arrived,” he said. “I am very impressed with the teamwork that is evident here with the different members of the ISAF coalition that are active in Zabul,” Petraeus explained. “But above all I am very impressed with the teamwork between the Afghan Forces, the Afghan civilian government here and the 2SCR leadership.”
“These accomplishments should be a source of pride for all who wear the 2SCR patch,” he said.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2011
• Date Posted: 01.17.2011 13:22
• Story ID: 63702
• Location: QALAT, AF