Once, twice, four times a dragon!

Photo By 1st Lt. Kelly McManus | Sgt. 1st Class Hugo Bazan and Nicholas Lien from the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, get promoted at the beginning of their fourth combat tour. Not only is this their fourth deployment, but it is their fourth deployment with the Dragon Battalion.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION ECHO, IRAQ

10.24.2011

Story by Sgt. Gregory Snyder 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

CONTIGENCY OPERATING STATION ECHO, Iraq — As the U.S. presence in Iraq draws down and the number of troops decrease to a small percentage of what they were only three years ago, the changes are evident looking through the eyes of the Iraqi people.

Areas of smaller cities are still rebuilding from bomb blasts that rocked their city streets over the years. Concrete barriers bare scars of mortar attacks and Iraqi buildings and homes have bullet holes, which serve as a reminder of engagements that took place.

Likewise, the observer can now see the positive labors of the U.S. effort as well.

Farmers have the resources needed to renovate and expand their farms and the local business owners have rebuilt their corner stores into flourishing enterprises.

There is a strong partnership between the American forces and Iraqi Security Forces, serving as a reminder of how eight years of war can spawn growth, both physically and mentally.

Soldiers from different sides of the globe are working in unison for a common purpose: a free, stable and safe Iraq.

Few have spent as much time being a part of these changes as a select group of Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

The Dragons first deployed to Iraq in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and fittingly they will be one of the last United States Forces to withdraw by the end of 2011, in accordance with the Security Forces Agreement.

During those eight years, a handful of Dragon soldiers have been mainstays with the battalion through four combat tours of duty: 1st Sgt. Johnny Escamilla, Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Lien, Sgt. 1st Class Hugo Bazan, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Mills, Staff Sgt. William Cannon, Sgt. Donald Grahl, Sgt. Joel Jimenez, and Spc. Liuneta Ioane.

Task Force Dragons includes Company A, of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, who also harbor a few four-time veterans with the Ironhorse Brigade: Staff Sgt. Juan Pablo Vargas and Staff Sgt. Heriberto Fuentes.

Looking at the men’s faces, there lays an unruffled demeanor beneath the surface. There is not much that these warriors have not seen or experienced in Iraq.

The familiarity with the culture, terrain and environment pays dividends in the hearts of newer Soldiers who look to them for leadership or stories from a past tour.

Stories are always in great demand and there is never a shortage. These men have grown up as Dragons or Lancers.
Jimenez, once an inexperienced private, is now a sergeant and squad leader, serving as a team leader with Battery G, and reflects on his time with the Dragons and commented, “I wouldn’t change anything.”

“Being with the same Battalion from start to finish is prestigious, and something not everyone gets the chance to do,” Jimenez continued.

At the time of his first deployment Escamilla was a platoon sergeant. He has now earned the rank of first sergeant, and serves in that position for Battery A.

“Not many soldiers can say that they were a part of the same unit through four deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn,” Escamilla explained.

“During my tenure with the [Dragons] I have seen many soldiers and leaders come and go. I have been privileged to have mentored many young soldiers, [non-commissioned officers] and officers and watch them grow to be great warriors and leaders. This battalion has been a part of my life and for the past ten years I have been fortunate to have been mentored by the best that the Army has to offer,” he continued in a reminiscing manner.

Each man has his own unique story of how he came to Iraq. Whether in his early twenties or mid-thirties, they drove into Iraq with determination on their faces and the drive to make a difference in the war on terror.

Now each can write the final chapter of how he was there to drive out in the end. How each soldier saw the fighting diminish, troop numbers reduce and eight years worth of equipment turned in and shipped home.

The war has changed through the years, unquestionably, and the years of war have changed them as a result.

In today’s Army, soldiers are typically moved from unit to unit having little time for stabilization.

Lien first saw the perils of war as a young man.

As the journey from sergeant to sergeant first class took him through four deployments, Lien has been through more than most artillerymen.

Serving in nearly every leadership role through the eight-year war, Lien is a true warrior; attaining his bachelors and masters degree while climbing the Army ranks ahead of his peers.

Few have accomplished the feats that Lien has, which is why his demeanor demands respect from his peers.

“Throughout the beginning of OIF II, up to the withdraw of American Forces across Iraq,” Lien began. “I have seen days of sorrow and sadness for the loss of friends, days of victory and triumph over an aggressive enemy, and satisfaction that lies in the effort of rebuilding a war torn nation; full effort is full victory.”

“As I reflect on how the war has changed me as a person and how my life will never be the same, I am proud to say, what I have done from the time when I was a junior soldier and through the times now as a seasoned senior non-commissioned officer has changed the lives of many…I am pleased that I have been able to influence that transformation through my knowledge and mentorship to the Iraqi people as well as American and Coalition Forces,” Lien concluded.

During his Army career, Mills, the Dragon Battalion’s maintenance control sergeant, has spent more time overseas than he has at home.

Reflecting back on troubling times during the 2004 campaign, Mills recalls losing friends and battle buddies.

He remembers the perils that have been overcome and what a great impact American and coalition forces have had in rebuilding Iraq.

“Now during the fourth deployment we look back and reflect on how our small pieces of the big puzzle have improved the lives of so many over here” says Mills.

One would think that soldiers might have a few negative emotions about a constant deployment rotation.

“Being overseas for part of every year since 2002 has been tough and has taken its toll, but if given the chance to do it all over, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Mills said, explaining his feelings on multiple rotations.

This type of vision and reflection from a veteran NCO is exactly why this rare group of soldiers who are very special and essential to the Dragon Battalion.

While serving in the Dragon Battalion since 2004, many missions and tasks have been achieved.

These phenomenal individuals have shown perseverance and determination like no other, if you had asked these soldiers in 2004 where they saw themselves going in eight years, the answer you would have received would not have included “with the Dragons”.

"Our country is only as good as those who protect it,” said Dragon commander, Lt. Col. Edmond Brown, who is a returning veteran for the third time since 1999. “Any combat deployment is critical to national security. To serve four consecutive deployments with the same combat unit is to ‘Live the Legend’. Their personal example of commitment, leadership, and sacrifice is what 'Army Strong' is all about. When the stories of this war are told, it must be about those who answered the call of their country - again, and again, and again - until the mission is complete."

Truer words could not be spoken about the phenomenal achievements of the Dragon Battalion and those who helped define it.

This group of heroes, as accomplished as they have been in the past and sure to be in the future, remains true to form and humble as always of their amazing accomplishments.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2011
• Date Posted: 10.24.2011 16:16
• Story ID: 78939
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION ECHO, IQ