Respected Leader Honored with Ceremony

Photo By Spc. Benjamin Fox | Soldiers from all over Logistical Support Area Anaconda attend a memorial ceremony for 1st Lt. Phillip Neel, 3-8 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in Balad, Iraq, April 14.  

BALAD, IRAQ

04.17.2007

Story by Pfc. Benjamin Fox 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By Pfc. Ben Fox
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

BALAD, Iraq (April 14, 2007) – A somber group of Soldiers gathered in the small chapel on Logistical Support Area Anaconda to celebrate the life and also mourn the death of 1st Lt. Phillip Neel, April 14.

"First Lieutenant Neel was an outstanding leader and a great guy," said Sgt. 1st Class Torry Rice, Neel's platoon sergeant from 3-8 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

"He was a God fearing man," he said. "Funny, but quiet."

"Don't let him fool you," Rice continued, "sometimes he could go on and on about things that he loved the most, like always wanting to go fishing in Alaska or buying a ranch-type home away from the city and raising a family."

"I met First Lieutenant Phillip Neel ... at the beginning of last August," said Capt. William Enger, Neel's company commander. "Right out of the gate, he was enthusiastic, aggressive and eager to learn - all of the traits that I prayed I would get from a brand new lieutenant to the unit.

"He quickly proved himself an asset, not a liability, which is especially valuable because we had not expected to get any new lieutenants before we deployed," said Enger.

"When I was asked to speak at (Neel's) services, my first thought was 'What am I going to say to possibly bring this man justice?" said Sgt. Joshua Shick, one of Neel's Soldiers.

"I thought about all of the services I have attended over the years and about how people talk about past deeds," Shick said.

"When I talk about (Neel), I know that he wouldn't want us to dwell on his past but recognize what he actually stood for and lived for," said Shick.

"He was always thinking of ways to make things better, make life better," said Rice. "He loved the simple things in life, was very humble and would give you the socks off his feet if you needed it.

"His heart was always pure," Rice continued. "He was always willing to help out anyone in need.

"He was a hard worker and very clever," said Rice.

"(He) was a man of faith, and when I say he was a man of faith I don't mean he went to church on Sundays and thought he was good with just that, I mean he lived by the Bible every moment of his life," said Shick.

"After missions you could find him in his room, either reading an inspirational book or the Bible, trying to become more Christ-like," Shick said. "I know in Ephesians it says to imitate Christ, and I believe that (Neel) tried to do just that everyday."

"He was a compassionate man who always had a soft spot in his heart for the Iraqi children," said Enger.

"First Lieutenant Neel would do anything, not just for his Soldiers, but anyone who asked," said Shick. "He was a humble man and a man of God."

Enger said Neel, whose call sign was White 1, had the qualities of a great leader.

"In combat, Phillip was smart, steady and a solid warrior," said Enger. "The whole company knew we could count on White 1, no matter how sticky the situation became."

"Phil was a great platoon leader, guided by a strong moral compass," Enger said. "The night he was hit, Phillip Neel was doing what he loved, leading his men across a dark objective, hunting down the fanatical enemies of his country."

"As a leader, he was always leading from the front," said Rice. "He would never ask a Soldier to do something he wasn't willing to do himself.

"He loved being around his Soldiers, and he did everything he could to take care of his guys," Rice said.

"He would be one of those leaders that you never forget," he said. "He had a heart of a lion, and no task was too great for this guy," said Rice.

"He was an enthusiastic leader who always cared more about his men, the men of White Platoon, than himself," said Enger. "He will be very sorely missed."

"I know that he is looking down on us right now and saying, 'Stay strong and continue the mission to make it home safe,'" said Rice. "To know him and serve with him was an honor and a privilege, and I could never forget the impact he made on my life.

"White 1, this is White 4. Out," said Rice.

"I know that he is home now, and I know that he would want us to carry on the fight until we get home," said Shick. "From this day forward, I will never forget his teachings and ministries that he taught me."

• Date Taken: 04.17.2007
• Date Posted: 04.17.2007 10:32
• Story ID: 9967
• Location: BALAD, IQ