By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A company commander's success is based on the accomplishments of their Soldiers.
For Capt. Brian Sweigart, a native of San Antonio, and commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, "Wolfhounds," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, that is an idea he takes seriously.
"I take personal pride in what my Soldiers do," he said. "My job is to talk to them and mentor them. It's great to know that I have a hand in shaping their successes. If they are successful that means I am successful."
Sweigart received his commission eight years ago after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in West Point, N.Y. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who also served in the military.
"It is something I always wanted to do," he said. I saw them serve proudly and that is a tradition I wanted to continue."
He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2nd SBCT in December 2007. Since the unit's arrival he said he has seen many positive accomplishments from his unit, but also the Iraqi people.
"The Iraqi people have now begun to take responsibility and accountability for themselves," he said.
Sweigart said he regularly sees Iraqi inspectors checking on projects instead of U.S. commanders "without engineering degrees inspecting with only a checklist from the unit's engineers."
This is a turning point which he said they can be proud of, and hopes these kinds of steps forward will continue for the country of Iraq and is proud he is a part of the progress.