SALEM, Ore. - In the largest deployment for the Oregon National Guard in more than 50 years the 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team had a very large task when it deployed to Iraq last May. As the Brigade nears the end of its deployment this spring, Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, the adjutant general, Oregon National Guard reflects on the successes of the mission.
"They have a very complex requirement and I think they are demonstrating that when you send a guard unit and maintain their unit integrity, chain of command, all the way up through the brigade commander you get outstanding results," said Rees.
Col. Dan Hokanson, Commander of the 41 Brigade said his troops are doing an exceptional job.
"I am most proud of who they are, our soldiers continue to impress me, and everyone they work with," said Hokanson.
He went on to say that his troops have one of the best missions in Iraq right now.
"While many of the units remain on their Contingency Operating Base, our units are 'outside the wire' every day and our soldiers get to see a lot of Iraq due to the distances we travel," he added.
"An important part of the current mission is to be a part of the responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq," Hokanson said. "Our soldiers have the opportunity to help reduce the U.S. presence here, which allows those who deployed here previously to see the results of their efforts."
Hokanson said one of the major advantages our soldiers have are the skills they bring to the job from their civilian career.
"When we arrived, our soldiers converted a warehouse to a function brigade Tactical Operations Center in less than a month when we were told it would take three months with contractor support," said Hokanson and then added that another soldier helped make the convoy route system safer.
"One of our soldiers works for federal express and helped us redesign the convoy route system for Iraq to make it more efficient, effective and safer for our soldiers," said Hokanson.
Oregon National Guard soldiers said they were happy to have Rees visit over Thanksgiving. Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jory, of Oregon City, said Rees was particularly interested in seeing equipment upgrades.
"I think he is looking out for Oregon soldiers," said Jory. "He had some awesome questions in respect to communication and what was happening and what was shared between everybody in terms of equipment such as the CREW served weapon system," he added.
Rees said the environment in Iraq is much different than just a few years ago, and said equipment upgrades have also helped make soldiers safer.
"We have come a long way from the come as you are war scenario that we started out with. There used to be thin skinned vehicles that were slapped together and now we have universally mine resistant ambush protected vehicles," said Rees.
State Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley said the improved equipment especially the MRAP is a great vehicle for the 41 IBCT mission. He said the 41 Brigade BDE logistics experts are using every tool available to upgrade the equipment while in theatre.
"They are searching supply depots, and vehicle yards to turn in older equipment and upgrade to the most current equipment they can find," said Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley.
The equipment isn't the only thing that has changed in Iraq over the last few years, the mission is evolving as well. Conley said unlike when the 2 Battlion, 162 Infantry was deployed to Iraq in 2003 current operations must be vetted by the government and the Iraqi security forces.
"That is actually a great thing, because it means that the Iraqi forces are coming into their own and we can get out," said Conley.
As the deployment, nears its close this spring, Hokanson reflects on the superb attitude his soldiers have maintained throughout.
"When I look back to Camp Roberts, Fort Stewart, and our time here in Iraq, our soliders are truly exceptional. I have used the term 'the spades are coming back' to reference the fact that all the hard work and sacrifices our soldiers have made over the past years are coming back to us...the pride here is knowing these soldiers will lead this organization for the next 10, 20 and in some cases the next 30 years, so we have a very bright future ahead of us," he said.
The brigade commander said he often receives compliments on the attitude and focus of Oregon National Guard soldiers.
"Here in Iraq I'm regularly complimented by general officers on the performance of our soldiers. We have always known our soldiers were exceptional, it is nice to see how others recognize that as well," he added.
A sentiment shared by Conley.
"I made three trips to Iraq and it is very clear that morale is high and that people are working as a team in a very professional manner," he said. "It can be attributed to leadership and the outstanding equipment and very good living conditions."
Conley said the soldiers are completing their assigned mission admirably and setting standards for others to follow.
"The leadership is keeping them engaged and focused and we expect better trained and experienced soldiers to return to Oregon."
The 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team will return to Oregon in May.