Stories from Iraq (Oct. '06 - Nov. '07) - 3rd BCT Assumes Command of Diyala Province
Posted: Friday, April 24, 2009
by Ryan Stroud
BAQUBAH, Iraq (Nov. 3, 2006) -- The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, officially assumed operational responsibility for Iraq's Diyala province from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during a Mission Assumption Day Ceremony at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 3.
The ceremony was to formally end the year-long mission for the Soldiers and leaders of the 3rd "Striker" HBCT, 4th ID and officially begin the "Grey Wolf" Brigade's journey in Iraq.
Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, commander of the 25th "Tropic Lightning" Infantry Division; Col. Brian D. Jones, commander of the 3rd HBCT, 4th ID; and Col. David Sutherland, commander of the 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div.; all spoke at the ceremony -- speaking about future plans and goals while wishing the Striker troops a safe trip home.
"Today marks the end to what has been a successful year," said Mixon. "It is an honor to stand before [the Striker Brigade] in what is a momentous occasion for all of you."
"[Striker] was responsible for nearly 30,000 square miles [of land], conducted more than 17,000 combat patrols, and discovered more than 300 caches," Mixon added.
"On these missions [Striker] helped detain over 1,300 terrorists and insurgents – people who's only goal was to do harm to [the Soldiers] and the peace-loving people of Iraq," he said.
Mixon, welcoming the Grey Wolf Soldiers to the "Tropic Lightning Team," encouraged the Soldiers of Grey Wolf to continue the "great work" and success of the Striker Brigade.
After Mixon's speech, Jones reflected on the past year and also welcomed the 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. to the province.
"This day represents a big day for Coalition Forces in Diyala," said Jones. "Today, 'Grey Wolf' officially assumes responsibility from the 'Striker' Brigade for assisting the citizens and the Iraqi Security Forces of Diyala."
"Although this marks the end of our time here, it will not end Coalition Forces efforts to help Diyala," added Jones. "Through the efforts of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi police, and the Soldiers of the Grey Wolf Brigade, the hard work to provide security and increased services for the people of Diyala will continue."
After thanking many members of the community for their help and assistance throughout his unit's tour, Jones then had a special thank you for the Soldiers he leads.
"The group I would like to thank the most is the leaders, Soldiers and families of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division," said Jones.
"Diyala presents many challenges, and the Strikers have performed magnificently," he added. "I am confident that the Grey Wolves will do like wise, and I wish [Col.] David Sutherland, his leaders and Soldiers the best of luck as they face the difficult, but rewarding task of bringing security and stability to Diyala."
In closing, Sutherland thanked the 4th ID Soldiers for their successes and their assistance with transition.
"I would like to thank the Striker Brigade Combat Team for their outstanding support they have provided the people of Diyala this past year and the assistance with transition operations these past weeks," said Sutherland. "My team looks forward to building upon the Striker's success."
Sutherland also stressed the importance of the relationship between his Soldiers and the citizens of Diyala.
"Relationships and cooperation from the Iraqi people, not bullets, will ultimately defeat the enemy in the end," he said.
"It is important to work with our friends, and bring those that oppose the people of Iraq and Diyala to justice," Sutherland said.
Sutherland, as he finished his speech, informed the citizens of Diyala of the strengths his Soldiers possess and spoke confidently about the coming year the Grey Wolf Brigade will face.
"As I said on numerous occasions, I see greatness in our formations," he said. "I see greatness in our leaders. It is this greatness that will carry us through the tough tasks that lie ahead."
Ryan Stroud is a military trained journalist who has served in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, US Army. Prior to his military experiences, Stroud grew up playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer. Also, Stroud focused many years of his life playing, touring, and recording/producing local music acts. He has a wonderful wife of 4 years, a 2 year old son and a newborn daughter.
Stroud's biggest writing influences are Jim Butcher, Chuck Palahniuk, Edward Lee, Jack Ketchum, Christopher Moore and Ben Fox.
He currently resides in Huntsville, Al, with the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Redstone Arsenal.
Stroud would also like to take a moment to thank his friends who are currently in battle over in Iraq. God bless all of you.
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