Although we’re winding down this mission it doesn’t mean we’re running out of things to do. This was just the first of several big missions we’ll be attending to over the next few months. That means we have more soldiers to train for their upcoming redeployments. Our first order of business today was to hold a training class for another brigade that’s headquartered here at Camp Liberty. The class was originally supposed to be in a small classroom adjacent to a battalion orderly room. When I walked in the place was beyond capacity. Everyone was watching the final minutes of the Monday night game between the 49ers and Cardinals. It turned out that a lot more people showed up than expected. The classroom wasn’t suitable so a scouting mission went out to find a bigger place. In the meantime, we watched the rest of the game. A little while later we moved to a small chapel for the classes. When I started the first class I told everyone in attendance that periodically they could give me either a “HOOAH!” or an “AMEN” – both would be appropriate.
Our classes ran until about noon. After shaking hands with everyone my team moved out to the DFAC. We ate fast because there was another appointment. This was an awards ceremony. The brigade we just wrapped up with held a ceremony to present us with certificates of appreciation and brigade coins. It was an informal event so there was no formation. Basically, the brigade XO met with us, thanked us for all our hard work, and made the presentations. The certificates include a print of a James Dietz painting that specifically honors the “Striker Brigade” for their service in Iraq.
Immediately after the presentation we drove to a battalion motor pool to finish a HAZMAT inspection on a container. This inspection represented the last task of the mission. Once we finished we were done. Now we’re just awaiting transportation back to Balad.
I gave everyone the rest of the day off. About the time we got back to our hooches we had to wait out a concentrated mortar barrage. Nothing came close to us but it did shake the earth pretty well. I don’t know what everyone else did but I took a short nap. You know what’s next – gym, DFAC, and chill for the night. It may just be the last night in Camp Liberty for a few weeks. My team definitely needs a few days of recovery. We’ve kicked ass the past few weeks. I’m proud of everyone.
Ok, enough gushing…. I’m still very proud of the team. Six years ago today our lives changed forever. We've all answered the call with flying colors.
Our classes ran until about noon. After shaking hands with everyone my team moved out to the DFAC. We ate fast because there was another appointment. This was an awards ceremony. The brigade we just wrapped up with held a ceremony to present us with certificates of appreciation and brigade coins. It was an informal event so there was no formation. Basically, the brigade XO met with us, thanked us for all our hard work, and made the presentations. The certificates include a print of a James Dietz painting that specifically honors the “Striker Brigade” for their service in Iraq.
Immediately after the presentation we drove to a battalion motor pool to finish a HAZMAT inspection on a container. This inspection represented the last task of the mission. Once we finished we were done. Now we’re just awaiting transportation back to Balad.
I gave everyone the rest of the day off. About the time we got back to our hooches we had to wait out a concentrated mortar barrage. Nothing came close to us but it did shake the earth pretty well. I don’t know what everyone else did but I took a short nap. You know what’s next – gym, DFAC, and chill for the night. It may just be the last night in Camp Liberty for a few weeks. My team definitely needs a few days of recovery. We’ve kicked ass the past few weeks. I’m proud of everyone.
Ok, enough gushing…. I’m still very proud of the team. Six years ago today our lives changed forever. We've all answered the call with flying colors.
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