Photo By Sgt. Natalie Loucks | Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, Minn., commander, 1-15th Infantry Regiment, and...... read more read more
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – It was a bittersweet day for Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, as the unit bid farewell to Capt. LeShawn Langford, from Huntsville, Ala., Nov. 6.
"I have dreaded this day ever since I took command," Langford said. "Even before I took the guidon of this stellar company, I was no stranger to the accomplishments and abilities of these amazing Soldiers and leaders."
Langford relinquished command of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-15th Inf. Regt. Nov. 3 at Combat Outpost Cleary. Langford turned the company over to Capt. Arthur L. McGrue III, from Sea Side, Calif., former commander of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-15th Inf. Regt. began their journey under the command of Langford near the end of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division's deployment to Iraq in 2005. He led the unit through its redeployment, as well as vigorous training in preparation for the 3rd HBCT's support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V.
The brigade has been in Iraq for seven months and Langford said he could not be prouder of the HHC's accomplishments.
"Regardless of the task set before you, you have accomplished it with ease," he told company Soldiers and leaders. "We have learned invaluable lessons and gained a wealth of experience in our respective tasks."
Langford's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Kosovo NATO medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, and Airborne Parachutist Badge.
McGrue, the incoming commander, also served with the 3rd HBCT during the unit's deployment in support of OIF III in 2005. He was the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment's assistant operations officer before being reassigned as the commander of the battalion's Company A.
The 1-30th Inf. Regt. was deactivated shortly after the unit's redeployment from Iraq and then reactivated as 3-1st Cav. Regt.; McGrue continued as company commander.
McGrue relinquished his duties as the Troop A, 3-1st Cav. Regt. commander in July at Patrol Base Assassin.
McGrue's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Kosovo NATO Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Southwest Asia Kuwait Liberation Medal, Airborne Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and Ranger Tab.
After the ceremony, Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, from Prince George's County Md., commander, 3rd HBCT, and Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, Minn., commander, 1-15th Inf. Regt. promoted Langford to the rank of major.
Before he left, Langford inspired and encouraged Soldiers and leaders of Headquarters Company, 1-15th Inf. Regt.
"I implore you to maintain the vigilance and adherence to high standards of discipline and conduct that have gotten us this far," he said. "Do not let your guard down as we near the time to transition. Do not allow yourself to become jaded with the enemy, the local populace or with your mission. You are truly our nation's most valuable commodity."
The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March.
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 11.06.2007 14:37 |
| Story ID: | 13688 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 804 |
| Downloads: | 494 |
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