By Capt. Paul A. Brown
1st Sustainment Brigade
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - The 168th Brigade Support Battalion continues its mission in the pursuit of excellence while deployed to Iraq. The battalion was recognized by 4th Infantry Division, Aug. 22, 2008, as the "Top Battalion" for three consecutive quarters by continuing to exceed all mission requirements of keeping Soldiers in boots. This is the second time in 12 months that the 168th BSB, from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was recognized by the 4th Infantry Division as the "Top Battalion" among all its battalions in Baghdad.
Sgt. 1st Class Yajaira Epps, a Bronx, N.Y., native, and career counselor for the battalion, lead the charge for reenlistment in the battalion. Epps has, with the help of her team, accomplished an unprecedented feat while deployed in support of combat operations in Baghdad. To date, the battalion has exceeded all its mission requirements in initial reenlistments (168%), mid-term (147%) and careerist (217%). Also significant is the staggering 123% mission accomplishments on a special category know as Fiscal Year 2008 (those Soldiers who would leave the Army upon redeployment and after the end of the re-integration).
Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, a Pittsburg native, and the Deputy Commanding General (Support) for the 4th Infantry Division, had this to say about the "Make It Happen" battalion as he presented the award to Epps and Lt. Col. Todd Heussner (a Fort Myers, Fla., native and Battalion Commander for the 168th), "After spending time with your Soldiers, it is clear to me why the battalion is having all this success. This battalion has great leaders, leaders that each and every Soldier in the battalion wants to emulate."
"It's a great day to be a Soldier and I am proud of my team and all we have accomplished. There have been a lot of long days, but the outcome of seeing a Soldier reenlist is well worth the sacrifices," said Epps after receiving the award. As the 168th BSB prepares to leave Iraq in the next few weeks to return home, Epps and her team will continue to work hard to support all of the battalions' Soldiers by keeping them in boots.
Date Taken: | 09.02.2008 |
Date Posted: | 09.02.2008 09:36 |
Story ID: | 23117 |
Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
Web Views: | 187 |
Downloads: | 62 |
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