Warhorse Brigade arrives in Iraq

Photo By Sgt. Rodney Foliente | Pfc. Lito Rodriquez, topographic analyst, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., carries an antenna as brigade Soldiers set up the Tactical Operation Center at Camp Echo Sept. 20, 2008. Rodriquez, who comes from Fontana, Calif., is on his first deployment to Iraq.  

DIWANIYAH, IRAQ

10.03.2008

Story by Sgt. Rodney Foliente 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Sgt. Rodney Foliente
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

CAMP ECHO, Iraq– Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division arrived at Multi-National Division – Central South and Camp Echo in the Qadisiyah province ready for their mission.
"The Warhorse Brigade will provide overwatch with assistance by, through and with the Iraqi security forces as they continue to secure the Iraqi population in this province," said Col. Butch Kievenaar, commander, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., which is based out of Fort Carson, Colo.

"We're ready to do our mission and help the Iraqi people take over and get their country back on its feet," said Sgt. David Barnes, armorer and gunner, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment

The Soldiers of 2-8th Inf. Regt. hold the main responsibility for coalition forces' presence in this province.

Barnes, who calls Colorado Springs, Colo., home, is on his second deployment with 2-8th Inf. Regt., and patrolled some of the areas that currently fall under the Warhorse area of operations in 2005-2006. He said it's a completely different mission than the last deployment and is eager to personally see how far security and stability have progressed.

"We're here to help the Iraqi people to better their local communities and country as a whole and help ensure they have a better way of life," added Spc. Josh Dalland, scout, HHC, 2-8th Inf. Regt., and a native of Grand Island, Neb.

They have great confidence in their leadership, the Iraqi people, the ISF and collective coalition capabilities, said Pfc. Brett Humbert, driver and gunner, Company E, 2-8th Inf. Regt.

"I'm ready. We're all ready to do our mission and get things accomplished," said Humbert, who comes from Deer Trail, Colo.

The Warhorse Brigade's 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 67th Armor Bn., will be operating in northern Iraq, and the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, will operate in eastern Iraq.

The battalion and squadron will each fall under different units; however, the Warhorse Brigade will continue to provide all of their support and logistics.

• Date Taken: 10.03.2008
• Date Posted: 10.03.2008 04:19
• Story ID: 24457
• Location: DIWANIYAH, IQ