Photo By Sgt. David Hodge | Sgt. 1st Class Brian Frierson, day shift non-commissioned officer-in-charge at the...... read more read more
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By Sgt. David Hodge
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier recently assumed the role of interim first sergeant for the Falcon Detainee Holding Area Annex in southern Baghdad's Rashid district.
Sgt. 1st Class Brian Frierson, day shift non-commissioned officer-in-charge, takes his added responsibilities seriously and said he views his experience at Company I, 4th Support Battalion, as one of the best to date during his 21years of service in the military.
Managing Soldiers and detainee operations during this deployment adds another facet to his career, said Frierson, who is assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"It is always a privilege to lead Soldiers, regardless of the capacity it's in," explained Frierson, who calls Cleveland home. "Whether it is a first sergeant, platoon sergeant, squad leader – it should always be a privilege."
Before beginning work at India Co., Frierson had the opportunity to study many different learning materials regarding detainee operations.
In February 2008, the 1st "Raider" Brigade created Co. I "India," for the specific purpose of managing and housing detainees, stated Frierson, who has served in four combat deployments, including the Gulf War in 1991.
"This assignment was a learning experience for me," explained Frierson, a transportation specialist. "Prior to deployment, I was a platoon sergeant in Company A, 4th Supt. Bn."
Typically, when first sergeants return home on environmental leave, Soldiers refer to their temporary replacements as "acting" first sergeants, a term Frierson claimed sends a tingle down his spine.
"There is no position in the Army that Soldiers act in," Frierson stated. "Either Soldiers fill the position or they don't."
From the start of the deployment, he said, India Soldiers accomplished excellent work and have really gelled as a team.
Frierson is a hard worker who never finishes his day until the job is complete, said Sgt. Shavonna Gonzales, a combat medic assigned to Co. I, 4th Supt. Bn.
"Ever since the first sergeant went on leave, Sgt. 1st Class Frierson has stepped up to the position and made sure all Soldiers' issues are taken care of," stated Gonzales, who calls Gulf Shores, Ala., her home. "I think the company has run smoothly."
The Forward Operating Base Falcon DHAA will close its doors due to recent security gains and the transition of responsibility to the Rashid district's Iraqi security forces, explained Frierson, adding that India Co.'s Soldiers will transition back to their original company when their mission is complete.
Right now, Frierson and other leaders at India are working to ensure a smooth transition for the Soldiers. Upon redeployment to the States, he said he plans to retire from the military and pursue employment with a national emergency response agency.
| Date Taken: | 12.30.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.30.2008 00:19 |
| Story ID: | 28262 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 268 |
| Downloads: | 163 |
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