Photo By Staff Sgt. Jody Metzger | Sgt. Steven Gilbert, a native of Kansas City, Mo., who plays the tuba with the 25th...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Jody Metzger
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – A large group of 4th Infantry Division Soldiers heard the 4th Inf. Div. March for the last time in Baghdad this deployment as they bade their goodbyes in an early-morning redeployment ceremony held on Camp Liberty, Feb. 3.
The musicians playing the 4th Inf. Div. March came from the talented 25th Inf. Div. Band, which is standing in for the 4th Inf. Div. Band that already left for home a few weeks ago to be able to play for the Soldiers of the Ironhorse Division as they arrive home following a 15-month deployment.
There was an excitement in the early-morning air as a large group of Ironhorse Soldiers, in full battle gear, jostled and talked among themselves in a wave of excitement, breaking the early morning calm with a chatter of joy and anticipation.
To capitalize on the joyous occasion, members of the 25th Inf. Div. Band serenaded the happy crowd with lively tunes to keep the troops entertained.
Staff Sgt. Victor Vinziant, a native of Birmingham, Ala., who serves in the analysis control element, intelligence section, 4th Inf. Div., Multi-National Division – Baghdad, was among the many Soldiers going home. Like many standing in the cool air, Vinziant could not believe that, after a 15-month deployment, he was going home. He said that he wouldn't believe it until he gets to the United States. Only then will it become a reality.
Listening to the band play the 4th Inf. Div. March, Vinziant reminisced and felt honored by the 25th Inf. Div. Band playing for them.
"It's pretty patriotic to have something that shows where your pride lies," said Vinziant.
The Soldiers of the 25th Inf. Div. Band were honored to play the event as their patriot brothers and sisters loaded their gear and climbed onto the bus to begin the long trip home.
"All we need is our music and our horns," remarked Sgt. Steven Gilbert, a native of Kansas City, Mo., who serves as a tuba player in the band. "It is easy for the five of us to get around because we are a small group and we carry light."
The 25th Inf. Div. Band started doing these farewells for their brothers and sisters in arms of the 4th Inf. Div. in January. In total, they will be performing for seven redeployment ceremonies.
"Every time we play one, someone speaks, whether it is the battalion command sergeant major, general or a company commander – we all listen to what they say. Even though we are playing for other people that are leaving and we still have another nine months to go, their words stick with us," said Gilbert.
Along with his five band members, Gilbert felt that it's important to share with the departing group what their service meant to their country. They share this with them by playing the 4th Inf. Div. March along with many other happy tunes in tribute.
Gilbert said his favorite part of being a part of the band is when he is able to come together with other musicians and do something good for the Soldiers or their Families.
"I am not a 4th [Inf. Div.] Soldier, said Gilbert, "but I am a 25th [Inf. Div.]Soldier, so it would be the same as our song. It's your steadfast fight song. It is suppose to have the message that your division believes in, so hopefully that reminds you that you have been here a year and longer, and you did what you were supposed to do and you accomplished the mission.
"So good job, well done, and now it's time to go back home."
Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., commanding general of 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B, asked the Soldiers to gather around him for the last time in Baghdad. He reminisced about the many Soldiers who would never be able to go home to their families – 94 Soldiers who will never see their loved ones. His advice to the Ironhorse Soldiers as they departed Baghdad was to enjoy every minute of life.
"Love a little bit. Life is precious, and you've earned it. So, let's go home," said Hammond.
Hammond personally thanked each and every Ironhorse Soldier by shaking their hands in a final salute before they boarded the buses headed for the airfield.
| Date Taken: | 02.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2009 15:36 |
| Story ID: | 29613 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 368 |
| Downloads: | 343 |
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