BISMARCK, N.D. — In recognition of "exceptionally meritorious service" while deployed to Iraq, the North Dakota Army National Guard's Engineer Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. All 45 Soldiers who mobilized with the unit are authorized to permanently wear the commendation ribbon.
The Engineer Brigade mobilized in March 2007 for a yearlong deployment. While in Iraq, unit
members served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division. The award recognizes the Division's units for being "able to draw on the diverse skills and abilities of the organization's military and civilian personnel in order (to) adapt to any mission, at any time, and at any location."
The orders for the award go on to state that "the unit was also instrumental in the development of the economy-strengthening initiatives and the implementation of vast improvements to essential health, education and human services. Additionally, the division heavily promoted reconstruction and rebuilding improvements to the transportation, communication, economic, health and social justice systems. The unit's dedication and willingness to undertake any mission made huge advances towards transitioning responsibility for the country's infrastructure to the Government of Iraq."
Under the leadership of Col. Dale Adams and Command Sgt. Maj. Orville Wang, the Engineer
Brigade participated in completing more than 180 construction projects intended to benefit U.S. and coalition forces and improve the quality of life for Iraqis. The projects were valued in excess of $440 million.
"This award recognizes the dedication of our Soldiers and the commitment they have to mission
accomplishment," Adams said. "Our North Dakota Soldiers served with great honor and distinction in 16 different locations throughout Iraq. Their efforts will positively impact Iraqi citizens and the service members that follow them for years to come."
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy.
The Iraq mobilization was the last mission for North Dakota's Engineer Brigade, which was
inactivated during a ceremony on Aug. 31, 2008. Its lineage transferred to North Dakota's 141st
Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Fargo.
| Date Taken: | 02.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.25.2009 20:05 |
| Story ID: | 30458 |
| Location: | BISMARCK, US |
| Web Views: | 806 |
| Downloads: | 713 |
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