Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan | Veteran Soldiers from 2/162 Infantry Regiment prepare for Iraq at Camp Buehring,...... read more read more
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CAMP BEUHRING, Kuwait - When the 2nd Battalion, 162 Infantry Regiment, based out of Springfield, Ore., was deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005, it saw some of the heaviest fighting of the war in an area called the "Sunni Triangle." They earned recognition for rebuilding the ancient marketplace in downtown Baghdad, as well as constructing roads, rebuilding mosques, repairing sewer and power lines, and establishing schools in the Iraqi communities they served. They were instrumental in the security effort during the first free elections in Iraq in 35 years. A book called "The Devil's Sandbox," by John R. Bruning, documented the bravery and sacrifice of these Oregon Soldiers.
This year, 2/162 will be called Task Force Volunteer, as part of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, when they deploy to Iraq to help wind down the war.
Soldiers from the first deployment will play a key role in helping the brigade accomplish its security and force protection mission. A standard of excellence that is carried by the veterans is being passed to the new Soldiers of 2/162 as they prepare for their deployment.
The commander of Task Force Volunteer, Lt. Col. Bill Edwards, was the battalion operations officer in charge of all the plans during their first historic deployment. Edwards knows Volunteer's past experience well and says it will help lead the task force to success once again. "Every Soldier's experience is different and everyone contributes in a different way... [A]lmost 30 percent of the Soldiers who deployed with us in 2004-05, are leaders now. [W]e are taking the expertise from those junior and senior non-commissioned officers to help the younger Soldiers who have not been deployed," explained Edwards.
Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Warnock said that their first deployment, and the example set by those who were on it, is an important part of getting new Soldiers ready before entering Iraq. "For new Soldiers, the task may look huge, but when you get on the ground it just becomes day to day business. If you're a Soldier dedicated to serving the United States, there's no issue you can throw at them that can stop them from completing the mission."
"There is a lot of experience in our group—if I have a question about anything—I can go to any one of many ... [T]here's a wealth of knowledge, and I just try to draw from that knowledge," mentioned Pfc. Josh Anderson, a chaplains assistant with the 2/162.
Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bjerklund, who joined the 2/162 half way through their first deployment, said that from the moment he joined them he had the impression that they were highly trained Soldiers with no differences, no barriers and no clicks.
"So far, we have used a lot of the same methods in training that we used in country to keep each other safe, and they are still effective. The lower enlisted won't have to stub their toes to learn what we did," said Bjerkland.
The new Soldiers from Task Force Volunteer don't have to look far for guidance. "We get the best training from the guys who wear our patch on their shoulder and it gives us confidence," said Pfc. Tim Harlow.
Thanks to the experienced Soldiers from 2/162, who join many other Oregon National Guard Soldiers that have served on deployments, the Volunteers will add another chapter to their legacy this year with their return to Iraq. They know this year's deployment will be much different than their first one, and that it is impossible to know exactly what to expect. But their experience and knowledge proves that the new members of 2/162 will be molded by some of the finest Soldiers the Army has to offer.
| Date Taken: | 07.13.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2009 09:30 |
| Story ID: | 36301 |
| Location: | CAMP BUEHRING, KW |
| Web Views: | 432 |
| Downloads: | 288 |
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