CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — More than 100 Soldiers from the headquarters- headquarters detachment, 93D Military Police Battalion participated in an end of tour awards ceremony for the soon departing MP unit at the 1st Cavalry Division Chapel, Dec. 23.
The Fort Bliss, Texas, based unit deployed early February in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the original mission of Police Transition Training or PTT.
Sgt. 1st Class Josephine Thomas, 93D MP Battalion supply non-commissioned officer, narrated the hour-long ceremony. Thomas introduced Capt. Michael Ferguson, 93D MP Battalion chaplain, who gave the event's invocation.
The next Soldier to speak was the headquarters - headquarters detachment commander Capt. Daniel Gonzales, who, after a short speech, passed the podium to the 93D MP Battalion commander.
Lt. Col. Thomas H. Byrd, the 93D MP Battalion commander, highlighted the accomplishments and successes of the 93D, and the subordinate commands.
But before the commander elaborated, he said "It's imperative to pause for a moment at realize the legacy of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, those who couldn't be with us today. In honor of their legacy I'd like a moment of silence."
After the moment of silence Byrd continued with, "Over 1700 Soldiers and Airmen thrived under the blanket of support that we provided, enabling their execution of over 8540 mission in the past 11 months,"
"The 93D maintained a Police Transition Team while assuming the mission to provide command and control over the International Zone, "said Byrd.
While located in the International Zone, the unit operated two tactical operations centers or TOCs, and it was responsible for the security of the International Zone.
97 awards were awarded during the ceremony, which breakdown to 33 Bronze Star Medals, 64 Army Commendation Medal and one Army Achievement Medal.
Truvy, the 93D Therapy Dog, was awarded with an honorary AAM.
The 93D MP Battalion deployments include Korea, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 93d MP Battalion transferred its authority to the 336th MP Battalion, an Army Reserve unit from Pittsburgh, Pa., during a ceremony held in the International Zone, Nov. 25.
The 93D MP Battalion will redeploy in Jan. 2010.
Date Taken: | 12.23.2009 |
Date Posted: | 12.29.2009 02:25 |
Story ID: | 43221 |
Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
Web Views: | 633 |
Downloads: | 280 |
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