Blackhawks rewarded for accomplishments in OIF

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | Blackhawk Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments during Operation Iraqi Freedom by distinguished guests Lt. Col. Brian J. McHugh, Blackhawk commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Stanley Varner, Blackhawk command sergeant major, during an award ceremony on Forward Operating Base Warrior, April 2.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, IRAQ

04.05.2010

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq -- During an award ceremony, on Forward Operating Base Warrior, April 2, Blackhawk Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Distinguished guests of this event included Col. Larry Swift, Ready First Combat Team commander, Lt. Col. Brian J. McHugh, the Blackhawk commander, Command Sgt. Maj. James Daniels, Ready First Combat Team command sergeant major and Command Sgt. Maj. Stanley Varner, the Blackhawk command sergeant major.

During the ceremony 1st Lt. Matthew Mitchell, a Richmond, Va. Native and a platoon leader with Alpha Troop, was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during combat operations, Dec. 28, 2009.

Twelve of his Soldiers in Alpha Troop were also awarded with a Combat Action Badge for their actions Dec. 28, 2009 when they were engaged by the enemy.

For outstanding meritorious achievements two Blackhawk Soldiers were awarded the Army Commendation Medal

Also, 79 Soldiers were awarded the Army Achievement Medal for outstanding military accomplishments.

Following the ceremony McHugh spoke to his Blackhawks about how proud he is of them for all of their accomplishment, since arriving in November and even gave them a day off to relax and enjoy the FOB Warrior football tournament on Sunday.

"It is very important while you are here to get some rest and enjoy yourselves sometimes," said McHugh. "So I do not want to see anyone at work from 11 p.m., Saturday to 6 a.m. on Monday, go enjoy the game Blackhawks."

Receiving the Combat Action Badge: 1st Lt. Matthew Mitchell, Sgt. 1st Class Sean Schnick, Cpl. Jason Mireles, Spc. Steven Shaw, Cpl. Joseph Scrafani, Spc. Derek Adcock, Spc. Eder Andrade, Spc. Elias Kayat, Spc. Patrick Belcher, Cpl. Gregory Mayer, Spc. David Lee, Spc. Joshua Bebbino, Spc. Seth Naranjo and Pfc. Juan Rivera.

Receiving the Army Commendation Medal: Spc. Glenn Meyer and Spc. Tyler Furlich.

• Date Taken: 04.05.2010
• Date Posted: 04.05.2010 05:31
• Story ID: 47692
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, IQ