Ironhorse Troopers Depart Fort Hood for Iraq

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp | Col. Paul E. Funk II, commander, 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division greeted his Troopers Oct. 27 as they boarded a bus on the first leg of their deployment to Iraq. After nearly 20-hours of flying time, the Soldiers landed in Kuwait where they will perform training prior to starting their mission in Iraq.  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

11.06.2006

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By Sgt. Jon Cupp
1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
1st Cavalry Division

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers of the 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division departed Fort Hood last week for their year long mission to Iraq.

Over the past few weeks, nearly 4,000 Ironhorse Brigade troopers have left for Iraq. Many of the Soldiers said leaving family behind will be hard, but they look forward to getting the mission started.

"This time will be a little harder for me than last time," said Sgt. Michael Blette, a native of El Paso, Texas and a metal worker with Forward Support Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. "Last time, I was single and now I have a wife and a two-week old baby."

Blette will spend his time in Iraq doing construction work and welding.

"At the same time, though, I look forward to making more money," added Blette. "And when you're working hard, the faster the year goes by and the next thing you know, you're back home again."

For Pfc. Curtis Dickens the mission marks his first time in Iraq. As an automated logistics specialist, he will be tasked with keeping track of vehicles in the area operations and finding out if vehicles are mission capable or need to be repaired.

"I'm seeing this as an opportunity to make more friends and to learn a lot about the people over there," said Dickens, a native of Glocester, Miss. who has only been in the Army for 16 months.

Lt. Col. Scott Efflandt, battalion commander for the 2nd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. "Stallions" said that he hopes his Soldiers gain a wealth of experience during their upcoming mission which he said involves working together professionally with the Iraqis to provide them with a safe, stable and secure environment.

"One thing I want them to take away from all this is knowing that they can make a difference (for the Iraqis)," said Efflandt. "The task they are performing is measured in inches and each inch makes a difference."

"I'm confident that in the Stallions' area of operation, we will improve the quality of life of the Iraqis," he added.

Prior to seeing his nephew leave on a bus, Kurtis Dalby, a Vietnam veteran, said there is one-piece advice he would give to any Soldier leaving for Iraq.

"Keep focused, and try to look at in a positive light," said Dalby. "Remember to lean on your brothers and sisters in arms—they always have your back."

Before finally hitting the sands of Iraq, the brigade's troopers will spend some time training in Kuwait.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2006
• Date Posted: 11.17.2006 11:30
• Story ID: 8297
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW