Stryker Soldiers rise to challenge

12.11.2006

Story by Spc. Deborah Ledesma 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Debrah A. Robertson
Desert Voice Staff Writer
40th Public Affairs Detachment

Kuwait – When the Soldiers of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team were told they could not go home after 12 months, despite all their hard work and dedication in Mosul, Iraq, they were disappointed.

"It's disheartening at first. Everyone was looking forward to going home, especially [our] families," said 2nd Lt. Jason Blair, ordnance officer with Forward Maintenance Co., 172nd SBCT.

Then, after a few pep talks from their leaders, the Soldiers were able to pull together and perform as well in Baghdad as they did in Mosul, said Master Sgt. Charles Aguon, a maintenance advisor with the 172nd SBCT.

"We were down but our commander came in and talked to us. He said we had a job to do down there," said Private 1st Class Daniel Kane, a military intelligence specialist with the 572nd Military Intelligence Company, 172nd SBCT.

"I'm happy to be a part of the 172nd. I'm proud to wear this patch on my arm," he said. "Knowing Gen. Casey wants to see our product is a good feeling."

"We were needed in Baghdad. We didn't know the physical area, but we knew how to handle ourselves," said Blair.

"After about a week and the battalion commander talking to us, everything was cool," said Spc. Joshua Young, a supply specialist with the 172nd SBCT. "They can't throw much more at us."

Chosen because of their expertise in the full spectrum of counter-insurgency operations, the brigade was called to reinforce the effort in Baghdad until another unit was ready to take their places.

"It feels good," said Young, on knowing they were chosen to stay because of their expertise. "We went there and did our best."

"We got a job to do," said Spc. Harry Drum, a rifleman in 172nd SBCT. "We'll finish it and go home."

• Date Taken: 12.11.2006
• Date Posted: 12.11.2006 14:26
• Story ID: 8540