In Fairbanks, more than 4,000 soldiers with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th infantry division were honored Thursday.Video and still photos after the jump.
It was standing room only at the redeployment ceremony at the Carlson Center to welcome home the men and women who spent the past 12 months in Iraq.
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"Standing before you and throughout this arena are the combat-tested warriors of the Arctic Wolves, the best Stryker brigade combat team in the United States Army, and the finest soldiers our Army has ever seen," said Col. Burt Thompson, the Brigade's commander.
The soldiers were recognized for their bravery and commitment to helping Operation Iraqi Freedom, but today's ceremony was also meant to honor those wounded in battle and those who lost their lives.
It also served to say "thank you" to everyone who helps support the brigade.
"To Sarah Palin who for the last year was the senior mom of the brigade," said Thompson.
Former Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, were recognized as distinguished members of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which their son, Track, is part of.
"Ma'am, thanks for being here today and for allowing your son to serve in our brigade," Thompson said.
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Soldiers said when they left Iraq, it was more stable than when they got there a year ago. Col. Thompson summed up the past year in two words: mission accomplished.
- JP
A bittersweet day, to be sure. Many boys were lost or injured, many came home. I am so glad Sarah and family were there for all of the Stryker Brigade troops.
ReplyDeleteLeaving politics out of it, those young people deserve heartfelt thanks from all of us!
Contrast the ease Gov. Palin has mixing with the military crowd, with 0bama's disdain for the military, including his own handpicked general.
ReplyDelete