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V CORPS' 54TH ENGINEER BATTALION GATHERS TO HONOR ITS IRAQI FREEDOM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

V Corps Release

Release Date: 12/22/2003

By Jayme Loppnow 130th Engineer Brigade Public Affairs Office

HANAU, Germany -- After a deployment in Iraq of almost a year, the Soldiers of V Corps' 54th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, returned home recently, and gathered to honor their unit and individual accomplishments during Operation Iraqi Freedom at a ceremony at Warner Barracks in Bamberg, Germany Dec. 18.

Lt. Col. Ed Jackson, the battalion commander, opened the ceremony expressing his gratitude to the Soldiers and family members of the 54th Engineer Battalion.

"To me, everyone here today is a special hero," said Jackson. "You've all sacrificed in some way, whether it was on the front lines or whether you were back home supporting the troops on the front lines. I thank you all and I admire you because we all have given something. Just the other day when the news broke of Saddam Hussein's capture, it was a vindication of all that we went to fight for. This is the blood, sweat and tears that we sacrificed."

Throughout the ceremony, Soldiers read personal accounts of ambushes, missile attacks and battles, and testified to the heroism for which many of the units soldiers were recognized. Soldiers recounted the battalion's history and deployment highlights, from initially breaching the berm to the attack into Iraq and actions at Objectives Chatham, Floyd and Peach and An Najef. High-visibility missions such as Task Force Rocketeer and Task Force Right of Way were among the many operations highlighted during stability and support operations.

"The Soldiers and leaders of the 54th Engineer Battalion executed tasks covering the entire spectrum of engineer operations in OIF, including combat, construction and topographic engineering," said Jackson in his comments to the battalion. "The flexibility they gave six separate division-level maneuver commanders assisted in ensuring mobility in both high-intensity and in stability and support operations. The ability to make it happen and accomplish a myriad of tasks made the 54th Engineer Battalion a combat multiplier and a true multi-functional engineer battalion. It was a job well done by all."

New babies were introduced and given their official orders into the 54th family, and Family Readiness Group leaders were recognized for their contributions to the unit in making sure things ran smoothly back on the home front.

"We especially appreciate the hard work and dedication of the FRG who took care of our families that were left behind," said Capt. William Brown. "Why is it that we always say that we would not be successful without you? It is because instead of worrying about home, we can concentrate on the mission, knowing that when life's little -- or sometimes big -- emergencies happen, the FRG will be there to take care of our families since we can not. For the last 10 months, that's exactly what you did. Thank you."

Brown cited many examples of ways the FRG went above and beyond in caring for others by organizing rides for those going home on emergency leave; sending care packages for single soldiers; distributing information to FRG members and unit families Stateside; quelling rumors; fund raising; organizing child care; helping new mothers and organizing social activities. Prior to the battalion's return they kept busy decorating the post, battalion headquarters, barracks and also putting together welcome bags and snacks for the single soldiers.

The rear detachment was also recognized for their efforts in keeping things running while the unit was away.

"They were successful in ensuring the Soldiers, families and command of the 54th Engineer Battalion were successful in all operations here in Germany while the battalion was deployed to Iraq," said 1st Sgt. Mark Haire. "I would like to thank the rear detachment for ensuring that Soldiers had someone they could count on when they returned to Europe from Iraq, for picking them up at the airport and taking care of their personal needs. I thank you for also taking care of our families."

The unit also recognized military and civilian members of the 279th Base Support Battalion for their support.

"This ceremony has truly been about what the 54th Engineer Battalion experienced during Operation Iraqi Freedom," said battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Defenbaugh. "From the tip of the spear during the invasion of Iraq and the race to Baghdad, to stability and support operations after the ceasing of hostilities in May, we provided vital engineer support to 3rd Infantry Division, the 101st Air Assault Division, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, 1st Armored Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Infantry Division and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. The Soldiers in this battalion have done it all and they've done it extremely well, but most importantly, we've done it as a team, and of that I am the most proud."

For their efforts during the deployment, the following Soldiers received medals:

Purple Heart Medal: Spc. Mary Burral and Spc. David Schwedler.

Bronze Star Medal for Valor: Sgt. James Helegda and Sgt. 1st Class Fredie Hill.

Army Commendation Medal for Valor: Sgt. Jean Avenia, Spc. Akram Bouras, Sgt. Charles Brown, Pfc. Dewayne Camacho, Pfc. Eric Creviston, Sgt. Marlon Crooks, Pfc. David Douthit, Spc. Alex Downs, Spc. Juan Elias, Spc. Omar Flores, Sgt. James Garrett, Spc. Jeremy, Pfc. Azur Hamidovic, Spc. John Harris, Spc. Kyle Hausam, Sgt. Anthony Hopwood, Pfc. Norman Inch, Sgt. James Johnson, Pfc. Cortnei Langhorne, Pfc. Carl Larsen, Sgt. Randolph Lewallen, Staff Sgt. Darick Majka, Pfc. Samual Maroney, Staff Sgt. Lee Martin, Sgt. Billy Ray, Spc. Benjamin Ricard, Staff Sgt. Mark Rieke, Sgt. Rodriguez, Spc. Bradley Rudden, Spc. David Schwedler, Spc. James Shelley, Sgt. Scott Smith, Staff Sgt. Steve Smith, Spc. Joo-Hwan Song, Spc. Daniel Stabek, Sgt. Dustin Thomas and Lt. Col. Ed Jackson.

Several FRG members were also presented Commander's Awards for Public Service. They are: Lynne Jackson, Bobby Buxbaum, Sue Kaiser, Brenda Swartz, Lonnie Leatherbery, Dotty Phipps, Crystal Fink, Tara McGlensey, Simone Hoover, Susan Harrison.

Several FRG members received Certificates of Appreciation. They are: Megan Ross, Cindy Bowman, Sabine Mann, Bonnie Brown, Alanna Gerard, Gabi Smith, and Angie Kitchens.