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V CORPS OFFICIALLY WELCOMES ITS HEADQUARTERS BATTALION HOME FROM OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

V Corps Release

Release Date: 3/12/2004

By Spc. Kristopher Joseph V Corps Public Affairs Office

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Families, friends and colleagues gathered in the Casablanca Room on Campbell Barracks here March 12 to celebrate the official return of V Corps' Special Troops Battalion from its yearlong deployment in Southwest Asia.

After the battalion's colors were uncased, symbolizing the unit's return, Lt. Col. Pete Munster, who served as STB's rear detachment commander during the deployment period, passed the reins of command back to Lt. Col. Hank Dodge, who deployed with his Soldiers for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following the transfer of the battalion colors, V Corps' Chief of Staff and Rear (Provisional) Commander, Brig. Gen. Daniel Keefe, spoke about the dedication of the STB's soldiers and families during the deployment.

"You demonstrated selfless service, courage in facing the unknown, an unwavering commitment to the nation and to each other, and a spirit that made the whole world take notice," said Keefe.

Keefe went on to say that the soldiers, civilians and family readiness groups of the rear detachment groups performed a role just as important as anyone who deployed.

"We are the best Army the world has ever seen," the general said, "and at the heart of that strength are our people that make up the community we call V Corps. Thank you for who you are and what you did - most outside the Army family will never know the extent of the sacrifice and service to the nation that you undertook in this past year, but we know it and you know it - and it made all the difference," he said.

Munster echoed those sentiments in his own remarks.

"Most people far too often recognize the efforts of the military and those in uniform.I can tell you, the foundation of this Special Troops Battalion was the family network," he said.

During its deployment, STB operated as the backbone for V Corps and Combined Joint Task Force 7 from Camp Victory in Baghdad to provide a wide range of command, control and support for the day-to-day operations of tens of thousands of active and reserve American troops and members of other U.S. and allied services.

"I cannot begin to tell you how enormously proud I am of each and every Soldier," said Dodge. "Soldiers who were asked to perform miracles.again and again.Soldiers who never complained and consistently rose to every challenge."

During the ceremony awards were also presented to recognize organizations and individuals who greatly contributed to the success of the STB during the deployment.