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Stryker Brigade to say farewell to Fairbanks

Jul-28-2005 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

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By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner

The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team will get an official send-off today from Army officials, families, friends and the public when the 3,800 soldiers assigned to the brigade gather today at the Fort Wainwright Army Post.

The ceremony marks the deployment of the brigade, comprised of 3,100 soldiers stationed at Fort Wainwright and 700 at Fort Richardson in Anchorage. Waves of troops from the brigade begin leaving for Iraq in early August. The 172nd is relieving the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division--another Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash., that has been serving in Iraq since September.

Brigade commander Col. Michael Shields said in an e-mail interview Wednesday that the brigade will conduct an array of combat operations, civil military operations and other stability and support operations. U.S. forces will work in conjunction with Iraqi troops much of the time. While he couldn't get specific, Shields said the brigade will conduct missions in both rural and urban areas located primarily in northern Iraq.

While the brigades' mission is complex, Shields said the soldiers are trained and honed for what they will face.


Comments For "Stryker Brigade to say farewell to Fairbanks":

As each of you leave for Iraq. Please Know we will keep you in Thoughts and Prayers , and will be 100% supportive of your deployment. Never Forget How very Special Each of You Are..Thank You for your great Sacrifices to Defend our Democracy and Protect Our Freedom. God Speed

Posted by: Deanna | July 28, 2005 2:12 PM

God bless brave soldiers .

Posted by: serurier | July 29, 2005 4:56 AM

For our son Shawn and all the members of the 172nd, please know that our hearts and prayers go with each and everyone of you. Thank you for not shedding the duty that you were called for.

We love you and hurry home

Posted by: saintsman1959 [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 14, 2005 7:34 PM

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