Stryker Brigade News

Battalion commander Lt. Col. John Norris and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Zavodsky carefully rolled the unit’s colors and slipped them into an Army green canvas case. The Tomahawk’s guidon, along with its 73 battle and campaign streamers, will be uncased again when the unit reaches Iraq.

The CG spoke directly to the assembled Soldiers, imparting choice nuggets from his own experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Your enemy is tough,” Jacoby said of the insurgents. “He hates us, who we are, what we stand for and your country needs you to close with him and defeat him. He is absolutely beatable and he doesn’t have a clue how good, tough and committed as a people we are. “Use your advantages,” he continued. “Remember there’s no such thing as a fair fight, and when you get the opportunity, run up the score.”

Jacoby also spoke about the importance of teamwork.

“Combat is a team sport. The best team wins. Care for and sustain and use your teams within the brigade, the battalion, the joint community and interagency,” he advised. “Do not hesitate to build new teams with new teammates as your missions change, and within your small teams, watch each other. Take care of each other every day. Give each other strength and energy.”

He touched on the importance of doing what is right.

“Keep your standards up and maintain your discipline. It will keep you alive and get the mission done,” he explained. “You have to stay on this every day for a year. Little things matter every day. Teaching and enforcing standards in combat is an infantry leader’s most critical task.”

Col. Michael Shields, 172nd SBCT commander, pointed to the 4th Bn., 23rd Inf.’s long history as proof of their future successes.

“As the Tomahawks have answered the call throughout history from the Civil War to Vietnam, they’ll do so again in Iraq and they will be victorious,” he said during the ceremony. “The 23rd is no stranger to counterinsurgency. This battalion has hunted insurgents from the Philippines to Vietnam.

“I am reminded this week of what the late General William Westmoreland said; that the Army never lost a tactical battle in Vietnam,” Shields said. “This battalion is part of that history and legacy, and they will never lose a battle in Iraq.”

Shields had great praise for the Soldiers of the 4th Bn., 23rd Inf. and their families.

“The pace of our transformation and deployment preparation has been fast and aggressive, and the Soldiers standing in front of you have met that challenge and exceeded all expectations,” he said.

“With professionalism and warrior spirit this battalion started with a few soldiers and little equipment and in just over one year, trained and prepared to answer our nation’s call in the global war on terrorism. This last year has prepared the Soldiers and produced physically and mentally tough, fit and aggressive Soldiers, teams, squads, platoons and companies. This battalion will perform magnificently in Iraq.”

“We know that we do not Soldier alone,” he continued. “Strong support at home helps the Soldiers accomplish their mission and remain focused; families whose courage, sacrifice and steadfastness are inspiring to us all. There are never words to adequately thank or recognize the families who support our great Soldiers. We are grateful for your commitment, loyalty, love and devotion. You are all patriots and give our units enormous strength and we truly appreciate what you do for us.”

Jacoby noted the strong history of the American Army during times of national need.

“The example has been set,” he said. “Since 1775 this American Army has always done what the country has asked and needed, and now it’s your turn. It is a huge moment in your lives and the lives of your families.