Stryker Brigade News

However, this time donning the patch took on another meaning as well. Not only were the Tomahawks working for the people of the United States, they were also working to help foster a safe and secure environment for the people of Iraq.

Since deploying from Fort Richardson in mid-August, the Tomahawks have been responsible for an area in Mosul roughly the size of Cincinnati.

Mosul, situated in northern Iraq along the Tigris River, has served as a base of operations for terrorist activities throughout the entire country since the liberation of Iraq in 2003.

The Tomahawks, working with Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police forces, have conducted more than 712 combat patrols, seven Task Force level operations, and 34 raids on suspected terrorist’s homes and safe-houses.

These actions have resulted in more than 112 suspected terrorists detained.

These and future operations have and will continue to deny the use of the city as a base of operations for terrorist cells and lead to the continued safety of the people of Iraq.

Although the Tomahawks have trained intensely as a combat force, their mission encompasses a civil purpose as well.

During the October constitutional referendum, the Tomahawks worked directly with local Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and civilian government officials to ensure everyone would have a chance to vote safely.

Though Mosul is a much safer place now than it was only six months ago, the enemy threat is still present.

Danger often rears its head in the form of roadside improvised explosive devices, mortar attacks and small arms fire from the ever present AK-47.

Though the threat of bodily harm is always a possibility, Tomahawk Soldiers continue to perform their duty proudly and with distinct acts of bravery.

These marked acts of courage have come at a cost, however. Since arriving in Mosul, the Tomahawks have had 17 Soldiers wounded in action.

Thanks to the versatility of the Stryker and countless hours of medical training, none of these injuries have resulted in the death of a Tomahawk Soldier.

Soldiers of the Tomahawk battalion who received medals for heroism, valor, and their conduct include: 1st Lt. Jeffery Marshburn, Sgt. 1st Class Karl Zaglauer, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Wozniak, Sgt. Daniel Davila, Sgt. Charles Diale, Sgt. Matthew Gilbert, Spc. Adam Maganello, Spc. Fabian Barela, Spc. Matthew Bailey and Spc. Paul Mireles.

Before the conclusion of the ceremony, the commanding officer of the Tomahawks, Lt. Col. John Norris, spoke to his Soldiers.

“Today we recognize our heroism and combat service in Iraq by placing the 172nd SBCT Arctic Wolves patch on our right shoulder,” he said. “This is an honor and a symbol of our outstanding performance of duty, one that we have earned.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your story, your legacy. You earned the patch so wear it proudly.”

The patch is indeed a symbol of honor and contributes yet another campaign streamer to the already 73 streamers and unit awards the Tomahawks have received.

The Tomahawks and the rest of their Arctic Wolves brothers and sisters in arms are beginning to send their first Soldiers home on leave from Iraq.

These proud men and women will return home to various locations throughout the United States, including Alaska, to spend two weeks with their families before returning to Iraq.

During the course of the year the Arctic Wolves will be deployed to Iraq, every Soldier will receive two weeks of leave along with other opportunities for rest and relaxation.

Although this will be the only time Soldiers have a chance to physically visit their families, improvements in technology and the facilities in Iraq have now made it possible for Soldiers to “visit” with their loved ones online.

Numerous Internet cafes with Webcams, phone centers and even satellite services are now available for Soldiers in Iraq.

These facilities greatly improve the quality of life for Soldiers and make the hardship of being away from their families and home easier for both the Soldier and family members alike.

Soldiers can even participate in intramural sports, lift weights or simply play ping-pong at the various gym facilities available.

Over the next year more than 3,000 Soldiers who make up the 172nd SBCT will continue combat operations in the city of Mosul and its surrounding areas.

However, the main focus over the course of the upcoming months will be preparation of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police forces for the December national elections and for the eventual complete transfer of authority to local Iraqi forces.

This preparation will include marksmanship training, patrolling tactics, operational planning as well as assisting their families and their neighborhoods.