1-38th Commemorates 138th Day 'boots on Ground'
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Kristina Scott
BAGHDAD – For Soldiers who are in the habit of patrolling the streets of Baghdad up to eight hours each day, meeting with key Iraqi leaders and training members of the Iraqi Security Forces, taking a day off now and then comes as a much-welcomed break.
For Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, that day arrived Feb. 5. But the idea was not simply about taking the day off.
Leaders decided that tying the numeric designation of the unit into the 138th day of "boots on ground" – a term which refers to how many days the Soldiers have been in Iraq – was a great way to remember the heritage of the 1-38th Inf. Regt., and to build esprit de corps by bringing the troops together for some friendly competition.
"Today is primarily to honor the service of the regiment, but it also gives a little bit of a break to get re-motivated," said Lt. Col. John Leffers, 1-38th commander and a native of Utica, N.Y.
The festivities started with a somewhat informal ceremony during which two Soldiers were promoted in rank and several awards were given out; one for expertise of marksmanship. There was also an historical account of the battalion's involvement at Omaha Beach, during the Normandy Campaign, in July 1944.
After the formation, the Soldiers moved on to compete in various tournaments, such as 3-on-3 basketball, an Ultimate Frisbee game, a classic tug-of-war competition and an intense game of dodgeball. The Soldiers were also treated to a picnic-style lunch.
"It's good for everyone to come together," said the battalion chaplain, Capt. Steven Thomas, a native of Oscoda, Mich., of the operational tempo, which forces Soldiers to often go several different directions, seldom seeing each other.
Soldiers said they also enjoyed having a change of scenery.
"It's a nice break in the routine, which helps us with not getting burnt out," said 1st Sgt. James Arnett, a native of Marianna, Ark., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-38th Inf. Regt. "You can take a step back, and then continue on with business."
Throughout the day, there was plenty of laughter and a healthy dose of old-fashioned ribbing, upon which many Soldiers seemed to thrive. The relaxed atmosphere of the day also lent itself to a bit of goofiness.
"Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up; it's Frisbee time!" chanted Pfc. Ryon Carrillo, an infantryman with Company B, and native of Brea, Calif., as the Ultimate Frisbee tournament began.
Overall, the relaxing day seemed to be a success and most of the Soldiers agreed they are looking forward to the celebrations that are scheduled to take place on the 238th day of boots on ground, and the 338th day ...
(via DVIDS)
