Stryker commander praises efforts of troops in Iraq
by Lori Tipton
Monday, December 8, 2008
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Members of Alaska's 1st Stryker Brigade are in high spirits, extremely motivated and dedicated to the cause, according to the commander of the brigade's 4,200 soldiers serving in Iraq.
The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division deployed to Iraq in September, and the brigade is making great strides with helping Iraq become a safer place said its commander, Col. Burdett Thompson.
The 25th Infantry Division has been very busy in Iraq, Thompson said.
"Iraq is a very dynamic place right now," he said in a phone interview.
The Strykers are stationed in Diyala, an area about the size of Maryland and Delaware put together, and is in charge of security. Troops have been working with the Iraqi police.
"I would've never guessed they would be as professional -- and quite frankly as competent and capable -- as they are," Thompson said.
Change is coming to Iraq, Thompson said. The country is ramping up for a national election, and in January and February the provinces will seat a new government.
"What these people want to do is get back to a normal lifestyle where they can provide for their families, they can pray based on their religious beliefs," he said.
But while the troops strive to make Iraq a safer place, it is still dangerous. Three soldiers with the Strykers have been killed in combat since September.
"And those guys are dearly missed and they'll never be forgotten," Thompson said. "Certainly our condolences went out to the family."
The brigade continues to work hard to make a difference, he said.
"Based on what I'm seeing our soldiers do over here, the difference that we're making here is worth every ounce of effort that we put into this fight and to put into this effort," Thompson said.
Gov. Sarah Palin's son, Track, is part of the unit, and Thompson said he is doing an incredible job with his fellow soldiers, and that the governor would be extremely proud of her son.
In just the past few months, about 60 soldiers with the brigade have re-enlisted, Thompson said."
Contact Lori Tipton at ltipton@ktuu.com
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