Published: March 31, 2006
Troops Move from FOB Warhorse to FOB Normandy
Spc. Lee Elder, 133rd MPAD
BAQUBAH, Iraq - It's a homecoming, of sorts, for Soldiers with Troop B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Cavalry Squadron, 101st Airborne Division, as they leave Forward Operating Base Warhorse to rejoin the bulk of their squadron at FOB Normandy.
The bulk of the troop members began their departure over the weekend. They received a rousing farewell from one of their commanders prior to their departure during a brief ceremony.
BAQUBAH, Iraq - Sgt. Phillip Shrinsher (right) is congratulated by Lt. Col. Thomas Fisher, commander 1-68 CAB. He was given a coin for his role as a member of Troop B, 1-32 Cavalry Squadron. The troop is moving to FOB Normandy.
Photo by Spc. Lee Elder, 133rd MPAD |
"I'm sorry to see you go," said Lt. Col. Thomas Fisher, who commands 1-68th Combined Arms Battalion. "We were proud to fight on your wing during a very rigorous two months of work."
After the inspiring seven-minute speech, Fisher, who hails from Sioux Falls, S.D., handed out unit coins to several of the unit's key players. He thanked each Soldier for their efforts.
"You need to hear it from me that I appreciate what you have done," Fisher said. "A lot of times, you don't hear about the great things that you're doing because you're driving hard to make sure that you're accomplishing the mission."
Prior to their coming here, Fisher said their sector had "the worst security situation" of many of the surrounding areas. One highway in particular dubbed "Route Cheyenne" was a real danger area.
"It was known for 30 years as being 'the golden highway,'" Fisher said. "That was where they would do all the hijacking, carjacking and highway robbery, and that was how they made a living there."
"Your efforts contributed to establishing a safe and secure environment."
The unit will now go back under its parent squadron, which is based at Fort Campbell, Ky. They will be working to train Iraqi Army forces at FOB Normandy.
This is the fourth move the troop has made since it came to Iraq, according to 1st Sgt. Michael Crosby, of Montgomery, Ala. He said the current movement was brought about because of the ongoing rotation of the Iraqi Army battalions in the area surrounding FOB Normandy.
"It's time for us to rotate back to our squadron," Crosby said. "The Soldiers are very motivated, and they are ready to link back up with their squadron."
One of those receiving coins was Sgt. Phillip Schrinsher. A Huntsville, Ala., native, he serves as the troop's fire support sergeant. He said most Soldiers leave with mixed feelings.
"I would really like to have stayed here longer, but I'll go where they need us," Schrinsher said.
Their time serving with 1-68 was quite eventful, Schrinsher said. They met many dangers on and off the road.
"What's most memorable for me was just being with the guys," Schrinsher said. "Both on and off duty, we made a lot of memories."
Their next challenge will be no less formidable. However, the troop - whom one leader described as "the best damned Cavalry troop in the entire U.S. Army" - is up for what lies ahead.
"This will be a good move," said Pvt. Aaron Barnes of Canton, Ill. "It's going to be a different mission, but we're used to the danger factor."
For his part, Fisher advised troop members to be proud of themselves for their accomplishments. He said they should always be glad to tell their friends and families of their accomplishments.
"Be there no doubt, the mortar missions were running up there, the cordons, the raids and the IEDs you found and the sacrifices you paid, was all working towards establishing something that will help our children and grandchildren in the future get a grip on this thing called 'terrorism,'" Fisher said. "That's what we're really doing here."
Anthony D Buchanan
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