The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team has returned from 16 months in combat (approximately 450+ days), one of the longest continuous combat deployments of any brigade formation in our Army’s recent history.
Alaskans and all Americans can be proud of these great soldiers. The Arctic Wolves performed magnificently in Ninewah, and Al Anbar Province and in Baghdad during the 120-day extension and will take a unique place in our nation’s military history. The courage, sacrifice, selfless service, and discipline of our great soldiers serve as an example for us all.
This organization was feared by the threat and for good reason. The Arctic Wolves were the hunters, not the hunted and were the most lethal, agile, and adaptive organization in theater.
The training, valor and courage of our soldiers were evident in every contact with the enemy resulting in two Distinguished Service Cross nominations, five Silver Stars, and over 75 Bronze Stars for Valor and Army Commendation Medals for Valor. For our outstanding performance in combat in Ninewah and Baghdad, Gen.Casey approved the Valorous Unit Award for the 172nd SBCT.
We have received unbelievable support during this deployment. There are so many people and organizations to thank. I would like to thank Sen. Ted Stevens, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Maj. Gen. Jacoby, Chick Wallace, and the mayors for their support as well as the DA Tiger Team and Operation First Response. I would like to thank the USARAK/garrison staffs, the communities of Fort Richardson, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage but especially the Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright, and Eielson Air Force Base communities.
The support the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team received from the Fairbanks community is the best I have seen in 23 years of service and has been simply humbling. All done quietly, without fanfare or public recognition. Examples of the outpouring of support include helping families financially, vehicle maintenance, snow removal, providing financial support to families of fallen comrades so that they could fly up to attend the ceremonies, Arctic Wolf Memorial Fund donations, monument support, child care, provision of special medical equipment, and so much more.
Some of the Fairbanks organizations I would like to recognize include churches, school boards, all of the organizations and businesses involved with Project Partnership, the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce (and Military Affairs Committee), the University of Alaska Fairbanks (to include KUAC VTC support) and the Carlson Center, Fairbanks law enforcement agencies, the VFW / American Legion, and other local municipal and civic organizations. I would like to thank KIAK FM for initiating the campaign to invite soldiers to local residences for Christmas dinner and Alaskan Granite Works for volunteering to donate the 172nd SBCT Memorial. I have left so many out but please know that the 172nd SBCT thanks you all for your support and that we will never forget your generosity.
I would like to thank the Daily News-Miner for its support and fair and honest coverage of our deployment. Margaret Friedenauer is a courageous reporter who deployed to Iraq, went into harm’s way, and participated on numerous combat operations with our units. Margaret, thanks for your courage in putting yourself at risk to tell the 172nd SBCT story to Alaskans and our nation.
Most importantly, I want to thank the spouses and families of our great soldiers who are the true heroes of this war. Nothing I can say can adequately express my gratitude or the absolute respect I have for you. What has been asked of you is not quantifiable; the stress of the 12-month combat deployment, casualties, and then the disappointment of a late-notice 120-day extension in combat with 300-plus soldiers already home … it’s more than any unit has been asked to bear in this war. And bear it you did, with grace, arctic moxie, and faith. Your sacrifice, selfless service, and sense of duty as military family members are inspiring to us all. It has been an honor to serve with you as part of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
This success did not come without a great cost. The Arctic Wolves lost 26 soldiers and had over 350 wounded in action. I heard once that soldiers never truly die until we forget them. Our fallen soldiers and contractors’ sacrifices will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of our wounded and fallen soldiers. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas with our families, we will not forget the soldiers and their families who remain in harm’s way; 3/2 SBCT, our brothers from the 4/25th BCT (Abn) from Fort Richardson, our Multi National Division (Baghdad) partners in Baghdad, and 1/1 Armored Division in Ramadi who served alongside us in Northern Iraq (and who have also been extended).
May God bless our soldiers and families, the great state of Alaska, and America.