FORT HOOD, Texas - The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division's own 215th Brigade Support Battalion "Blacksmiths" was recently named the Distinguished Unit of the Quartermaster Regiment.
Established in 1993, the award recognizes quartermaster units that have incomparably contributed to the Quartermaster Corps through outstanding leadership and distinguished services.
Having made outstanding contributions to III Corps during the last 44 years, the Blacksmiths were recognized for steadfast support, dedication, and technical expertise dating back to April 1971.
From field testing both the single channel ground and airborne radio system in 1992, the M1A2 tank in 1993, and the unit's recent performance at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, the 215th BSB command team made its way to Fort Lee, Virginia to receive the award.
The Quartermaster Corps command team, Brig. Gen. Ronald Kirklan and Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers, presented the battalion command team, Lt. Col. Steve Erickson and Command Sgt. Maj. Danny Richards, with a battalion colors streamer for the recognition.
"I was very honored to represent the Soldiers of the Blacksmith battalion, both past and present," Erickson said. "My only wish is that more Soldiers could have joined me in accepting the award."
Today, the 215th BSB provides direct support sustainment to three combined arms battalions, an armored reconnaissance squadron, an engineer battalion, and a fires battalion.
Soldiers from the battalion have also provided area support and direct support to the logistics readiness center and Fort Hood with two attached quartermaster companies.
By its past and present actions, 215th has proven itself worthy as a Distinguished Unit of the Quartermaster Regiment, said Richards.
"The 215th set new standards at the National Training Center pertaining to distribution, maintenance, and headquarters operations," Richards said.
The battalion elevated the training standards for brigade support area operations and was hailed as the best brigade support battalion to rotate to NTC in five years by the Goldminers, NTC's training and mentoring team.
"Being a quartermaster Soldier, it gives me tremendous pride to be a petroleum supply specialist in this newly named distinguished unit of the quartermaster regiment," said Spc. John Bess, a native of Flint, Michigan.
By Spc. Victoria St. Brice
215th BSB UPAR, 3ABCT PAO, 1st Cav. Div.
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