CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq-Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II, California Adjutant General, visited Soldiers of the 1-185th Armor Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, Feb. 18-19.

Wade made the journey in order to get a perspective of how things were going with the California guardsmen.

Lt. Col. Seth M. Goldberg, commander, 1-185 Armor, and Wade held a video tele-conference with three of the battalion's companies stationed at COB Q-West.

Wade expressed heartfelt gratitude at the sacrifices the Citizen-Soldiers of the California Army National Guard are undergoing to serve their state and country. He also expressed how proud he was at the way 1-185th Armor executed their mission in Iraq, protecting convoys.

"I appreciate what you do," said Wade.

Wade also took time to perform a promotion, re-enlistment and an award ceremony.

"It's an honor to have the general take his time to pin my award during his visit to Speicher," said Sgt. Samuel Curameng, administrative non-commisioned officer, Charlie Co., 1-185 Armor. "It's not an everyday thing to have someone as big as the commander of the California Guard recognize me in front of all my peers for my accomplishments."

Wade said he looks forward to the unit's redeployment to California, so he can be there to welcome them home from a successful mission.


Story by U.S. Army Capt. Renato Rossignoli