By Jordan Chapman
1st Infantry Division Public Affairs
It was July of 2006 the last time the 1st Infantry Division colors were uncased at Fort Riley. Four and half years later, 150 proud American Defenders escorted the colors home where Families and loved ones eagerly awaited them Jan 3 in building 88312.
"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation." United States Senator and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy's words echoed throughout King Field House Dec. 4, 2009 during the division's deployment ceremony and rung true as each Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion stood at attention as they returned before being rushed by loved ones after dismissal.
The group was the last main body of Soldiers to return with the 1st Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. The Soldiers were deployed for 12 months, during which their primary mission was to command other U.S. brigade combat teams in southern Iraq and partner with and train Iraqi Security Forces.
Continuing the success of the Big Red One can be a difficult task, but after a job well done, the Soldiers, as well as Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, Brig. Gen. Randal Dragon, deputy commanding general for support, Brig. Gen. Ricky Gibbs, deputy commanding general for maneuver and Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Champagne, 1st Infantry Division command sergeant major were eager to find comfort in their Families and homes.
"A year goes by quickly when you have a lot to do and we had quite a bit to do," Brooks stated, backed up by Champagne, who said he was proud of his Soldiers and how they completed their missions.
"The troops did fantastic; they knew exactly what their focus was in the mission. They knew they had to advise and assist the Iraqis and they took a hold of that. It made the Iraqi Security Forces that much better and they got a lot of self-satisfaction out of it because they got to see them grown while they were training them," Champagne said. He added that he and his Soldiers feel very comfortable having left Iraq in the hands of their own government and the Iraqi Security Forces. "They're in the lead ... they're doing a great job and are ready to take control. They already have."
While 1st Inf. Div. leaders were happy to be back, the crowd before them trumped their smiles with cheers, shouts and tears that manifested feelings of excitement, amazement and joy.
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