‘Guardians’ mark mid-deployment with organizational day

By U.S. ArmyJune 24, 2011

‘Guardians’ mark mid-deployment with organizational day
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – “Guardian” Soldiers of 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, compete in the Ultimate Guardian Competition at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, June 4, 20... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
‘Guardians’ mark mid-deployment with organizational day
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Orane Eddie, Company A, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, sprints the final lap in the Ultimate Guardian Challenge two-mile run at Contingen... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq " The crowd stood mesmerized as the quarterback quickly dodged defenders, looking for an open teammate. He looked left, scanned right, and then threw a running pass down the field.

The receiver leapt into the air, wrapped his hands around the football and fell to the ground just past the goal line etched in the dust at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq.

The 101st BSB “Guardians” increased morale and unit cohesion with an eventful day of competition during the Ultimate Guardian Challenge, June 4.

“This is all for the Soldiers,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Adams, senior enlisted leader of 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division.

“The purpose of today’s event is to build esprit de corps, bring everyone closer together and give everybody a little time off,” said Adams, a Dumas, Texas, native. “We set up this organizational day for these soldiers to break the everyday monotony of being in Iraq.”

The Ultimate Guardian Competition consisted of teams of four participating in six full minutes of push-ups and sit-ups, and a two mile run.

After a brief rest, Soldiers competed in a water jug carry race, then ended with football and basketball, said Adams.

Adams said Soldiers had some great food and challenging events for the Guardians to get out and have a good time and get rid of that “Groundhog Day effect” which may set in during a year-long deployment.

The Guardian Battalion deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn in October 2010, with a mission of advising and training Iraqi Security Forces in Kirkuk province.

“It’s a time for our Soldiers to get together and take a break. Because of our mission, we don’t get to take a break all that often,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Grubbs, commander, 101st BSB, and a Bakersfield, Calif., native. “It’s good competition between one another. We want the Soldiers to get a renewed sense of teamwork.”

The 101st BSB consists of three companies spread throughout COS Warrior, performing vital tasks and missions such as downed vehicle and aircraft recovery, Provincial Reconstruction Team mission security, advising and assisting the 12th Iraqi Army Logistical Transportation Command, and operating the Davis Combat Clinic healthcare center.

The Ultimate Guardian Competition provided the entire 101st BSB a rare moment to interact and build cohesion between the companies, said Grubbs.

The success of the event could be measured by the stories exchanged between Guardian Soldiers and their smiles as the companies came together during a day of friendly competition.

Adams said of all the benefits of the day, he particularly enjoyed just being with his Soldiers and watching them have a good time.

“I’m just thankful that I can be here with these great people and be a part of the BSB,” said Adams. “It has been a pleasure being a Guardian.”