FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Col. Sam Whitehurst delivered his final public remarks as 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander during the inactivation ceremony Aug. 14 on Sexton Field.
"Good morning, and let me also thank everyone who is with us here today -- our fellow Soldiers and friends from across the (10th Mountain) Division and Fort Drum.
"And I also want to thank our friends from the North Country. Your support to not only our brigade but to all members of the 10th Mountain and the Fort Drum team, our Soldiers, our Civilians and our Family Members, has always been key to our success. This is my second tour here in the North Country, and you have always made me and my Family feel like we were part of your family.
"We have many special guests here today, but I do -- also just as (Brig.) Gen. Howard did -- I do want to take time to recognize Maj. Gen. Nicholson and Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) Redmore. Having the original Spartan 6 and Spartan 7 here as we case the brigade's colors here for the last time at Fort Drum makes this day and this ceremony that much more memorable, and as (Maj.) Gen. Townsend said in his note, it is definitely a bittersweet day as we celebrate the achievements and remember the sacrifices of the Soldiers, the noncommissioned officers and the officers who have been part of the Spartan phalanx for the last 10 years.
"While today marks the closing of the final chapter of the Spartan Brigade here at Fort Drum, it marks the end of 10 years of selfless and dedicated service to our nation.
"Today, we case the colors for the last time, confident in the belief that 3rd Brigade has dutifully performed what was asked of it and confident that the ranks of the Spartans have made their mark on history.
"As the brigade born of war, especially the war in Afghanistan, it is fitting that the brigade cases its colors as the war in Afghanistan is drawing to a close. Places like Nuristan, Kunar, Wardak, Logar, Maiwand District and Zhari District in Kandahar Province, and Khost, Paktika and Paktya will forever be associated with the Spartans.
"It has been a tough fight. There are 98 Spartans who never returned from those deployments, but all Spartans can look back at the history of the brigade and know that as we enter the twilight of the conflict in Afghanistan, the sacrifices of our fellow comrades and the achievements of Spartans have allowed the Afghan people and not the Taliban to be the ones who control their future.
"Men like Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti and Spc. Kerry Danyluk are representative of all of our comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation and serving their fellow Soldiers. We remember them for their sacrifice, but it is how they lived their lives that is enduring. They will not be forgotten, and they are forever tied to the legacy of the Spartan Brigade.
"And while we case the colors, this doesn't mean the end. Bonds forged in war between Soldiers, between comrades, with our Families and especially our Gold Star Families will not be broken as we case our colors. What made this unit so strong through four deployments, so dedicated to its purpose, were the Soldiers who made up its ranks.
"Our success has always depended upon the skill, courage and sacrifices of the Soldiers standing in the ranks today and the Soldiers who have served before us under the colors of the Spartan Brigade.
"This ceremony is about more than casing our colors. It is a testament to the Soldiers who have served in this brigade and to their Families.
"You have lived up to everything we have asked of you and hoped for when the brigade flag was unfurled 10 years ago.
"The spirit that has guided this brigade can be found in our motto 'with your shield or on it.' Supposedly, this was the parting cry of Spartan mothers to their sons as they went to battle.
"In this quote you see how important the values of duty and commitment were to the ancient Spartans -- values that are key to what it means to be a Soldier in our Army and a member of our brigade.
"But there is another ancient Spartan story not as well known that also speaks to why we consider this motto so important. As the story goes, a Spartan king was asked why it was dishonorable to return without a shield but not dishonorable to return without a helmet.
"The Spartan king is said to have replied, 'because the latter they put on for their own protection, but the shield is for the common good of all.' Today we call this selfless service, putting the welfare of your fellow Soldiers above your own. This idea is enshrined in our motto and is how the Soldiers of this brigade have defined themselves through all four deployments.
"While we close this chapter in our history, the story doesn't end here. The lessons we have learned in this brigade, the experiences that have shaped us -- strengthened us -- remain. The Spartan Brigade may be going away, but the men and women of the brigade still stand on guard, ready to rally to this banner again if the nation calls.
"With your shield or on it! Climb to glory! Thank you."
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