Fort Lee, Va. (Feb. 19, 2009) -- The term "Battle Buddy" is a relatively new Army expression that denotes camaraderie, companionship and commitment to a fellow Soldier.
That sense of loyalty and dedication was none more exemplified when one noncommissioned officer of Fort Lee's Warrior in Transition Unit steadfastly supported a fellow unit member while the Soldier was hospitalized.
Sgt. Daniel Isaman, a Soldier of seven years, gave his all to aid and assist while battle buddy, Spc. Joshua Grant, was laid up in a care facility on two different occasions. Grant said that Isaman's friendship and support during a difficult time were exceptional.
"He went beyond the call of duty to take care of a fellow Soldier," said the Chesapeake native.
That included helping to take care of Grant's two dogs and helping Grant's Family when they needed help. More importantly, he made sure his battle buddy was OK, checking on him daily.
"He came to the hospital constantly," said Grant, noting he had some measure of hemo-paralysis as a result of an outpatient procedure, "and called me everyday to make sure that I was all right, that I didn't need anything."
Isaman doesn't think he went "beyond the call of duty." He said he was reacting out of a sense of loyalty and duty, and there are two main reasons he acted.
"One, if you're an NCO, you have to be there (for Soldiers) all the time in case they need help," he said. "There is no time limit. Two, he's a good friend. I'm going to be there every single time he needs help. I don't feel that's beyond the call of duty, it's just looking out for one another."
Grant, who was injured in 2007 by an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq, has been assigned to Fort Lee's WTU since February 2008. Isaman arrived here about the same time. Since then the two have become friends and found they have much in common.
"First of all, we're both from the country," said Isaman, who hails from Oklahoma. "We both listen to old country singers - Hank (Williams) Sr., Hank Jr. We love fishing, hunting, and we both have experience in Iraq and we're able to talk about it and help each other out."
Isaman is still supporting Grant as much as he can, though Grant has since gone on terminal leave and is due shortly to depart the unit. He said he wishes Grant the best.
"Grant was an outstanding Soldier, hard-working, he's always helping other people on his free time," said Isaman. "Hopefully, he's successful in civilian life and I wish the best for him.
The WTU provides primary care and case management for Soldiers injured in combat and otherwise, supporting their efforts to return to regular duty or civilian life.
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