Capt. Scott D. Steele, a Soldier with 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, receives his end-of-tour Bronze Star Medal from Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs, during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Gabe, July 28. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Blackanthem Military News

BAQOUBA, Iraq – After a year-long tour, Soldiers – both American and Iraqi – gathered as brothers to celebrate their achievements and accomplishments during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Gabe in Baqouba, Iraq, July 28.

The Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stood tall and proud at the position of attention as they received their end-of-tour awards, the Bronze Star Medal, for their dedication and hard work with their IA counterparts.

Responsible for five combat outposts, five checkpoints, and tactical missions and training, the MiTT worked hand-in-hand with the 4-2-5 IA soldiers throughout the past year, preparing them to be the true protectors of their country.

“This is a small token that shows a whole year of experience,” said Lt. Col. James George, 2-5 MiTT commander. “It shows unity with Iraqis as their brothers, and moving toward a common goal.

“[The Iraqi soldiers] are the roots of the beginning of the army in Iraq, in Diyala,” George added.

Following the opening comments, Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province, spoke of the importance of the transition team.

“What we have seen through your hard work and efforts is greatness in 4-2-5,” said Sutherland. “What you have made is a difference for the Iraqi people.

“You can take that back and realize that you’ve touched thousands of lives,” Sutherland said as he spoke of the values the American Soldier embodies.

Following the ceremony, the Soldiers from the MiTT gathered to honor one of their fallen comrades, Capt. Donnie R. Belser, who is remembered by his fellow teammates as a “heroic American Soldier.”

“Today is sweet because it is the symbolic end of our team’s tour of duty,” said Maj. M. Shane Perkins, commander of 4-2-5 MiTT. “It is bitter because we leave behind so many comrades, many whose voices will forever be heard only in our minds.

“Of those voices, one in particular speaks the loudest,” Perkins continued. “That voice belongs to ‘Gorilla 4,’ Capt. Donnie R. Belser.”

While Perkins said it would be easy to focus on the loss and hurt the team felt Feb. 10 when Belser was killed in action, he stressed the reason for their presence was the dedication – an honor in knowing Belser.

“Our mission today, and in all the days to come, is to think of Donnie and all that he gave to us, to the Army, to his family and to this world,” Perkins said. “If each of us can live just a small fraction of our lives like Donnie, we will all be blessed with a better life.”

Following his comments, Perkins and George faced the new Capt. Donnie R. Belser Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center, uncovering a wall bearing the name and photo of Belser.

“I can think of no building more aptly suited to honor Capt. Belser than the one behind me,” Perkins said. “As any Gorilla can tell you, Donnie always improved our morale, he always placed the welfare of others before his own and he loved recreation.

“It is fitting that Capt. Belser will remain here at his last post, helping Soldiers cope with stresses of war.”

In closing, Perkins thanked his team, their families and the Belser family for their work and support.

“You are responsible for helping our team leave a lasting legacy of our sacrifices here in Diyala,” he said.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Members of the 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, and Coalition Forces assigned to 2-5 Military Transition Team, clap after the dedication ceremony of the Forward Operating Base Gabe Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center, July 28. The center was dedicated to Capt. Donnie R. Belser, a 4-2-5 MiTT, who was killed in action Feb. 10. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs) Maj. M. Shane Perkins, commander of 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, speaks after the dedication of the Forward Operating Base Gabe Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center during a ceremony, July 28. The center was dedicated to Capt. Donnie R. Belser, a 4-2-5 MiTT, who was killed in action Feb. 10. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

After the dedication of the Capt. Donnie R. Belser Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center on Forward Operating Base Gabe, Staff Sgt. Leotis Hightower, a medic with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, looks at movies while touring the center, July 28. Belser, a Soldier assigned to the 4-2-5 MiTT, was killed in action in Diyala province, Feb. 10. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry

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