3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Celebrates Fourth of July

It's nice to see that the Soldiers have some fun activities to help keep them motivated. I'm sure that a few minutes away from their primary job and getting to have a little time to relax and have some fun goes a long way. I don't know if Chris got to partake in any July 4th activities since I'm not sure where he is at the moment. I know he was at the FOB this week to pick up the rest of his personal goods but I don't know how long he was there. Wherever he was, I'm sure he sure he was making the most out of his day!

Soldiers of Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, cross the finish line as one unit at the "Hotter than Hades" Fun Run July 4, at Forward Operating Base Hammer. The unit ran the entire mile together calling cadence along the way.

Sgt. Joshua Skelton, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Capt. Aaron Starbuck, the 3rd HBCT surgeon, are sprayed at the finish line of the "Hotter than Hades" Fun Run July 4, at Forward Operating Base Hammer.

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team celebrated the Fourth of July with a day of activities at Forward Operating Base Hammer.

Soldiers competed against one another in volleyball, softball, horse shoes, ping pong and spades competitions throughout the day.

“All the activities were a much needed break from duty,” said Sgt. Brandon Ries, from Xenia, Ohio, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the brigade engineer staff section.

At noon, Soldiers competed in the “Hotter than Hades” 1-Mile Fun Run. Despite the 102 degree weather, more than 100 Soldiers competed. Sgt. Maj. Willie Washington, 3rd HBCT, S-1 senior NCO, won the race in 4 minutes and 50 seconds.

At the end of the competitions, the Soldiers were served classic holiday fare at the Hammer Dining Facility. Hotdogs, hamburgers, steaks and tacos were some of the many items served at the 3rd HBCT’s evening meal.

“Today is the day we celebrate the birth of our nation; a nation you swore to serve,” said Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, commander of the 3rd HBCT, as he addressed his Soldiers during the meal. “You are fighting for a people that are trying to secure the same freedom we enjoy. Believe me when I say this. One day we will be able to return here and celebrate with our Iraqi brothers the birthday of their nation as honored guests.”

Col. Fadhil Abbas, commander of the Besmaya Eagles of the Iraqi army, attended the meal and sat with 3rd HBCT leadership. He also spoke to the Soldiers present, thanking them for their support.

The 3rd Infantry Division’s rock band, The Surge, performed for the Soldiers as the sun went down on FOB Hammer.