3rd HBCT Soldiers Turnout for Promotion

Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler, Monticello, N.Y., 203rd Brigade Support Battalion commander, attaches the black oak leaf of lieutenant colonel on the uniform of Maj. Howard Coe, Winston-Salem, N.C., 203rd BSB executive officer, during Coe's promotion to lieutenant colonel at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 21.

Story by Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – More than 100 Soldiers braved cool temperatures to witness the promotion of Maj. Howard Coe, Winston-Salem, N.C., the executive officer of the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, to lieutenant colonel at an outdoor ceremony on FOB Hammer, Dec. 21.

Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler, Monticello, N.Y., the commander of the 203rd BSB, attached the black oak leaf of lieutenant colonel on Coe’s uniform as Coe’s wife, Kim, watched via a video teleconference feed at Fort Benning, Ga.

“Howard Coe is the most loyal officer that I have met in 20 years of service,” said Lawler.

Following the promotion, Coe thanked his mother, wife and the Soldiers of the 203rd BSB.

“We have the greatest Soldiers and officers in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team,” said Coe. “These Soldiers make my day, everyday.”

The 203rd BSB is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed to Iraq since March.