FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – War stories. In the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the only brigade in the U.S. Army to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom four times, they aren’t hard to find.
Soldiers in the brigade, many who have been in the brigade for all four deployments, can tell stories of combat patrols, seeking cover from indirect fire and the excitement of riding on Blackhawk helicopter for the first time.
As the 3rd HBCT gears up to remember Veteran’s Day, many of the brigade’s Soldiers will soon be able to claim the title of combat veteran for the first time.
“About half of the brigade are first time deployers,” said Sgt. Maj. Richard Hairston, the 3rd HBCT’s operations non-commissioned officer.
For many Soldiers, this deployment is their chance to contribute to their country.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been outside the wire twice,” said Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. “On those two days, I felt I did more for my country than I did back home when I was working a nine to five job. It was a good feeling.”
For Saunders, a native of Houston, his job is much more than going out on patrols.
“Our job isn’t just about kicking in doors in here,” he said. “By showing them (the Iraqi people) that we are here to help their forces and let them do what they want to do, we are showing them that we aren’t here to take over. We came here to help them liberate their country from Saddam.”
For many Soldiers, becoming a veteran is part of a family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Navy,” said Pvt. Allen White, a Soldier assigned to Company B, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion. “I grew up respecting him and what he did. I think it was natural to want to follow in his footsteps.”
Both White and Saunders understand that the 3rd HBCT’s current mission changes what their military jobs were in previous deployments.
Rather than do his job as a petroleum specialist, White, a native of Hampton, Ga., is now helping control and route passengers at the FOB Kalsu air terminal.
“I was expecting convoys and fuel missions this deployment, but we are Soldiers and we do whatever we are ordered to do,” he said.
Although his job isn’t what he expected, White is just ready to serve and help his fellow veterans.
“It’s a tremendous honor to serve over here,” he said. “After I spend a year over here, whether I’m in combat or not, I’ll always be proud of what I did for my country. Helping Soldiers get home and seeing that big smile on their faces has been a great feeling.”
After serving 15 years as a non-commissioned officer, 1st Lt. Jason Horton, a team leader in Headquarters’ Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is finally getting his chance to deploy as an officer.
“This deployment will be a point of personal pride,” he said. “I don’t flaunt things well, but I view this deployment as an opportunity.”
Having been a recruiter for a good part of his military career, Horton has experienced several Veterans Days. For he and the rest of the 3rd HBCT’s first time deployers, their first Memorial Day as a combat veteran will be experienced overseas.
“I think everything is magnified during a deployment,” said Horton, a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. “It will be a unique experience for me.”
Saunders agrees with Horton’s assessment.
“The holiday changes for me slightly,” he said. “It has always meant something for me, but now that I’m a part of it; it’s different. It feels good to not be on the sidelines anymore.”
Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, checks the oil in his humvee at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 6. Saunders, who is deploying for the first time, takes the time to ensure all of his equipment is in good working order before leaving FOB Kalsu on missions. 
Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, checks his humvee’s radio at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 6. Saunders, who is deploying for the first time, takes the time to ensure all of his equipment is in good working order before leaving FOB Kalsu on missions.
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, communicates with the flight tower at Forward Operating Base Kalsu’s air field, Nov. 6. White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is shifting his duties to help run the air field and ensure that Soldiers get to and from Kalsu with no problems
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, leads a civilian off the airfield at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Nov. 6. Despite being a fueler, White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is being asked to help run air field operations during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, helps Soldiers with their bags as he guides them off the airfield at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Nov. 6. Despite being a fueler, White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is being asked to help run air field operations during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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