New arrivals begin Operation Iraqi Freedom tour of duty 

By Sgt. David Bill 
48th BCT Public Affairs 

CAMP STRYKER, Iraq, July10, 2005 — Georgia’s Lightning Brigade received 26 new Soldiers recently after the group completed its transition from Citizen-Soldiers to active duty Soldiers in the Global War on Terrorism. These newes additions to the 48th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) come from around the U.S. from places such as Puerto Rico, Illinois and Georgia. 

Since the beginning of the 48th‘s mobilization and deployment in January, Soldiers have been filling the brigade’s ranks to make sure its strength and readiness is maintain at appropriate levels. 

“This brigade has Soldiers from 40 states and Puerto Rico,” said Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, the 48th’s commander, as he greeted this latest group of Soldiers. “In a way, we’re like the Atlanta Braves, which is ‘America’s Team’…we can be called ‘America’s Brigade.’” 

Among the BCT’s new Soldiers is Chief Warrant Officer Jeffery Kellen. Kellen, who hails from Ames, Iowa, said he’s glad that he’s gotten this chance to serve. “After 20 years of service, I finally get the chance to put my training to the ultimate test,” he said with a determined smile. 

Before coming here, the Soldiers went through about 25 days of training that started at Fort Drum, N.Y.. There, they received everything from weapons qualifications and “theater specific” training to convoy operations, refresher training on basic Soldier skills and attended briefings. Once they arrived here at Camp Stryker, they went through additional in-country briefings and personnel in-processing before being released to their battalion sergeant major or company first sergeant. 

Master Sgt. Brian Weldy, who supervises the Lightning Strike training process, said this type of training will be used for groups of possibly 15 or more to expedite the in-processing of Soldiers into the brigade. 

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