A ceremony, held one day before Independence Day, signified the importance of service as Oregon's 41 IBCT, comprised of approximately 3500 soldiers, deploys to Iraq.
Col. Dan Hokanson, 41 IBCT commander said, "We are citizen soldiers and everyone here represents the best of their community, their state, and this great nation. Each one has answered our nations call."
The 41 IBCT is mobilizing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and will conduct a 400 day mobilization, including their training just completed at Ft. Stewart.
