Friends and Family were reunited July 1 with Soldiers from the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, following the unit’s six-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel and NATO Operation Resolute Support.

3rd Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio Aguto and celebrity Chef Robert Irvine were on-hand July 1 to welcome back returning 48th IBCT Soldiers from their six-month deployment in support of NATO’s Operation Resolute Support.

Col. Steven Erickson (left), 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade commander, out-going 3rd IDSB commander, Col. Jeffrey J. Britton and 3rd ID Commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, troop-the-line during the brigade’s change of command ceremony, June 27 on Fort Stewart.

Col. Steven Erickson, 3rd IDSB commander, gives a speech to his new brigade during a change of command ceremony, June 27 on Fort Stewart. Erickson’s first act in charge was to encourage everyone to do what is right.

Col. Steven Erickson, 3rd IDSB commander, receives the brigade’s colors from Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, 3rd ID commander, during a change of command ceremony, June 27 on Fort Stewart. The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of responsibility over a unit.

Photos by Sgt. Laurissa Hodges

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Corporal William Blackwell joined the 3rd Infantry Division on May 20th 2019 for his second tour of duty within the unit.  Having served prior and achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5) was the reinstated as a Specialist (E-4) and assigned to Alpha Company, Third Platoon, First Squad.  Throughout his time during this tour he has shown a very strong passion for our unit, dedication, patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service Corporal William Blackwell has been aware the Soldiers Medal and selected as this Soldier of the Quarter

Interview below: 

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I am 46 years old, US Army Veteran (Paratrooper) . Have 3 kids and 4 grandkids, so at times life can get hectic. Been playing PC games for far too long, started on a TI 99/4A then next was an Apple IIe, then so many PC’s since then

What is your favorite aspect of the unit?

For me it is the camaraderie that can be found. Those who have served probably understand this better than those who haven’t. But when you have a good community to be a part of, you have fun. 

Any favorite/funny/memorable moment throughout your whole time in the unit? 

Favorite moment(s) are anytime we can get four or five on and hit the public servers for some less serious fun.

Any advice to give to your fellow soldiers? 

Frustration is normal, regardless of the size of the unit. Sometimes you voice that frustration and sometimes you don’t. But in the end use that frustration for some sort of positive change in yourself or in the situation.

What army value is the most important to you and why? 

There is not one Army Value that is most important to me. They are all important to me as each one holds meaning that makes an Army Soldier who they are both on and off the field of battle. But if I must pick on it would be Loyalty due to the fact the more that strengthens in your life, they others will improve and strengthen.

Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit?

We are here to have fun, be serious when needed but not to serious that the fun is ruined for yourself and/or others.

SOURCE

The Alpha company awards ceremony is a special occasion to allow the unit commander to honor recipients who have been recognized for their accomplishments while assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division MILSIM.

The following have been promoted from    

Private Second Class to Private First Class

 Brandon LeBlanc
 

Private First Class to Specialist

 Aydin Apollo

 Curtis Brennan

 Dylan McKenzie
 

Officer Candidate to 2nd Lieutenant 

Brad Ahles
 

Captain to Major

Arthur Cantu

Dana Cantu
 

The following commendations have been awarded by the 3^rd Infantry Commander 

The 3^rd Infantry Division MILSIM Unit extends to you our personal thanks and sincere appreciation of your contribution of honorable service to our unit. You have made a lasting impact on the unit’s history and thanks to your devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with the proud traditions of military service.

 Your commitment and dedication have been an inspiration for those who will follow in your footsteps, and for all those who join us in saluting you for a job extremely “well done.”

 Our best wishes to you for happiness and success in the future.

From the Soldiers of the 3^rd Infantry Division MILSIM

Spc. Alexander Small from 3-69 Armor, 1ABCT, 3rd ID, shakes hands with 1ABCT Commander, Col. Trent Upton, after Upton awarded the Army Commendation Medal to Small for saving the life of a fellow Soldier.

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Guerrero

Soldier looks out for others, helps save a life

Spc. Alexander Small, a Soldier from the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, June 19 on Fort Stewart for saving a fellow Solder’s life.

Small was returning to the battalion’s motor pool on June 18, when he walked by Pfc. Samuel Mabie, who was unconscious in his privately owned vehicle during his break from gate guard duty in the rear of the motor pool.

“When I came back from lunch, I saw him in his truck while it was running and thought he was just sleeping,” said Small. “I saw him sleeping and decided to wake him up because I didn’t want him to get in trouble.”

Small said he started knocking on the glass to try to wake him up, but Mabie was not reacting.

“I started yelling and shaking the truck and that’s when I realized this might be a real issue because he was not responding,” said Small.

Additionally, Small started to notice that Mabie’s appearance was not normal.

“He didn’t appear right and his skin was really pale, said Small. “His eyes were open, but they were twitching and rolling into the back of his head.”

Small said his condition looked to be getting worse as the attempts to wake Mabie were not working.

“He started drooling and spitting,” said Small. “It looked like he was trying to wake up, and originally I thought he was having a seizure.”

With continued attempts to wake Mabie with other Soldiers by this time, the military police was called. Upon arrival, the MPs notified and dispatched emergency medical personnel. At this time, the MPs made the decision to break a window and gain access to Mabie.

“When they pulled him out he was limp and I thought he was suffering from heat exhaustion,” Said Small.

Mabie was taken to the hospital and treated, but not for heat exhaustion. While Small was filling out reports with the MPs, he was still concerned about Mabie’s condition.

“I was able to hear things over their radio so I asked one of the MPs about Mabie’s condition, I wanted to know how he was,” said Small. “That’s when we found out he had carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Small said about an hour after Mabie was taken to the hospital he gained consciousness. Mabie was treated and has recovered from the event.

“Honestly I’m not entirely sure how I feel, I’m just glad he’s ok,” said Small.

Thanks to this instincts and decisive actions, Small saved the life a fellow Soldier.

Small said since that day leaders are making sure Soldiers are continuing to check on each other.

Sgt. Daniel Guerrero,

1ABCT Public Affairs

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Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT Class #19-17  for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be full active members of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in your career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah