"I have been honored to serve with heroes like you," said Col. David Funk as he looked across Watkins Field at 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

"The Army and nation cannot show you enough gratitude," he added before he and Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Bjerke uncased the brigade's colors.

Since being certified as the Army's first operational Stryker Brigade Combat Team, it uncased its colors after completing its third yearlong tour of duty to Diyala in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After reviewing the assembled brigade from the back of a Stryker, both Funk and Maj. Gen. John Johnson, commander, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, acknowledged the sacrifices that soldiers and their families had made.

Johnson went on to say that the brigade faced a complex and changing situation in Iraq but had met the challenge.

"Your actions enabled the Iraqis to gain a chance at political stability, and you set the conditions for the drawdown on our terms and with honor."

In a multifaceted plan for stability, the brigade - Task Force Arrowhead - deployed its forces into four forward operating bases and numerous combat operation outposts across an operational environment greater than 6,800 square miles with a population of over 1.5 million people.

"What an amazing sight," concluded Funk.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve with you."