As Official As It Gets!

**Unclassified**
4th Brigade Combat Team,
1st Cavalry Division
Media Release

COB Adder, Iraq
APO AE 09331
RELEASE 20090415-01
15 April 2009

Long Knife Brigade to begin return to Fort Hood
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division finishing Iraq deployment
By Maj. Chad Carroll, 4 BCT Public Affairs COB Adder, Iraq

– The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division will begin returning to Fort Hood next month after their year-long tour in Iraq.The brigade was originally scheduled to return in September, but improved security conditions in the brigade’s area of operations allowed Army leaders to redeploy the brigade at the one-year mark.“Our Soldiers have performed exceptionally well this year,” said Col. Philip Battaglia, 4 BCT commander. “While they are excited to return back to the ‘Great Place,’ we remain focused and professional on our various operations.”The brigade’s main body flights are scheduled to arrive at Fort Hood during the final weeks of May. The entire unit is scheduled to return by mid-June.Battaglia noted the unit’s comprehensive safety and reintegration program in place for the Soldiers once they return. “We have key training sessions each Soldier will attend which will actually start here in Iraq and continue once everyone is back at Fort Hood,” he said. The sessions will address stressful topics that returning Soldiers have historically encountered upon returning from a combat tour.“All of us leaders are committed to ensuring we properly prepare our Soldiers to adjust to life back at home,” he said.The brigade will host a ceremony to uncase its colors at the end of the Soldiers’ block leave in late July.The 4 BCT has been operating in southern Iraq in three provinces: Dhi Qar, Muthanna and Maysan. They have partnered with Iraqi Security Forces to improve security and support development in the region.For queries, contact the 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.