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Lacey says goodbye to the Army’s first Stryker Brigade

Farewell dinner hosted by city, local businesses

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The city of Lacey and theAssociation of the United States Army (AUSA) held a leadership farewell dinner for the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Arrowhead Stryker Brigade Combat Team (3-2 SBCT) on Nov. 16 at the Thurston County Fairgrounds. Battalion deployments to Afghanistan begin as early as Dec.

The AUSA "Arrowhead Adopt A Unit Program" partners with local businesses and neighboring cities to embrace Stryker Brigade units at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Lacey subchapter adopted 3-2 SBCT with the goal of supporting and developing relationships with the unit throughout the year, including during deployments.

"We're looking forward to sending them care packages in the upcoming months," said Denise Burditus, Lacey AUSA subchapter president.

In attendance were Lacey Mayor Tom Nelson along with dignitaries from the city's Chamber of Commerce, City Council, the Thurston County School District, local businesses, and the chain of command from each of the five 3-2 battalions and their spouses. The ceremony included musical performances by the Thurston County School Choir.

"We wanted to say thanks to our troops and to show them support," said Captain Meriwether Lewis AUSA Chapter President Carlene Joseph, "and we're looking forward to great return-home picnics."

In his closing remarks, Brigade Commander Col. Charles Webster explained that Servicemembers of the partial deployment were ready because they knew the Lacey community would take care of their families.

"For military families, home is where the Army sends you ...  and Lacey truly feels like home," said Webster.

At the end of the dinner, the choir and attendees sang happy birthday to Webster and Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Murphy, who share a birth date of Nov. 16. Two 2-sheet cakes covered with miniature candles flickered gently as they were presented to the Colonel and Sgt. Major, who are exactly 10 years apart.

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