The 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team, got a huge welcome home from Iraq.

Commanders say this unit brought home big victories: roads built, schools opened, police units formed, Iraqi soldiers trained and elections held.

Brigade commander Col. Robert Brown told the crowd, "They were incredibly successful and should be very proud for the rest of their lives."

Lt. Gen. James Dubik told the crowd, "Then through a high effective information campaign, they drove a wedge between the population and the terrorists in Mosul."

An Air Force member of the Stryker Brigade, Lt. Col. Larry Germann, says of the Iraqi people, "They'll come out as interpreters or they'll help set up a police force or Iraqi Army or just the average citizen who wants to go out and vote or have a life of their own."

But the victories come with a heavy price. 33 Strykers were killed and hundreds were wounded. 633 soldiers from the brigade were awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

Among them is Sgt. Michael Buyas who lost parts of both legs during an attack in Mosul. Despite all of the casualties, the injuries and despite what some consider waning public support of the war, many of these soldiers say they are ready to go back.

"I would go back, if they let me," said Sgt. Buyas. He is married and a father of three boys, but he’s willing to risk it all again. "I would look at the children in Iraq and that made it all worthwhile. To see the children have a little touch of freedom like we have here in America."

It's a response we heard over and over.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Winchel is asked, "Are you ready to do a second tour?" He says, "Oh, absolutely, absolutely. I'll do everything I can to help them with their progress and serve my country as best I can."

But that won't happen for some time. These Strykers are home to spend time with family and friends. But, another Ft. Lewis Stryker unit (3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division) is gearing up and getting ready to go back for a second tour in Iraq.

For More Information:

www.lewis.army.mil.