Stryker Brigade marks its homecoming with talk of accomplishments and sacrifice

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD — Sarah McConnell — her 5-month-old daughter, Evelyn, resting on her chest — sat in a chair reserved for honored guests at an Army homecoming ceremony Thursday.

She watched soldiers assemble in formation on the parade ground and listened to a colonel speak of accomplishments and sacrifice during the 12 months that the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division spent in Afghanistan.

Her husband, Sgt. Andrew McConnell, had died when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb last September. When the speeches were over, the young mother walked across the field to visit with the soldiers in her late husband's unit.

"They were very supportive," Sarah McConnell said. "They were all looking forward to meeting the daughter that he never got a chance to meet."

Pride and grief were on display Thursday.

This brigade of some 3,700 soldiers lost 37 men in the deployment and had 239 injured.

Many of the injuries and deaths were caused by roadside bombs, ambushes and mines during their first months of operations. The morning ceremony, held under a cool gray sky, was the final brigade gathering before most soldiers head out on a monthlong leave with families.

After their time off, many will be headed for new assignments in different Army posts across the country.

The brigade was formed back in 2007 as part of the expanded Army investment in infantry units tied to the eight-wheeled Stryker vehicles.

After the award of a Silver Star to Sgt. Jarrett Brown on Thursday, the brigade was renamed the 2nd Brigade 2nd Infantry Division.

Thursday also was the last day of command for Col. Harry Tunnell IV.

In remarks to reporters, Tunnell spoke of progress made against a tough Taliban foe, as well as efforts to bolster the local governments that included police training and funding of development projects.

Tunnell declined to comment on the circumstances of an Army criminal investigation that in June resulted in five brigade soldiers being charged with premeditated murder for their alleged involvement in the deaths of three Afghan civilians.

Before Tunnell made his farewell speech, more than 90 injured brigade soldiers, some in wheelchairs or using crutches, crossed the parade ground to reunite with their units.

"You have already seen the images of the hard hand of war as our wounded rejoin the formation," Tunnell said. "I hope that you can see the steel in them and understand the determination that they had to be with their fellow warriors today."

Hal Bernton: 206-464-2581 or hbernton@seattletimes.com