As the 314th PAOC prepares for its departure from Iraq, we felt we could not return home without leaving something behind.  Thankfully, we traveled here with a unit filled with gifted artists, and they collectively took up that challenge.

With several cans of paint, some new paint brushes, and a projector, the team of SSG Jeremy Fowler, SSG Paul Roberts, SPC Brittany Gardner and PFC Christine Bernat created a mural that adorns the entrance to the Combined Press Information Center.  Senior U.S. and Iraqi military and government officials pass by their work as they prepare to speak to a world audience.

The mural includes many pertinent elements, such as the skyline of Baghdad, an expansive desert, the crossed swords located near the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier here, and the frequently stunning sunsets.  Of course, we also had to add the symbols of Army journalists — the lightning bolt, quill and sword.  Finally, we added our unit’s motto — Maximum Effort, Minimum Delay.  Collectively, it is quite stunning.

SPC Brittany Gardner (left), lead painter for the t-wall project, poses with fellow 314th PAOC Soldier SGT Mary Lee, in front of the Combined Press Information Center. (Photo by LTC Ignacio Perez)

The mural was painted on one of the t-walls found all over Iraq.  These walls of varying heights are symbolic of the war and the omnipresent threats that we faced each day.  So, it was gratifying to know that our team of artists was able to add a new purpose — a canvas of sorts to show the world the beauty and promise of Iraq, thanks to the sacrifice of millions of Americans and others who traveled here, lived behind these walls, and worked outside them to secure a future for this nation’s peoples.

When BG Lanza returned to the room a few minutes later, LTC Ignacio Perez, the 314th PAOC Commander and CPIC Director, called the room to order, but BG Lanza instructed everyone to relax as he said a few things. 

What he said next is what every commander hopes to hear about his Soldiers.  BG Lanza spoke about the achievements of each of the five Soldiers in the front row — how they were indicative of the entire unit — which he called “high-performing.”  When he finished his comments, he told LTC Perez it was time to proceed.  With LTC Leela Dawson, former 314th PAOC Commander, at his side, each of the five Soldiers was called forward to receive their much-deserved promotion.

The follow pictures from the promotion ceremony were taken by SGT Kellena Leech, 314th PAOC.

Shortly before they entered the CPIC conference room, the five Soldiers posed for a picture with their current rank -- waiting for the promotion to the next higher one.

BG Stephen Lanza shares some comments with the Soldiers of the 314th PAOC shortly before the promotion ceremony.

While BG Lanza lists some of the achievements of each promotees, SFC Benari Poulten captures the moment on video (to be posted soon).

Before they begin to promote Soldiers, BG Lanza shakes hands with LTC Leela Dawson, former 314th PAOC Commander.

After CPT Joseph Thames was called forward, but before he was promoted, BG Lanza asked him to face the crowd and reminded him of the gravity of this step in his career as he became a field-grade officer.

BG Lanza removed the captain rank and replaced it with major.

Next to be promoted was SSG Paul Roberts, one of the newest arrivals into the units.

Newly-promoted SSG Roberts salutes BG Lanza before returning to the formation.

SSG Jeremy Fowler may not look like it on the outside, but he is very excited on the inside about his promotion (and that nice tax-free pay raise).

See, I told you he was happy!

SGT Bryan Tull got a "thump" for good luck as BG Lanza promoted him -- to make it stick.

SGT Tull and BG Lanza pose for the "grip and grin."

SGT Autumn Hope stands at attention while BG Lanza formally makes her an NCO.

BG Lanza shakes SGT Hope's hand while the remainder of the 314th PAOC look on.

BG Lanza asks everyone in the audience to join him in congratulating the Soldiers promoted today.

After the ceremony finished, it was time for some handshakes...

...and some hugs. Congratulations to all five of these fine "high-performing" Soldiers from the 314th PAOC.

The soldiers of the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center gathered in the Combined Press Information Center’s conference room on July 14 to witness an award ceremony for three of its own. 

Congratulations to SPC James Clifton, SPC Justin Wright and SGT Emily Anderson.

The three were presented Army Achievement Medals for actions in the past three months that made them stand out.   Each of them lives up to the unit’s motto:  maximum effort, minimum delay! 

SPC James Clifton is awarded for this actions supporting all four CPIC staff sections simultaneously during several weeks when other unit members were on R&R leave.

SPC Justin Wright receives an award for his actions in the Administrative, Biometrics and Credentialing (ABC) Section -- including on-the-spot repairs of the BATS equipment and stepping up when the section NCO was away.

SGT Emily Anderson receives an award from LTC Ignacio Perez for her work to support junior enlisted promotion boards at Victory Base Complex and the International Zone. (All photos by SGT Paul Roberts)

What a week!  In all my years in the Army Reserve, I have never seen anything like this.  Am I talking about the dust storms or the 130 degree heat?  NO!  I am talking about the SIX promotions in the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center in the past 48 hours.  Yep, you read that right.

The first five Soldiers were recommended for promotion during a junior enlisted board held here in the International Zone on July 7.  The enlisted Soldiers recommended were:

SGT(P) Jeremy Fowler
SGT(P) Paul Roberts
SGT(P) Bryan Tull
SPC(P) Autumn Hope
SPC(P) Roshonda Thurston

We are hoping to be able to announce their official promotion dates soon, but until then, they will have the (P) behind their current rank. 

As if that were not enough, we received word this afternoon that one of our officers, CPT Joseph Thames, was also selected for promotion — to the rank of major — so we will start using CPT(P) for him.

LTC Ignacio Perez, the 314th PAOC commander, said it best — there is nothing more exciting for a commander than to be able to promote a Soldier….so he has six times the excitement coming up in the next few weeks. 

If you know any of the six, join us in congratulating them and wishing them well as leaders in the next highest rank.  More details and pictures will follow when we have the promotion ceremony for each of these great Soldiers who continue to set the standard here in Iraq.

Oh, and in case you aren’t keeping track (because we are), that makes 16 out of 30 Soldiers in the 314th PAOC that have been promoted since we mobilized back in Birmingham, Alabama, late last year, and 18 out of 30 in the past 12 months.