CAMP TAJI, Iraq- Ask a Soldier of the daily duties they are expected to complete without being asked to, and the list may seem never ending. Question a Soldier as to whether their continuous efforts go unnoticed, and some might tell you they do.

For Soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade “Warriors,” 1st Cavalry Division, a ceremony takes place every month in a stress-free setting over lunch to recognize those who selflessly serve.

At the ceremony held Aug. 27, a total of 18 worthy Soldiers were paid in full with a brigade-commander coin from the “Warriors” commander Col. Dan Shanahan, a Traverse City, Mich. native.

“It’s good to have an opportunity to come together to say thanks and break some bread,” said Shanahan before the festivities began. “I’m certainly proud of you, and your chain of command has a lot to be proud of across the board. We’ve got some great troopers here that we want to say thank you to.”

These honored coin recipients ranged from the rank of private first class to sergeant first class, and each was represented by a “sponsor.” The sponsor, often a first line supervisor, nominated the Soldier to be recognized for their work ethics.

Every sponsor who explained the reasons as to why they nominated their deserving Soldier seemed to speak unrehearsed and from the heart.

“I just sit back and I watch him work,” said Sgt. Derek Henrie, of Price, Utah, of his Soldier, Pfc. Robert Hansen, from Pioche, Nev. “He’s taught me a few things. As a squad leader I don’t get many opportunities to stand up and talk about my Soldiers, so this is a great honor.

“I know they don’t get a lot of recognition as far as what we do, but the reason you’re rolling around here is because of mechanics like this. On behalf of (Company E), and behalf of 3rd Battalion, I just want to tell (Hansen) ‘thank you’ for everything that he does.”

Sentiment poured from the sponsors’ testaments of their Soldiers’ tireless efforts. There were testimonies of Soldiers who struggled with weight, but triumphed in the battle to lose it with strenuous exercise regiments. By following their own personal physical fitness programs, some Warriors had even scored well above average on their Army Physical Fitness Test.

There were many other examples of Soldiers going beyond the call of duty, too. For instance, when asked to work late there was no complaining or protesting from this group. Also, some of these Soldiers, without thinking twice, lent a helping hand to a fellow Soldier in need. When it came to certain on-the-job skills, they exceeded the standards as well.

Ask these Warrior leaders of the daily duties their Soldiers are expected to complete without asking them to, and the list may seem never ending. Question these Warrior leaders as to their Soldiers’ contributions to the unit, and the response will probably be jam-packed with pride.