Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. awarded five Flying Cross medals and seven Purple Hearts to 3rd ID soldiers Monday afternoon during a visit to Fort Stewart.

Casey, who was in the area with his wife, Sheila, and Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, spoke briefly at the ceremony after pinning the honorees.

“A mutual bond of trust has bonded us together,” he said.

That bond, according to the general, is what has allowed the Army to persevere during difficult recent years.

The award recipients were honored by Casey’s presence at the event.

For more, pick up a copy of the Feb. 19 edition of the News.