DIYALA, Iraq — An Ironton native and soldier is being praised for his work in Iraq.

Specialist Brian Thacker is a gunner on a M1127 Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle. He is currently deployed in support of Operation New Dawn to advise, assist and train the Fourth Brigade, First Iraqi Army and Third Regional Guard Brigade soldiers.

Thacker is a trained cavalry scout with the Second Squadron, 14th U.S. Cavalry. He is constantly conducting combined patrols and training sessions to teach the Iraqi Security Forces.

Thacker was exhausted after two days of coaching and training Iraqi Security Forces at a checkpoint and conducting a six-hour patrol. As he returned to FOB Cobra, he discovered a deficiency in his Stryker. Choosing the “hard right” choice over the “easy wrong,” Thacker stayed with his vehicle and worked tirelessly to ensure that it was fully mission capable.

The following day, with their vehicle repaired, his platoon conducted yet another mission.

Few outside the military understand the incredible effort and patience that soldiers give behind the scenes; behind the missions that U.S. Forces conduct are dedicated warriors like Thacker who know that being a professional is more than what meets the eye, a press release from his squadron stated.

When a six-hour mission ends, preparation for the next immediately begins. Second Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment officials said they were proud to have Thacker on the team and thank him, his family and friends for the outstanding efforts.