Barton deployed to Iraqi theater

Army Pfc. Tristan Barton has deployed to the Iraqi theater of operations to support the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldier is a member of the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, the "Black Lions," 4th Infantry Combat Brigade, 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Riley, Junction City, KS.

The Black Lions, activated in 2006, are one of the Army's newest modular infantry brigade combat teams. In preparation toward the Black Lions' deployment to a combat environment, the battalion soldiers completed a demanding four-week collective training density at Fort Irwin, CA.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty.

Barton is a driver with one year of military service. He is the son of David C. Barton of Oklahoma City, OK, and Kristina L. Stripe of Vermillion.