CAMP VICTORY, Iraq — Lt. Col. Stuart Burruss, commander of Special Troops Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Carville, La., native, was awarded the Brig. Gen. Leonard E. Pauley award May 2 at Camp Victory, Iraq.

The 26-year Veteran gave direct credit for his success to the Soldiers under his command.

“When it comes down to it, that award was not won by me,” Burruss said. “I have an awesome command sergeant major and great company commanders. If they don’t do their job, I’m not successful. This takes an entire team.”

The Pauley award is typically presented by Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard, and the Pauley Family to the Tiger Brigade battalion commander of the year at the annual Louisiana Army National Guard Officer’s Convention in May. However, with Burruss currently serving on his third deployment, Col. Jonathan T. Ball, commander of the 256th IBCT and a Pineville, La., native, presented the award.

“General Pauley was a great leader,” Burruss said, regarding the 39-year Louisiana National Guard Veteran. “He was the first brigade commander and to win this award at a time when we are fully-engaged in this fight is a little more special.”

Burruss, commander of the Base Defense Operation Center originally deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 769th Engineer Battalion out of Baton Rouge, La., in 2003. Upon his return, the 256th IBCT was just preparing to deploy to Iraq and he was aware that the brigade was in need of officers, he said.

Burruss said that with the brigade’s initial full spectrum operations mission, and his two previous deployments, a lot of stress has been placed on Aimee, his wife of 20 years.

“She is fully-responsible for everything back home and she accepts that burden” he said. “In many ways, the deployments are much easier on me and she has earned this award as much as I have.”

Despite the multiple deployments, military schools, missed birthdays and anniversaries, Aimee spoke of her husband’s service and character with pride.

“I am very proud of my husband's sacrifices and the good he does,” she said. “Where would this country be if everyone had the attitude that he needs to get out of the service to be with his Family?”

“Yes, he leaves the Family and misses a few special occasions,” Aimee said. But the pride I have in him and the pride his children have in him is the fuel that keeps him going.”

Burruss and his wife said the dedication to serving is what has allowed him to be successful not only in his military career, but in his personal life as well.

“I have a good faith … a strong religious faith, and I fully believe that 99 percent of what we do is beyond our control,” he said. “There just isn’t a book of knowledge that tells you how to succeed. I strive hard to do a good job because it’s part of selfless service and taking care of Soldiers…not to win an award.”

With a long enlisted and commissioned career, Burruss has made quite an impact on the Soldiers he serves with.

“I’ve known Stuart since we were both lieutenants with the 205th Engineer Battalion and I know that he is a great Soldiers’ leader,” said Lt. Col. Scott Adams, executive officer with the 256th IBCT and a Hammond, La., native. “He is one of the most conscientious officers I have had the pleasure to work with.”

Burruss continues to serve as a source of motivation for his longtime friend, including from a personal perspective, Adams said.

“Stuart has a love for the Boy Scouts and much like his military career, he is heavily involved in it,” he said. “That speaks volumes about his care for future adults. He is a deeply-religious man and his faith is at the base of who he is.”