|
Blackanthem Military News
|
Last Updated:
Nov 20, 2008 - 8:44:25 PM |
|
|
Blackanthem Military News
 |
| Coonel Butch Kievenaar, and Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick Thompson uncase the colors during ceremony here Oct. 4. (Courtesy photo) |
CAMP ECHO, Iraq - With several country flags already flying high in front of the Multi-National Division- Central South headquarters, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony to unveil the latest colors to fly at the camp - the colors of the ‘Warhorse' Brigade.
The uncasing ceremony was held here Oct. 4, to recognize the official transfer of authority of the camp over to the brigade.
"Even though we are already doing missions, the time is right to show that we have officially arrived in theater," said Col. Butch Kievenaar, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. commander during his opening remarks.
After the commander's opening remarks, he and the brigade command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick Thompson, uncased the colors and put 4th Inf. Div. patches on all the Soldiers in the formation who were on their first deployment.
The brigade assumes responsibility of the provincial-controlled Qadisiya Province, a task that primarily falls on the Soldiers of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Inf. Regiment.
"Part of our mission is to interact with the local Iraqi population to see what we can do for them. They're very friendly and receptive to our presence and say they are happy to have us here working with the Iraqi Security Forces," said 1st Lt. Tyler Bradley, platoon leader, Co. C, 2-8th Inf. Regt., and a native of Austin, Texas.
The ceremony was held the same day as the Polish army commemorated its successful mission in Iraq with an "End of Mission" Ceremony. The Polish contingent ended operations Oct. 1, after completing ten rotations in Iraq.
Although it's mission accomplishment for the Polish forces, it's a new type of mission for the Warhorse Brigade, as they will continue the process of professionalizing the ISF in the area.
"The Warhorse Brigade will provide overwatch with assistance by, through and with the Iraqi Security Forces, as they continue to secure the Iraqi population in this province," said Kievenaar.
ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
 |
| Specialist Anthony Madden, a signal support specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., is given his combat patch by Col. Butch Kievenaar, during the uncasing ceremony here Oct. 4. (Courtesy photo) |
|
|
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
