 Military News
Forces Command Commanding General, Gen. Charles Campbell gave his remarks about Austin's and wife Charlene's leadership and service to the Fort Bragg community. "Leading these fine troopers is a commander of vision, of determination, of competence and of moral courage," Campbell said. "Lloyd Austin is a Soldier's general – calm, resolute and approachable. Yet he is decisive and he is animated by an enduring proof that the XVIII Airborne Corp's mission was, is and will always be to prepare paratroopers, leaders and units to fight and to win our nation's wars." Austin took command of the XVIII Airborne Corps on Dec. 8, 2006. During his 33 months in command, he led the corps during its 15-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, served as commander of Multi-National Corp – Iraq and ensured that the unit safely redeployed to Fort Bragg. Under his command, U.S. Forces worked closely with Iraqi security forces, resulting in a decrease in the number of attacks across the country. Austin's command was also instrumental in ensuring that provincial elections occurred in January. During the corp's tour in Iraq, Iraqi election-day attacks decreased from 300 in 2005 to 11 in January. "He took command knowing that he had the task of preparing these great paratroopers for their upcoming mission in Iraq," Campbell said. "In just over a year later, Lloyd planted the colors in Iraq and assumed control over the 158,000 personnel that comprised Multi-National Corps – Iraq. This included Soldiers from the active and reserve components; it included Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Department of Defense civilians as well as interagency and coalition partners. "I will tell you with absolute assurance that Iraq is a markedly different place today than it was two years ago, largely because of the achievements of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of Multi-National Corps – Iraq and in particular, because of the troopers of the XVIII Airborne Corps," Campbell added. Austin departs Fort Bragg for a tour at the Pentagon, where he will serve as director of the Joint Staff. The Thomasville, Ga. native, along with his wife, Charlene, stood before the crowd as they each received awards for their leadership and service to Fort Bragg. Campbell offered his best wishes to the Austins as they depart Fort Bragg. "I can tell you that it has been the fastest and the most rewarding 33 months of my life," Austin said, as he addressed the Soldiers and spectators in attendance. "Most of my career has been in the XVIII Airborne Corps, whether it was here at Fort Bragg or whether it was at Fort Stewart (Ga.) or Fort Drum (N.Y.). I was very fortunate and privileged to have commanded here at Fort Bragg at the company, battalion and brigade and now at the Corps level." "It is not lost on me that commanding the XVIII Airborne Corps is an opportunity that very few have been afforded," Austin said. "And I can say that there's not been a single day that has gone by in the past 33 months when I didn't feel truly blessed to lead one of the finest operational headquarters in the entire world." He said he was honored to share the same depth as great Americans such as former XVIII Abn. Corps commanding generals Matthew B. Ridgway, Gary E. Luck, Carl W. Stiner and Dan K. McNeill and visionaries like generals James J. Lindsay, William F. Kernan and John R. Vines. Austin also thanked Fort Bragg's surrounding community for its support during his command. He said Fort Bragg has always been home to his family and therefore, its Soldiers, civilians and contractors are like Family. "So thank you for joining us today in these somewhat challenging conditions, and we are very honored by your presence," Austin said. "It will be difficult for us to say good-bye to you today. We've been so blessed to have shared in your company and we will surely miss each of you." ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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