V CORPS' 1st ARMORED DIVISION ARTILLERY REPLACES DEPARTING BRAGG TROOPS IN BAGHDAD'S AL-RASHID DISTRICT
V Corps Release
Release Date: 1/27/2004
By Sgt. Mark Bell 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- V Corps' 1st Armored Division Artillery (DIVARTY) Combat Team accepted authority of the Al Rashid district in southern Baghdad from the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Falcon Jan. 23.
Several local District Advisory Council members attended the ceremony during which Col. Jon Brockman, the DIVARTY commander, accepted the job of helping improve the district of more than 1.5 million people from Col. Kurt Fuller, commander of the 2-82. Fuller's Fort Bragg, N.C.-based brigade has overseen operations in Al Rashid since July, as part of the corps' Task Force 1st Armored Division. Fuller and his paratroopers have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since February 2002, and are currently in the process of redeploying back to North Carolina.
As the 2nd Brigade colors were carefully cased by Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Riley, the brigade's senior noncommissioned officer, Fuller reflected on the past four months in what he described as "the safest district in Baghdad."
"(That) we are able to conduct this (ceremony) today is a testament to the improvement in the security situation now, compared to last July when I took command," Fuller said. "I am very proud of my paratroopers' efforts in this area. I am equally proud of their efforts in rebuilding this area, restoring infrastructure, rehabilitating neglected schools, restoring civil functions and generating a local government structure where one never before existed."
Brockman told the soldiers and community members that he hoped to continue moving forward with the tasks the paratroopers have accomplished over the past six months. He said those achievements include recruiting, training, equipping and employing 2,900 Iraqis as Facility Protection Services guards; creating a battalion of nearly 1,000 Iraqi Civil Defense Corps guardsmen; removing more than 2,000 war wrecks; refurbishing the Thurwa Veteran's Clinic at a cost of $130,000; hiring more than 2,000 local citizens to help clear the streets of debris and trash, provide security, and repair infrastructure, and administering the repair of 13 of 16 technical schools at a cost of $400,000.
"As impressive as this list is -- and I am very proud of all the accomplishments we have made -- perhaps the most impressive part is the simple optimism and cooperation that has solidified across Al Rashid district as we have worked together, coalition and Iraqi citizen, for the common goal of a free, democratic Iraq," Fuller added.
Fuller said his sincere wish is that all Iraqis are able to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity to build a better life -- and make it what they want it to be.
"I know I am leaving this district in good hands," he said.
As the red, white and blue colors of 2-82 were returned to their case, the battle streamers of the DIVARTY were unveiled.
"Our mission remains the same as the Falcons'," said Brockman. "We will maintain the same high standards of excellence as Task Force Falcon's."
From cordon-and-search operations to combat raids, the soldiers from the two units have been working side by side sharing knowledge of the community and the mission there.
Brockman praised Task Force Falcon's hospitality during the transition period and their willingness to share information about the keys to success in achieving and maintaining a safe and secure environment in the district.
"The Falcons are a truly great combat team, and their aggressiveness, dedication to duty, and selfless service have contributed immensely to the security of the Al Rashid district and allowing it to be one of the most secure areas of Baghdad," he said.
Brockman said his DIVARTY Combat Team looks forward to working with the ICDC, specifically the 504th battalion and Alpha Company, 36th Battalion, which call Camp Falcon home. He pledged to continue the Falcons' relationship in the area by "training, supporting, and integrating the ICDC in all of our operations," as well as supporting the FPS in its mission of securing and protecting highways and facilities in the Al Rashid sector.
"We are committed to working with you in growing democracy in Iraq," he told the assembled soldiers and community leaders. "Our priorities will remain security, governance, power, and education."
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