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1ST ARMORED DIVISION HANDS GUIDON, AUTHORITY TO IRAQI CIVIL DEFENSE CORPS COMPANY

V Corps Release

Release Date: 12/19/2003

By Staff Sgt. Conrad College 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- With the handover of a guidon, 1st Armored Division soldiers recognized the formation and authority of one of the first companies of the emerging Iraqi Civil Defense Corps.

The commander of the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, from Fort Riley, Kansas-based 3rd Brigade of V Corps' 1st Armored Division, presented the guidon during a recent transfer-of-authority ceremony here.

The 2/70th's forward operating base is located between the Abu Ghurayb and Ameria neighborhoods of western Baghdad.

Upon presenting the banner, 2/70th Commander Lt. Col. Leopoldo A. Quintas, the 2/70th commander, presented the guidon designed by the members of the ICDC company and made by a Baghdad tailor.

"Their new guidon is a symbol of their unit and is something they can focus on," Quintas said.

The ICDC company is presently made up of three platoons of about 30 men each. Two of the three platoons took part in the ceremony in uniform, while the third platoon has not received uniforms yet. The ICDC soldiers are armed with AK-47 rifles.

The ICDC company commander is Capt. Falah Hassan Hussein, and the company's first sergeant is 1st. Sgt. Youssif Habeeb Thahir.

Quintas and Falah addressed the unit during the ceremony.

"With the passing of the guidon, Capt. Falah formally accepts responsibility for command of the soldiers who stand before you today," Quintas said. "First Sgt. Youssif also assumes duties as the senior noncommissioned officer for the company."

Quintas noted that the company had achieved many distinctions even before the ceremony. He said the first and second platoons, some of the first original platoons of the ICDC, were the first to conduct tactical operations in Iraq after their basic training earlier this year.

"Several members of this company have fought against our enemies," Quintas said, "engaging them from guard positions just outside this compound while defending the municipal area of Abu Ghurayb."

"Most recently," Quintas continued, "This unit was the first in Iraq to conduct operations at the company level. Truly, the fine soldiers, commissioned and noncommissioned officers before you have proven themselves ready."

Speaking to the Iraqi soldiers, Quintas added, "Soldiers of the ICDC, you should be very proud of yourselves. I am proud of you. You are the brave sons of Iraq, ready to fight for the freedoms and liberties that you, your families and your fellow citizens enjoy today.

"You, more than anyone else, understand that freedom does not come freely. A price must be paid, courage must be shown, and steel must be ready to meet steel in combat.

"Together we will continue our victories over our enemies, and bring peace and prosperity to this great country. I am proud to officially welcome you to the Thunderbolt Task Force. I know you will bring honor to yourselves, this task force, and the Iraqi people. Thunderbolts!"

"We will be ready at any time," Falah said during his remarks. "If necessary, we will sacrifice ourselves for our country. We will be willing to shed our blood for our country."