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January 29, 2004
Release Number: 04-01-74
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division Hands Off Community to 1st Armored Division Artillery
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The 1st Armored Division Artillery accepted authority of the Al Rashid district in southern Baghdad from 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Falcon Jan. 23.
With numerous local District Advisory Council members watching the ceremony, Col. Jon Brockman, DIVARTY commander, accepted the job of helping rebuild Baghdad's southern district of more than 1.5 million people from Col. Kurt Fuller, commander of the 2-82.
The Fort Bragg, N.C., airborne unit has overseen the operations under Task Force 1st Armored Division's southern area of responsibility since July. Fuller and his paratroopers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2003, and are currently in the process of redeploying back to North Carolina.
As Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Riley carefully rolled up the 2nd Brigade colors, Fuller seemed emotional as he reflected back on the past four months in what he described as "the safest district in Baghdad."
"Because we are able to conduct this transfer of authority today it 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 the security 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 paratroopers' many accomplishments over the past six months.
Some of the 2-82's achievements since July include:
- Recruited, trained, equipped and employed 2,900 Facilities Protection Services (FPS) guards
- Created a full battalion of nearly 1,000 Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) guardsmen
- Removed more than 2,000 war wrecks
- Refurbished the Thurwa Veteran's Clinic at a cost of $130,000
- Hired more than 2,000 local citizens to help clear the streets of debris and trash, to provide security, and to repair the infrastructure
- Administered the repair of 13 of 16 technical schools at a cost of $400,000.
"This list is impressive and I am very proud of all the accomplishments we have made," Fuller said. "Perhaps the most impressive part is the simple optimism and cooperation that has solidified across the Al Rashid district as we have worked together, Coalition forces and Iraqi citizens, for the common goal of a free, democratic Iraq."
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 disappeared into the drab green protective case, the battle streamers of DIVARTY were unveiled. It is the first time the unit has acted as a maneuver element in theater.
"Our mission remains the same as the Falcons'," said Brockman. "We will maintain the same high standards of excellence of Task Force Falcons." From cordon and search operations to combat raids, the soldiers from the two units have been working side-by-side learning about the community and how to successfully complete the mission.
Brockman praised Task Force Falcon's hospitality during the transition period and said he was pleased with the unit's willingness to share information about the keys to success in maintaining a safe and secure environment in the Al Rashid district of Baghdad.
"The Falcons are a truly great combat team and their aggressiveness, dedication to duty, and selfless service has contributed immensely to the security of the Al Rashid district, allowing it to be one of the most secure areas of Baghdad," he said.
Brockman said his DIVARTY Combat Team (DCT) looks forward to working with the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, specifically the 504th battalion and Alpha Company, 36th Battalion, based at Camp Falcon. "We will continue the great efforts and initiatives of [Fuller] and his Falcons by training, supporting, and integrating the ICDC in all of our operations," he said.
DIVARTY will continue to support the Facilities Protection Services in securing and protecting highways and facilities in the Al Rashid sector, he said.
"We are committed to working with you in growing democracy in Iraq. Our priorities will remain security, governance, power, and education," he said.
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