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5th Civil Affairs Group begins tour
of duty
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - The 5th Civil Affairs Group officially
started its tour of duty in Iraq when the commanding officer and
sergeant major unfurled the unit's colors at a transfer of authority
ceremony with the 4th CAG March 10.
Col. Steve McKinley, 5th CAG commanding officer, and Sgt. Maj. John
A. Ellis stood at attention as the 4th CAG commander and sergeant
major cased their unit's colors at the old base theater.
"A strategic victory is still not settled, but it's close," said Lt.
Gen. John F. Sattler, I Marine Expeditionary Force commanding
general, who spoke to the CAG Marines and Sailors at the event. "I
challenge the 5th CAG as I challenged the 4th."
Sattler thanked Col. John R. Ballard, 4th CAG commanding officer,
and Sgt. Maj. Joseph A. Staudt for leading their Marines and Sailors
over the past seven months and pointed out their major
accomplishments, such as helping to establish the Civil Military
Operations Center in Fallujah.
"Fourth CAG was the one that made things happen," Sattler said.
"Thanks to 4th CAG. You cased your colors here, but you can uncase
them when you get home and hold it higher."
Ballard thanked his Marines after the general spoke and said the
Iraqis appreciated the Marines helping them get started on
reconstruction projects.
"We were very lucky," Ballard said. "We did exactly what we were
trained and meant to do."
The 5th CAG will operate in the Al-Anbar Province of Iraq and has
been working with the 4th CAG for the nearly a month to ensure a
seamless transition of current civil affairs projects.
"We are going to go out and get the job done," McKinley said.
For more information, please contact Capt. Julianne H. Sohn, public
affairs officer, 5th Civil Affairs Group, at
sohnjh@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
Release #050311a |
