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1st BCT transfer authority of Rashid to 2nd BCT

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Friday, 06 March 2009

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

www.mnc-i.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASE No. 20090306-04
March 6, 2009

1st BCT transfer authority of Rashid to 2nd BCT

Multi-National Division – Baghdad

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, said farewell to Multi-National Division – Baghdad leaders, Iraqi Security Forces counterparts and local leaders of the Rashid district during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Falcon March 4.

The 1st BCT transferred authority for their area of operations to Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, during the ceremony.

“Along with local leaders and the ISF we have formed an unbeatable team in Rashid,” said Col. Ted Martin, commander, 1st BCT, during farewell remarks. “I thank you for your friendship, patriotism and support. No longer can the enemy use neighborhoods as battlefields. Each day brings new hope for the citizens of Rashid.”

The 2nd BCT arrived in Iraq nine months ago to provide over watch to the ISF in the Diyala province, located south of the Iraqi capital. The ceremony marked the addition of Rashid to their area of operations for the remainder of their deployment.

Martin and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael I. Bobb, senior enlisted leader, 1st BCT, cased the brigade standard, signifying the completion of the unit’s yearlong deployment.

Col. Pat White, commander, 2nd BCT, 1st Armor Div., applauded the accomplishments of 1st BCT Soldiers and ISF during the previous year. White ensured that his 2nd BCT Soldiers are committed to providing the same partnership and support to the ISF during their time in southern Baghdad.

“Colonel Martin, thank you very much, you and your sergeant major have done a professional job, you have really shown us what needed to happen in Rashid,” White said.

During the ceremony, Martin extended a personal thanks to the 2nd BCT Command Team for their friendship and professionalism.

“The Soldiers of the Raider Brigade know and acknowledge the sacrifices that your Soldiers have already made in Iraq, and we wish you all the best in the days ahead,” Martin said.

In the days leading to the 1st BCT’s TOA, each of the it’s four battalions held separate casing ceremonies to highlight their unit’s accomplishments during the deployment and bring an end to their Soldiers’ yearlong deployment.

The 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment; 4th Support Battalion; and 1st Special Troops Battalion cased their battalion colors; while the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. handed its mission to the 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, 2nd Bde., 1st Armored Div.

“Our Soldiers successfully met the challenge to provide the logistics support for the 1st BCT and all other units that used FOB Falcon – living up to our mission to sustain the Raider Brigade,” stated Lt. Col. Darren Werner, commander, 4th Support Bn., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B.

The 1st BCT originally deployed to Iraq from Fort Hood, Texas in March 2008 under orders for a 15-month deployment, but thanks to gains in the improving security of the Rashid district and across Baghdad, combined with increasing ISF capabilities, the 1st BCT Soldiers will return home three months ahead of schedule.

“Our mission in Iraq is complete and we will [soon] be home with our families,” Martin said. “We will never forget those Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget the friends that we made in Iraq.”

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