By Adam Shaw
16th Sustainment Brigade
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq — Soldiers from 76th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, handed off their mission to Soldiers from the 181st Brigade Support Battalion, 16th SB, at a transfer of authority ceremony Nov. 22.
The 76th BSTB "Scorpions" from the Indiana National Guard ended their deployment and mayoral responsibilities by casing their colors during the ceremony.
"This transfer of authority demonstrates the continuing commitment of the United States to achieve a free, democratic and secure Iraq," said Col. Martin B. Pitts, commander, 16th SB. "We have come a long way as we continue to fight our Nation's Global War on Terrorism. Our partnership with Iraqi security forces grows stronger each day. The successes we accomplish now will define history tomorrow for the United States and Iraq."
During their deployment, the Scorpions have been responsible for 75 pump house missions and 11 pipeline missions and ensured that more that 52-million gallons of water was received. The unit also badged over two thousand people, completed 1,230 work orders and contributed to the local economy by employing 664 Iraqis and supporting 14 Iraqi-based Industrial Zone businesses.
"We'll go back to [our] jobs with self-assurance that no matter how trivial our achievements may be portrayed we have all cemented our legacy's vicariously through the many lives we have touched, the skills we have imbued, the infrastructure we'll have improved and finally, the threats of this great country that we'll have played a part in weaving," said Lt. Col. Keith Dinn, commander, 76th BSTB.
"I'm really proud of our Soldiers," said Chaplain Capt. Andrew Christensen, 76th BSTB. "We don't have all the combat flash and bang, but we were service-focused as we took care of the base."
The Fort Wayne, Ind., native is looking forward to leaving Iraq.
"I'm going to take a long break with my family," said Christensen. "Maybe rent an RV, travel south and take my boy sledding."
While the Scorpions are spending time with loved ones, the Washington and California guardsmen from the 181st BSB will be continuing the mission.
"The mission will not be easy," said Pitts. "The pace is fast. I know you are prepared for the challenge. To quote Aristotle, 'We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.' By the end of your marathon, you too will have proven your excellence."
| Date Taken: |
11.26.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
11.26.2008 00:57 |
| Story ID: |
26810 |
| Location: |
QAYYARAH, IQ |
| Web Views: |
270 |
| Downloads: |
250 |
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This work, Scorpions head back to Indiana, new mayor in town, by SFC Adam Shaw, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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