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FORWARD OPERATING BASE APACHE, Afghanistan – Transfer of authority ceremonies serve as the symbolic hand over of authority from one unit to another in an area of operation. They are a remembrance of the legacy passed on from one unit for their successors to sustain and develop.
As Col. Bill Ostlund and Command Sgt. Maj. Billie Jo Boersma, command team, 3rd BCT, removed the cover of their colors, Task Force Duke accepted its mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Task Force Duke has a very unique mission set, which includes advising and assisting the Afghan National Security Forces and Government officials become even more capable as conditions are set for Afghanistan’s 2014 elections,” said Ostlund. “In addition we have a large portion of our force support Special Operations Forces train, mentor, and advise ANSF throughout the country.”
Ostlund said Task Force Raider was an exceptionally proficient and professional organization that guided TF Duke during their relief in place process. The Raiders trained, mentored and transferred responsibility for their area with the emotion of passing responsibility from their family to another.
“Men and women of Task Force Duke, your reputation precedes you,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Abrams, commander Regional Command-South and the 3rd Infantry Division. “I challenge you to continue pushing the bar high and constantly reevaluate this complex environment and embrace the partnerships that have been created before you with our Afghan brothers and government.”
Abrams said Task Force Raider kindled cohesion between coalition Afghan Security Forces and government like no other. Every day hundreds of Afghan soldiers and police crossed the battle space, along with soldiers from the International Security Assistance Forces’ contributing nations, fighting as brothers to defeat the enemies of Afghanistan and more importantly, protecting the Afghan people.
“I thought I understood Afghanistan better than most but have subsequently learned I have much to learn every day,” said Ostlund. “I am optimistic when it comes to meeting people and I enjoy interacting with Afghans at the local level. I will always appreciate Afghan culture and the plight of the population.”
Returning for his fourth deployment to Afghanistan, Ostlund said he has seen the competence and independence of ANSF and Government officials increase over time as coalition forces step back and allow Afghans to take the lead in nearly all ventures.
Throughout Zabul the security forces led in all realms as coalition forces sought to advise and mentor on best practices.
Symbolic of the seamless transfer from TF Raider to TF Duke, Command Sgt. Maj. John Morales, senior noncommissioned officer, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, removed the 3rd Inf. Div. combat patch he earned while deployed under the division as a platoon sergeant in Iraq. He replaced it with a 1st Inf. Div. patch he recently earned while serving with TF Duke.
“Like colors, although patches change, standards of excellence and unflinching commitment to our Afghan partners, the Afghan population, and to mission success remain the same,” said Ostlund. “Col. Crider and TF Raider, rest assured your sacrifices are noted – they are not in vane – and Zabul province remains in capable hands.”
“What we do in life, echoes in eternity” is a quote Ostlund kept as a touchstone throughout TF Duke’s training. He said it embodied the mission of the brigade - to leave our Afghan partners and population even better than we found them and the ANSF and government more capable and credible with the population more connected to both.
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2013 11:45 |
| Story ID: | 109702 |
| Location: | AF |
| Hometown: | FORT KNOX, KY, US |
| Hometown: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 224 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Echoing throughout eternity, by SGT Kandi Huggins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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