1CD RSSB, 1AD RSSB conduct TOA ceremony on Memorial Day at BAF

AFGHANISTAN

05.29.2017

Story by Cpl. Michael Smith 

1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade

Immediately following the U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Memorial Day Observance at Bagram Airfield (BAF), Afghanistan, the 1st Cavalry Division Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade (1CD RSSB) conducted a transfer of authority (TOA) ceremony with the 1st Armored Division Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade (1AD RSSB) May 29.
Col. Christopher H. Colavita, commander, 1CD RSSB, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jill L. Crosby, command sergeant major, 1CD RSSB, cased the brigade colors, signifying the end of the unit’s operations in Afghanistan, while Col. Michael Lalor, commander, 1AD RSSB, and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Howard, command sergeant major, 1AD RSSB, uncased their unit’s colors, beginning the Muleskinners’ new mission.
“I cannot think of a more capable group of soldiers and leaders to take over this exceedingly demanding and important mission,” said Col. Colavita, addressing the 1AD RSSB. “We wish you God speed and we know you will take the RSSB to new heights.”
The ceremony marks the end of a nine-month deployment for the 1CD RSSB in which the Wagonmasters were responsible for all sustainment efforts supporting Operation Resolute Support in the Combined Joint Operations Area-Afghanistan.
“None of us does what we do for the fanfare or a pat on the back,” said Col. Colavita. “It is our most distinct pleasure to serve as the lifeblood of this important Resolute Support Mission here in Afghanistan.”
The day was bittersweet for the soldiers of the 1CD RSSB. The ceremony signifies another step towards returning home, but it was also the first Memorial Day without three Wagonmasters in their ranks.
Staff Sgt. John W. Perry and Pfc. Tyler R. Iubelt were killed by a suicide bomber at BAF on Nov. 12, 2016. Sgt. 1st Class Allan E. Brown died of his wounds Dec. 6, 2016.
“It is fitting that our TOA ceremony falls on the same day that we observe Memorial Day,” said Col. Colavita. “Three of the soldiers honored during this morning’s ceremony last served here on Bagram as cherished members of this proud organization.”
The Wagonmasters dedicated a memorial May 7 with the names of the fallen soldiers and the two civilian contractors who worked with the 1CD RSSB, Col. (Ret.) Jarrold Reeves Jr. and Mr. Peter Provost, who were also killed in the attack.
A bronze replica of the Norman shield and horse-head silhouette of the 1st Cav. Div. shoulder sleeve insignia hovers over the memorial plaque, only a few feet from the site of the explosion and will remain at BAF for future units to see.
“I know those of us who served with those heroes will never forget that day,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Crosby. “I’m glad the memorial will remain here long after we are gone, as a testament to their service and the ultimate sacrifice they made.”

• Date Taken: 05.29.2017
• Date Posted: 05.29.2017 08:42
• Story ID: 235614
• Location: AF