Chief medical unit in Iraq transfers authority

Courtesy Photo | Brig. Gen. Elder Granger (left), commander, 44th Medical Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Command Sgt. Maj. Darryl E. Strange, sergeant major, 44th MEDCOM, case their unit's colors during a transfer of authority ceremony Oct. 10, 2005, at the Al-Faw Palace ballroom, Camp Victory, Iraq. The 44th Med. Com. handed authority of medical operations in Iraq to the 30th Medical Brigade, Heidelberg, Germany. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp. (released)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.17.2005

Courtesy Story

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Story, Photos by Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp
MNC -- I PAO
October 13, 2005



CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- The commanding medical unit in Multi-National Corps -- Iraq switched hands during a transfer of authority ceremony Oct. 10 at the Al-Faw Palace ballroom at Camp Victory.

The 44th Medical Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Elder Granger, cased its colors and handed authority to Col. Steven W. Swann and the Soldiers of the 30th Medical Brigade, Heidelberg, Germany.

Granger's departing speech to a crowd of more than 200 coalition service members emphasized gratitude to his fellow Soldiers.

"I am proud to have served with those who are committed to saving America's sons and daughters; our heroes taking care of heroes on the battlefield," Granger said.

In taking care of the injured during their tour, the 44th MEDCOM conducted more than 400 brain surgeries, nearly 7,000 general surgery procedures, 6,000 orthopedic procedures and close to 1,500 subspecialty surgical procedures, Granger said.

Granger concluded his speech by having all the commanders and senior noncommissioned officers of his subordinate units stand to be recognized.

"Every generation has produced patriots, and those patriots are willing to serve a cause that is higher than them and better than themselves. That cause is freedom," Granger said. "We all know freedom isn't free, so on behalf of the 44th MEDCOM, XVIII Airborne Corps and our surgeon staff, I want to thank you for allowing us to serve with you."

Multi-National Corps -- Iraq Commanding General Lt. Gen. John R. Vines honored Granger's work by awarding him the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Bronze Star during the ceremony.

"We are recognizing extraordinary performance in a combat zone," Vines said.

Following the awards ceremony, the 44th cased its colors, with Granger and Command Sgt. Maj. Darryl E. Strange, sergeant major, 44th MEDCOM, doing the honors.

Swann and Command Sgt. Maj. Dale A. Christopher, sergeant major, 30th Med. Bde., then unfurled their unit colors, signifying the official transfer of authority.

Vines took the lectern and spoke on behalf of the departing 44th and welcomed the work to come from the 30th.

"Return home with the thanks of your fellow Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and your fellow citizens," Vines said to the gathered troops of the 44th. "If (those citizens at home) could see you the way that I see you, they would be in awe of you as I am.

"To Col. Swann and the great Soldiers of the 30th Med. Bde., I say welcome, and it's great to have you here," Vines said. "Airborne, all the way."

Swann introduced his unit at the end of the ceremony, and emphasized his charge as one of honor and commitment.

"It is truly an honor for me to stand here today, commanding and representing the 30th Med. Bde. as we take our next step into history and fulfill the destiny of this outstanding brigade," Swann said. "For the past year, the 30th Med. Bde. has been tirelessly training for this mission â?¦ of providing the highest standard of medical care on the battlefield.

"This is a sacred and honorable mission that the nation has entrusted to us; that of caring for it's sons and daughters who are sick, wounded or injured -- as well as our Coalition partners and Iraqi forces who fight with us," he said.

"The work we do for the future of the U.S. and Iraq cannot be over-emphasized," Swann concluded.

"This is a veteran command," Granger said of the incoming unit. "We are leaving the health care of the Coalition in good hands. The 30th Med. Bde. will continue to take health care on the battlefield to another level."

The 30th Med. Bde. was constituted in the regular Army as the 30th Med. Regiment on Oct. 1, 1933, in Texas. On March 19, 1992, after various configurations through the years, the 30th Med. Group was given its current name. The unit serves under V Corps with its headquarters and is a veteran of numerous campaigns including Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• Date Taken: 10.17.2005
• Date Posted: 10.17.2005 14:37
• Story ID: 3389
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ