71st EOD uncases colors

Photo By Spc. Shameka Edwards | The 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Commander, Col. Patrick Kelly, and the Group Command Sergeant Major, Thomas Gonzalez, unfurled the unit’s colors marking their return from a year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, April 23 at Garcia Physical Fitness Center. “I am confident in your abilities and I ask that you never forget that your country is united behind you and that the American people are very proud of you,” Kelly said to the returning Soldiers during the ceremony.  

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

04.23.2010

Story by Spc. Shameka Edwards 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Col. Patrick Kelly, commander, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), and group Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Gonzalez, unfurled the unit’s colors April 23 at Garcia Physical Fitness Center.

The 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), and group Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Gonzalez, unfurled the unit’s colors April 23 at Garcia Physical Fitness Center.

The uncasing ceremony signified the unit’s return from a yearlong deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I would like everyone to look back to one year ago as the 71st Group assumed the role as Joint Task Force Troy under U.S. Forces Iraq,” said Kelly during the ceremony.

The security agreement had recently been implemented, and the relationship between Iraqi and U.S. Forces was transitioning, with Iraqis gradually taking the lead on some operations and U.S. Forces clearly dominant in nearly all operations, continued Kelly.

“Despite the challenges stacked against them, the men and women of (Task Force) Troy played a significant role in the improved security that Iraqi and U.S. forces and the Iraqi people now enjoy,” Kelly said. “Their heroic actions resulted in a 43-percent reduction in daily improvised explosive-device attacks. The rate of effective IED attacks is just one-third of what it was one year ago as many of the IED networks have been disrupted.”

Before he closed, Kelly said, “Freedom and peace are, unfortunately, not without cost. While we all made sacrifices one of our EOD team members, Staff Sgt. Edmond Lo laid down his life in the service of his country and fellow man during our year in Iraq, and it is his loss that reminds us all of how serious our important mission is. He will not be forgotten.”

The group’s top non-commissioned officer praised the 71st EOD Soldiers.

“My Soldiers were flawless in their performance, and I will continue to boast that their efforts are making it more difficult for the enemy to meet their nefarious goals.

“Whether it was the EOD operator or the support folks that kept everything running, they are incredible and the country is lucky to have such fine young women and men keeping them safe. I know personally I fill with pride anytime I see one of these fine Soldiers doing their job.”

• Date Taken: 04.23.2010
• Date Posted: 07.27.2010 15:52
• Story ID: 53491
• Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US