Regional Support Command-East commander transfers colors to new commander

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

07.13.2011

Courtesy Story

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Master Sgt. Quinton T. Burris
RSC-East Public Affairs/NTM-A Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Members of NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan’s Regional Support Command–East came together to bid farewell to their outgoing commander and welcome their new commander during a change of command ceremony at Bagram Air Field July 13.

After valiantly leading a joint force of soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines, coalition, and civilian personnel, Col. Roland Metternich, leader of the largest of six regional support commands in Afghanistan, transferred the colors to Col. Ricky Nussio as he departs for his new assignment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

For 12 months, Metternich led a team of 354 personnel throughout 14 provinces in Eastern Afghanistan that provided training support and critical resources in support of the NTM-A/Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan mission of building and growing an Afghan National Security Force capable of establishing a stable and secure future for the people of Afghanistan.

“If you were to walk the streets of eastern Afghanistan today, you would likely see the fruits of Col. Metternich and his team’s efforts,” said reviewing officer Brig. Gen. Tom Cosentino, deputy commander - Regional Support, NTM-A/CSTC-A. “Eastern Afghanistan has over 20,000 new Afghan soldiers and police operating throughout the east due to his efforts.”

“Metternich literally carved out training areas out of the dirt in the middle of a war zone while people were shooting at him,” said Cosentino. “He has gone everywhere and done everything. He has definitely left a lasting impression on the people of eastern Afghanistan.”

During his command, Metternich oversaw the allocation of $750 million dollars of new construction in support of ANSF, while also fulfilling the priorities of three different regional commanders.

For his efforts, Metternich was awarded the Legion of Merit. The Legion of Merit, one of only six special military medals, is issued as a Neck Order for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

He also was awarded the NATO Non-Article 5 medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

With the reception of his award and a few final inspiring-parting comments, Metternich graciously passed the reigns to Nussio.

“We talk about this operation being a marathon, but it is really a relay,” said Metternich. “I have reached the end of my leg of the race as I pass the baton to Colonel Nussio today.

“I am confident he will lead this command to new heights and I wish him all the luck,” said Metternich.

According to Cosentino, Nussio is more than prepared to handle the job. As a career armor and cavalry officer he has led units in armored, infantry, airborne and special operations formations and has commanded at all levels through squadron command.

“Gen. Caldwell [NTM-A/CSTC-A commanding general] has picked a stellar group of commanders to fill the command roles. Col. Nussio is a highly experienced combat veteran and armor officer,” said Cosentino.

“We are in a hell of a fight here, our men and women are out there on the edge every day,” said Cosentino. “Our work is not complete. Col. Nussio still has a lot of work to do but with his team and the assistance of our partners in the regional commander, I am sure he will continue to build upon the success of RSC-East.”

• Date Taken: 07.13.2011
• Date Posted: 07.16.2011 03:07
• Story ID: 73835
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF