PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the 578th Engineer Battalion, Task Force Mad Dog, California National Guard, assumed responsibility from the 1249th Engineer Battalion, Task Force Gridley, Oregan National Guard, in a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Nov. 23.
Key members from various task forces around the area attended the ceremony hosted by the 18th Engineer Brigade and Task Force Sword commander, U.S. Army Col. Paul M. Paolozzi of Utica, N.Y.
Paolozzi lauded the accomplishments of TF Gridley over the last year.
"There's much to be proud of. From January 2011 till today, you have honored the name ‘engineer’,” said Paolozzi.
Reflecting on the achievements of his unit, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Dial of Salem, Ore., commander of TF Gridley, echoed Paolozzi’s sentiments.
"Because of our hard work here, this country has changed for the better,” he said. “And we are proud of it.”
Incoming commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Richard Rabe of Sacramento, Calif., commander of TF Mad Dog, concluded the ceremony by saying, "All of us at Task Force Sword, Task Force Gridley and Task Force Mad Dog are a part of each other's history and a part of the history of Afghanistan."
As a sign of U.S. forces partnership with Afghanistan, the two nation’s flags were raised side-by-side, to symbolize the partnership the countries have. An Afghan National Army soldier, also participated in the event as a member of the color guard.
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.18.2011 06:22 |
| Story ID: | 81546 |
| Location: | PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 282 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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