Camp Novo Selo welcomes new command

KFOR Regional Command East
Story by Spc. Samantha Stoffregen

Date: 05.24.2013
Posted: 05.28.2013 03:05
News ID: 107629
Camp Novo Selo welcomes new command

CAMP NOVO SELO, Kosovo – Responsibility for the Multinational Battle Group-East Forward Command Post transferred from 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, activated out of Union, S.C., to 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Bragg, N.C., at a ceremony held at Camp Novo Selo May 24.

"The winds of change are upon us," said U.S. Army Col. Waymon B. Storey III, Multinational Battle Group-East commander. "Not only are we changing out commands here today, we also have change upon us today in Kosovo. The environment is set to truly grow to a new height and a lot of the responsibility for us moving forward today can be accredited to the 118th [Infantry Regiment].

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Carruthers, the outgoing commander with 1st Battalion, 118th IR, applauded his soldiers on a job well done and thanked them for their unwavering commitment to the Kosovo Forces mission.

"For our international brothers that are all part of the FCP and the adjacent units that we worked so closely with, we could not have asked for more or been blessed with a greater collection of officers, NCOs and soldiers from all the nations around the world," Carruthers said. "I cannot express in words the tremendous gratitude I have for you all for your discipline, professionalism, and dedication during the course of this mission. It’s been the greatest of privilege to have served with you."

Storey said he believes Kosovo will remain in extremely good hands with the transfer of authority to 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, and that he has high hopes for KFOR 17.

"I’ve been truly impressed with your team and the professional soldiers that you have brought from Fort Bragg," Storey said. "I know that the environment we are in today will grow even more stable and secure and that the future of Kosovo will be bright."

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric Crider, the commander for 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, acknowledged his predecessor’s tremendous work and understands the challenge his soldiers face.

"As the incoming FCP commander, I would like to publicly thank Lt. Col. Carruthers and his fine staff for an exceptional TOA," Crider said. "Their efforts of KFOR 16 are impressive and have set the bar high for us. The soldiers of this squadron are ready. We look forward to working with our amazing NATO partners and continuing a safe and secure environment in Kosovo."